n this episode of The Contemplative Science Podcast, I’m delighted to welcome back Brother Phap Linh, a Buddhist monk ordained at Plum Village in 2008. Before monastic life, Brother Phap Linh studied at Cambridge and worked as a composer, chef, and math tutor—bringing a rare blend of creativity, analytical rigor, and lived practice into his contemplative path.
Inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, Brother Phap Linh entered monastic life as a response to global suffering, grounding his work in mindfulness, ethical living, and community practice. Today, he finds deep joy in guiding others—both monastic and lay—toward greater presence, compassion, and collective well-being.
Our conversation explores the evolving relationship between Buddhism, spirituality, and science: how mindfulness is studied, where scientific models illuminate practice, and where lived experience resists easy measurement. Together, we reflect on what contemplative traditions can genuinely offer modern science—and what science can responsibly contribute to the deep work of inner transformation.
A thoughtful, grounded dialogue at the meeting point of practice, theory, and lived wisdom.
