Renewal (Episode #81)

🎟 Get tickets to the live podcast episode in London.

Welcome to episode 81 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.

This new installment was recorded before a live audience, in the Stillwater Meditation Hall of Upper Hamlet, Plum Village, in December 2024. In its first section, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino talk about what it means to let go of the past and create a new future. They delve into the Buddhist meanings of renewal, alongside personal reflections on the challenges and achievements of the past year.

The conversation also touches on the role of Plum Village in renewing and transmitting Buddhist teachings to new generations; the importance of ‘beginner’s mind’ and the ability to adapt and evolve, both as a community and as individuals.

In the second section, the hosts answer questions from the audience on the topic of renewal, such as, ‘What practical strategies can maintain mindfulness and presence in the face of demanding responsibilities?’, and ways to reduce overconsumption. 

Enjoy!

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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/

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List of resources

Interbeing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing  

Sister Chan Khong
https://plumvillage.org/about/sister-chan-khong

Sister Chan Duc
https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sr-chan-duc

Brother Phap Linh (Brother Spirit)
https://www.instagram.com/brotherspirit/

Sister Hien Nghiem (Sister True Dedication)
https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sister-hien-nghiem 

‘The Pebble Meditation’
https://plumvillage.org/articles/news/the-pebble-meditation

Dharma Talks: ‘Pebble Meditation for Adults’
https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/pebble-meditation-for-adults-br-phap-huu-spring-retreat-2018-05-13

The Art of Living
https://www.parallax.org/product/the-art-of-living/ 

Mahayana
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayana 

Old Path White Clouds
https://www.parallax.org/product/old-path-white-clouds/ 

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: ‘The Noble Eightfold Path’
https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/the-noble-eightfold-path 

Bodhicitta
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhicitta 

A Beginners Mind for a Beautiful Future: Dharma Talk by Thich Nhat Hanh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_F_cxM9d5Q&t=0s

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Quotes

“I die and I am reborn in every moment.”

“When I reflect on renewal, it is to be reminded that everything is impermanent. So this moment will be impermanent