Episode Details

Welcome to episode 23 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, the presenters, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and lay Buddhist practitioner and journalist Jo Confino, talk about the art of Thich Nhat Hanh, represented by his deeply meaningful calligraphies. 

They consider their favourite calligraphies by Thich Nhat Hanh, and some of his most popular work, as well as the process behind it, and its significance, context, words, and wisdom (“the fruit of the meditations”). 

Brother Phap Huu, Thich Nhat Hanh’s former attendant, shares how Thay created some of his famous calligraphies, the lessons learned, and the brother’s own journey through the art of calligraphy. 

He also delves into calligraphy as something offering “directions for life”, and as a representation of the mind and the present moment; art as meditation; and vulnerability.

And, did you know that there is literally tea in Thay’s calligraphy? 

Jo recollects a calligraphy demonstration by Thich Nhat Hanh in New York. He further muses on “the golden nuggets” of the mindfulness practice; flow; the embedded energy in each drawing; appreciation of all life; and looking deeply into suffering.

Also, do you know the zen story of the farmer who had one son?

The episode ends with a short meditation guided by Brother Phap Huu, to express gratitude for the humans in our lives.

[This episode was recorded in December 2021 at Sitting Still Hut in Plum Village, France.] 

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 

Blue Cliff Monastery
https://www.bluecliffmonastery.org/

Calligraphy
https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/calligraphy/ 

The Way Out is in: The Zen Calligraphy of Thich Nhat Hanh
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/27274234-the-way-out-is-in

‘Sounds True Presents: Calligraphy with Thich Nhat Hanh’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrCsCCB3-II

‘Calligraphy Exhibition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’
https://magnoliagrovemonastery.org/general/calligraphy-exhibition-of-zen-master-thich-nhat-hanh/

Dharma Talks: ‘The Three Doors of Liberation or the Three Dharma Seals’
https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/the-three-doors-of-liberation-or-the-three-dharma-seals-sr-chan-duc-italian-retreat-2018-05-04/ 

‘Exhibition Opening: U.S. Premiere of Global Spiritual Leader Thich Nhat Hanh’s Calligraphy Exhibition’

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