In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino discuss the Noble Eightfold Path, a fundamental teaching that was emphasized by the Buddha. The eight elements of the path are: right view, right thinking, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right diligence, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
The hosts focus on each element and explain their interconnectedness and how they form a comprehensive approach to self-discovery, personal transformation, and spiritual development. Jo and Brother Phap Huu also emphasise the importance of making the Noble Eightfold Path relevant, accessible, and applicable to contemporary challenges and needs, and the role of Plum Village community in adapting these teachings.
The episode ends with a short meditation guided by Brother Phap Huu.
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Quotes
“The question is whether you want to liberate yourself or not. If you do, practice the Noble Eightfold Path.”
“‘Now I have a path, there's nothing to fear’ - because once you have the path, even if suffering is there, you will know how to walk it, because you start to see the way.”
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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
Dhyana in Buddhism
The Bodhi Tree
Dharma Talks: ‘Right Livelihood and True Love’
51 Mental Formations
The Way Out Is In: ‘Taming Our Survival Instinct (Episode #65)’
Sister Lang Nghiem
Sister True Dedication
Brother Phap Ung
The Five Mindfulness Trainings
The Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings
Old Path White Clouds