In this episode, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach and journalist Jo Confino are joined again by frequent podcast guest Sister True Dedication (Sister Hien Nghiem). Together, they respond to further questions from listeners in this second part of our first question and answer session of 2023.
We hope that their answers will show how the teachings can help people who are in distress or are dealing with critical issues - but also simply how to find more joy in our lives.
This installment’s questions and answers cover topics ranging from how to create a practice with no sangha to how to develop a spiritual practice in busy, stressful lives; how to find meaningful communities and connections and become aware of our own story and that of our ancestors; understanding the complexity of ancestry and transmitted wisdom; belonging and home; intention and aspiration; the quality of presence; how to engage mindfully in a policing role; the difference between mindfulness and concentration; finding the sweetness of joy in life and making simple things your joy - and much more.
To give a flavor of Plum Village Q and A sessions, the two monastics share memories including a story about Thay singing a song during a Q and A session for children.
And what question do you think people should be asking? Or don't ask enough? There’s an answer to this one, too.
Thank you for listening, and for sharing your deep questions!
------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives.
------
🎙️ The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App and Global Optimism with support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.
------
Resources
Plum Village Community
The Way Out Is In: ‘Listeners’ Questions: Responding from the Heart (Episode #51)’
Touching the Earth
The European Institute of Applied Buddhism (EIAB)
Dharma Talks: ‘The Five Skandhas of Grasping and Non-Self’
Find a local group
Local communities (sanghas)
Kristallnacht
The Miracle of Mindfulness
Sutras: ‘Discourse on Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone’
‘The Four Dharma Seals of Plum Village’
Sister Chan Khong
Dharma Talk: ‘Mindfulness and the Police’ by Cheri Maples
A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet
Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet
Online course: Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet
The Way Out Is In: ‘Connecting to Our Roots: Ancestors, Continuation and Transformation (Episode #5)’