This installment sees Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino joined by Zen Buddhist nun Sister True Dedication to discuss the Eight Realizations of Great Beings. This ancient Buddhist sutra provides guidance on overcoming suffering, putting an end to misunderstandings and difficulties, and making progress towards or even attaining enlightenment: “leaving behind the world of birth and death, [and] dwelling forever in peace”.
In this, the first of two parts, the three contributors explore the first four realizations, which cover the impermanence of all things, the suffering caused by desire, the tendency of the mind to seek fulfillment outside of itself, and the importance of diligent practice to transform unwholesome mental states.
Their conversation also touches upon the relevance of these teachings for modern life and the need for a balanced approach that combines inner work and outward service; the value of community; and a non-judgmental approach to one's own mind and body as key to the Buddhist path of understanding and love.
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Quotes
“When we say that we observe what is happening in the mind, this mere recognition is already a power, because we're saying, ‘I am more than this thing’.”
“If we generate joy inside of ourselves it naturally flows into the world.”
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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
Interbeing
Sister Hien Nghiem (Sister True Dedication)
Sutras
The Eight Realizations of Great Beings
Dharmakaya
Pali Canon
Parthian Empire
Sister Jina
‘The Three Dharma Seals’
Dharma Talks: ‘The Five Remembrances’
Brother Phap Linh (Brother Spirit)
Mahayana
‘Three Resources Explaining the Plum Village Tradition of Lazy Days’
Dharma Talks: ‘The Noble Eightfold Path’
Pema Chödrön
Bodhisattva