This episode is the first to be recorded live in front of an audience, in the Still Water Meditation Hall of Plum Village, France, during a retreat, rather than in Thay’s Sitting Still hut.

Together, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino explore the Buddhist concept of ripening, or the Fourth Dharma Seal of Plum Village: the understanding that the care, love, attention, and commitment we put into what's important in life take time to ripen, and that we shouldn't expect instant results.

Brother Phap Huu starts off by introducing the first Three Dharma Seals and why Thay created them, before digging deeper into the Fourth Dharma Seal, the main theme of this episode; the process of ripening; the life journey of the practice; and much more.

Jo brings examples of lifelong journeys of forgiveness, and explores trust versus control, dharma rain, and more.

And: how can we all apply this practice of ripening to our own lives?

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

Plum Village Community

Interbeing

‘The Four Dharma Seals of Plum Village’

Sutras: ‘Discourse on the Dharma Seal & the Three Doors of Liberation’

The Way Out Is In: ‘The Three Doors of Liberation (Episode #18)’

Dharma Talks: ‘Three Doors of Liberation’

‘The Doors of Liberation’

Mahayana

Dharma Talks: ‘Right View: Understanding the Roots of Our True Happiness’

Old Path White Clouds

Fragrant Palm Leaves

Sister Chan Khong

Sister Lang Nghiem

Sister True Dedication