How to Suffer Well – So You Can Suffer Less | Brother Pháp Dung
Mar 26, 2025
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Brother Pháp Dung, a Dharma teacher in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village tradition, shares insights on the teachings of the late Zen master, who was a beacon of peace and nonviolence. He reflects on Thich Nhat Hanh's revolutionary views on grief, interconnectedness, and the notion that suffering, when embraced, can lessen pain. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community in spiritual growth and compassion, urging listeners to navigate life's challenges with empathy and understanding.
The episode emphasizes Thich Nhat Hanh's concept of interbeing, advocating for connectedness over individualism to foster genuine happiness.
Brother Pháp Dung highlights the importance of engaging in community support and compassionate action as essential components of spiritual practice.
The discussion on 'wrong perception' urges listeners to challenge divisive views and cultivate empathy to reduce interpersonal and societal conflict.
Deep dives
The Influence of Individualism on Happiness
The episode emphasizes the pervasive nature of individualism in contemporary culture, where success and achievement are often prioritized. The speaker reflects on how this notion can be misapplied even in practices like meditation, where it can be approached as a solitary activity rather than one rooted in community. Data shows that this individualistic mindset is not effective for attaining genuine happiness, which requires a more interconnected approach to life. The discussion sets the stage for exploring alternative perspectives presented by Thich Nhat Hanh, who promotes a concept of interbeing as a remedy for the isolation fostered by modern individualism.
Thich Nhat Hanh and Engaged Buddhism
Thich Nhat Hanh is portrayed as a transformative figure in Buddhism, advocating for engaged Buddhism that connects spiritual practice with social action. He emerged as a leading voice against the Vietnam War, realizing that true peace could not come from violence or disengagement. Hanh's approach inspired a movement where meditation and social service coexist, helping individuals find fulfillment while contributing to the community. His teachings encourage practitioners to act compassionately in the world, addressing suffering as a collective responsibility rather than an individual endeavor.
Understanding Wrong Perception
A key concept discussed is 'wrong perception,' which refers to the flawed understanding of separation and conflict that can lead to interpersonal and societal violence. This erroneous view assumes individuals or groups are fundamentally different or opposed, fostering fear and hostility. By challenging our perceptions and recognizing shared humanity, one can cultivate empathy and understanding, reducing divisive attitudes. The discourse highlights the importance of awareness and open-mindedness, encouraging listeners to question their own biases and preconceptions.
The Concept of Interbeing
The notion of interbeing is presented as a remedy for the issues arising from individualism, suggesting that understanding our interconnectedness can transform relationships and foster compassion. This concept asserts that we are influenced by our environment, culture, and the people around us, and that joy and suffering are interconnected experiences. By embracing interbeing, individuals can cultivate a sense of shared existence and responsibility for one another's well-being. This profound shift in perception encourages the practice of kindness and understanding towards oneself and others.
Learning to Suffer Well
The podcast concludes with the idea that learning to navigate suffering thoughtfully can lead to a deeper understanding of happiness and fulfillment. The speaker reflects on their personal experiences with grief and emphasizes the significance of community support during difficult times. Engaging in simple acts of care, such as planting a tree in memory of loved ones, serves as a poignant reminder of continuity and connection. By practicing mindfulness and recognizing the cyclical nature of life, individuals can learn to endure suffering, ultimately discovering that it can lead to less suffering and a sense of peace.
Brother Pháp Dung discusses the life and teachings of Vietnamese Zen master, peace activist, poet, and author Thich Nhat Hanh.
In January 2022, Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Zen master, peace activist, poet, and author passed away. He was the founder of the International Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called him “an Apostle of peace and nonviolence” when nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Thousands of people came out for his funeral.
Brother Pháp Dung is making his second appearance on the show to talk about Thich Nhat Hanh. If you missed it last time he was on, Brother Pháp Dung has an incredible personal story. He was born in Vietnam in 1969 and came to the US at the age of nine. He worked as an architect/designer for four years before becoming a monk. He was very close personally with Thich Nhat Hanh, who he refers to as “Thây,” or teacher, and is now a Dharma teacher himself in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village tradition.
This episode was first published in March 2022.
This episode explores:
The life of Thich Nhat Hanh: his path to Buddhism in the 1960’s and his exile from Vietnam for opposing the war.
The meaning of “wrong view” or wrong perception.
What non-separation and inter-being is.
Thich Nhat Hanh’s view that birth and death are only notions.
Grief, and why learning how to suffer will help you suffer less.
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