If you wish to support our podcast, please follow this link. Thank you!

Welcome to a new 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.

This special episode features a deep conversation about Vietnamese identity in the diaspora, led by Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu, scholar Nho Tran, and acclaimed novelist Ocean Vuong.

The discussion explores Vietnameseness, the complexities of being Vietnamese in the West, and the challenges of maintaining cultural identity while adapting to new environments. The three speakers reflect on their personal journeys; the role of Buddhism in shaping their understanding of identity; the need to reject binary thinking and embrace the multifaceted nature of Vietnamese identity; the practice of joy; communal healing; the significance of filial piety; the role of language and tradition in preserving cultural heritage; honoring one’s roots while allowing for personal growth; and more.

With an intro by Jo Confino and a short meditation guided by Brother Phap Huu.

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

Ocean Vuong
https://www.oceanvuong.com/

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

The Plum Village Tradition
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum_Village_Tradition

The Way Out Is In: ‘Cultivating Joy and Togetherness in the Midst of Hardship (Episode #95)’ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/cultivating-joy-and-togetherness-in-the-midst-of-hardship-episode-95

The Way Out Is In: ‘Roots and Renewal (Episode #91)’
https://plumvillage.org/podcast/roots-and-renewal-episode-91

The Way Out Is In: ‘Spiritual Friendship (Episode #90)’
https://plumvillage.org/podcast/spiritual-friendships-episode-90

Maya Angelou
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Angelou

If you wish to support our podcast, please follow this link. Thank you!

Welcome to a new 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 episode, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach Jo Confino discuss the concept of ‘trust in life’. Together, they explore how Buddhist teachings can help us to navigate the tension between accepting life as it is and wanting to control it.

The conversation further touches on the challenges of modern life, such as information overload and the tendency to seek quick fixes, and how these can be addressed through mindful practices; the role of suffering in personal growth and the importance of being present with one’s experiences; developing inner trust and understanding; the role of mindfulness, direct experience, and discernment in cultivating trust; the significance of simplicity, listening, and the practice of ‘beginner’s mind’ in spiritual growth; the Buddhist concept of aimlessness; and more.

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

Brother Phap Ling (Brother Spirit)
https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/brother-phap-linh

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

The Plum Village Tradition
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum_Village_Tradition

The Sun My Heart
https://www.parallax.org/product/the-sun-my-heart/

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

Dharma Talks: ‘Redefining the Four Noble Truths’
https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/redefining-the-four-noble-truths

Ocean Vuong
https://www.oceanvuong.com/

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

The Way Out Is In: ‘The Three Doors of Liberation (Episode #18)’

If you wish to support our podcast, please follow this link. Thank you!

Welcome to a new 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 episode, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach Jo Confino discuss the difficulty of asking for help, exploring the cultural and personal barriers that can prevent people from seeking assistance. They emphasize the importance of recognizing indirect requests for help, and the need for compassion and presence when one is asked for help; the role of community and nature in providing support; and the necessity of self-forgiveness and self-care.

The conversation underscores collective responsibility for addressing societal issues, and the power of shared vulnerability in fostering deeper connections. The hosts also share practical steps, from both teachings and their own lives.

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

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

Brother Phap Ling (Brother Spirit)
https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/brother-phap-linh

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

The Plum Village Tradition
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum_Village_Tradition

Wake Up Retreat 2026
https://plumvillage.org/articles/wake-up-retreat-2026-am-i-good-enough

The Four Mantras of Love
https://plumvillage.org/gems/event/The-Four-Mantras-of-Love-V2DFQvyDMgD3NEx7GTKfXz

European Institute of Applied Buddhism
https://www.eiab.eu/

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

The Way Out Is In: ‘The Three Jewels (Episode #89)’
https://plumvillage.org/podcast/the-three-jewels-episode-89

‘Beginning Anew’
https://www.par...