The Way Out Is In

In this engaging discussion, Brother Phap Huu, a Zen Buddhist monk and author, shares his journey through burnout and practical strategies for managing modern busyness. He emphasizes how contemporary lifestyles contribute to overwhelm and offers methods to embrace burnout with compassion. The conversation explores the importance of perspective, total relaxation techniques, and setting healthy boundaries without emotional armor. Brother Phap Huu highlights the art of doing nothing and provides insights on navigating toxic environments while maintaining kindness.

Welcome to the 93rd episode of The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living, 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. In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino explore the art of transmission in Buddhism: wisdom and teachings being passed down over time, from teacher to student.  The hosts touch on the profound and nuanced ways in which Buddhist teachings and insights are passed down through generations, with the goal of cultivating understanding, compassion, and liberation; the role of nature as a powerful transmitter of wisdom; the significance of rituals and ceremonies in honoring this transmission; and more. Brother Phap Huu emphasizes the importance of deep listening, humility, and direct experience in the transmission process, and how true transmission goes beyond the imparting of knowledge, to a requirement that both teacher and student be in a state of non-self and openness to receive the teachings.  Enjoy! Co-produced by the Plum Village App:https://plumvillage.app/   And Global Optimism:https://globaloptimism.com/ With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation:https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ List of resources  Live show: The Way Out Is In podcast with special guest Ocean Vuong plumvillage.uk/livepodcastInterbeinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing    ‘The Four Dharma Seals of Plum Village’https://plumvillage.org/articles/the-four-dharma-seals-of-plum-village    Dharma Talk: ‘The Five Powers: Faith, Diligence, Mindfulness, Concentration, Insight – Brother Phap Huu’https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4PGrMjea7A Album: A Cloud Never Dieshttps://plumvillage.org/album-a-cloud-never-dies The Way Out Is In: ‘Feel It to Heal It: The Dharma of Music (Episode #79)’https://plumvillage.org/podcast/feel-it-to-heal-it-the-dharma-of-music-episode-79  Dharma Talks: ‘Redefining the Four Noble Truths’https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/redefining-the-four-noble-truths  Quotes “Live happily in the present moment: ‘I have arrived; I am home.’”  “If we truly receive the Dharma, honestly and openly, by its nature we want to share it. It doesn’t start with us, doesn’t end with us. Instead, we are part of this extraordinary flow of life.” “Listening is the first doorway to communication. And many of us think that communication is about speaking or writing. But the foundation for speaking and for writing is listening.”  “When the Buddha embarked on a spiritual quest, he was looking for an understanding of suffering and a liberation from suffering. And the way of liberation from suffering is to be in suffering, to understand suffering, to embrace it and not run away from it, but transform it. Therefore, Buddhism is a way of life. So mindfulness is a way of life. Transmission is a way of life.” “When you hear the sound of the bell in the Plum Village tradition, you’re invited to pause and stop what you’re doing. Even if you’re listening to music, or having a wonderful, insightful conversation, you are invited to pause, to stop. And that stopping is a transmission of knowing how to cultivate stillness in life, in order to listen.”  “What we say, how we say it, and the tone of saying it creates a reality. That creates a transmission of knowledge, a transmission of feelings, a transmission of energy.”  “Buddhism is a very generous tradition. The Buddha offers, the teachers offer – and you’re the receiver. You can receive. Using the language of ‘I am receiving’ is very different from ‘I am taking.’ Or, even worse, ‘I am stealing.’ Because stealing indicates that something is now yours; it belongs to you. But when you receive, you gain a responsibility to transmit.” “To receive, we have to ask.”

Join Jo-ann Rosen, a BioDharma Teacher and licensed marriage and family therapist, as she dives into the crucial themes of individual and collective trauma. Jo-ann shares her journey with the Plum Village tradition and the transformative power of mindfulness and neuroscience in healing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of safe spaces for sharing experiences, the courage to be vulnerable, and the role of community in fostering genuine connections. Together, they explore how these practices can enhance resilience and create joy even amid adversity.

Nho Tran, a scholar and former Buddhist nun in the Plum Village tradition, shares her insights on the evolution of Vietnamese Buddhism. She reflects on her journey of reconnecting with her roots and the significance of cultural identity. The conversation highlights how Thich Nhat Hanh adapted Buddhist practices to meet modern needs while maintaining core principles. Nho also emphasizes the relevance of engaged Buddhism in addressing societal issues and the importance of bridging tradition and innovation in spiritual practices.

In this reflective conversation, Joanna Macy, a renowned scholar in Buddhism and deep ecology, shares her profound insights on facing the ecological and social crises of our time. She emphasizes the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, discussing how joy and grief coexist in our lives. Joanna also highlights the importance of presence, mindfulness, and embracing impermanence. Through her personal stories and experiences, she offers a vision of hope, urging connection with the Earth and the transformative power of confronting both suffering and beauty.

Nho Tran, a scholar and former Buddhist nun, joins the discussion with Brother Phap Huu and Jo Confino to delve into the profound importance of spiritual friendships in Buddhism. They share insights from their long-lasting friendship, highlighting the significance of deep listening and presence. The conversation touches on vulnerability, the emotional bonds formed through shared practices, and the transformative power of support during personal crises. Listeners will explore how authentic connections foster personal growth and a sense of community.

Dive into the foundational teachings of Buddhism with insights on the Three Jewels: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Discover how the Buddha serves as a guiding teacher rather than a deity, emphasizing personal awakening. Explore the role of community in spiritual growth, especially in modern society. Learn about living Dharma in everyday life and the importance of openness on your spiritual journey. Reflect on the challenges of individualism and why supportive communities are vital for deeper spiritual engagement, particularly for the younger generation.

Explore the transformative power of the four immeasurable minds: love, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Personal stories reveal how cultivating unconditional love can heal emotional struggles and foster deep connections. The significance of playfulness and humor emerges as essential tools for overcoming barriers to connection. Discover practical ways to nurture joy in daily life and how compassion can initiate community change. Learn the importance of empathy and non-discrimination in building a more interconnected and fulfilling existence.

The discussion dives into the Noble Eightfold Path, breaking down each element's significance in personal transformation and spiritual growth. The hosts share insights on how to apply these teachings to modern challenges, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life. They explore the importance of right livelihood and mindfulness, highlighting personal stories that inspire authenticity. A guided meditation encourages listeners to cultivate presence and joy in their lives, while the role of community is underscored as vital for emotional stability and support.

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the philosophical implications of Thich Nhat Hanh's calligraphy 'Are You Sure?'. The speakers challenge perceptions and assumptions, advocating for an open mindset and deep listening. Explore the transformative power of community and honest feedback in personal growth. Delve into the balance between stillness and chaos, emphasizing emotional awareness and mindfulness. Conclude with insights on finding value in adversity and a guided meditation to foster compassion and presence.