In this episode, the presenters – Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and journalist Jo Confino – talk about the modern diseases of busyness, overwhelm, and burnout, and how Zen Buddhist practices and Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings can help us regain our balance.

Brother Phap Huu shares his thoughts on busyness in a monastic environment; coming home to ourselves and learning to stop in the midst of crises; the four elements (the practice, the study, the service, the joy); the noble silence practice in a retreat and becoming one with the silence; learning to stop and listen to ourselves; the practice of deep belly breathing; impermanence. And do you know how the Zen Master himself would face up and deal with overwhelm?

Jo shares his thoughts on the Climate Leaders retreat and makes a case for an “age of community”. He further reflects on allowing vulnerability in our overwhelm and busyness; compassion for ourselves; selfishness and selflessness; simplicity in the practice; guilt.

The episode ends with a short meditation guided by Brother Phap Huu.

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🔔 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.

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🎙️ The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App and Global Optimism with support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.

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Resources

‘Wake Up Humanity 2022’ retreat

Plum Village Retreats Calendar

Five Skandhas

Dharma Talks: ‘The Five Skandhas of Grasping and Non-Self’

Songs: ‘The 16 Exercises of Mindful Breathing’

‘Connecting to Our Root Teacher, the Buddha’

Thay’s Poetry: ‘Please Call Me by My True Names’ (song & poem)

‘The Toadskin Hut and Paths of Legend’