Episode Details

Welcome to episode 35 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 time, the presenters, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and journalist Jo Confino, discuss the art of happiness according to the sutras from the Buddha’s time. Their conversation explores the many layers of the Discourse on Happiness, each of the 11 causes of ‘the greatest happiness’, as shared by the Buddha, and how these ancient texts help us create the conditions in which our own happiness can ripen today. 

Both Brother Phap Huu and Jo dig deeply into their own private and professional lives to exemplify and support these subjects; from ‘living our values’ and the Four Gratitudes to the power of the sangha, meaning and purpose,  generosity, forgiveness, Thay’s memorable calligraphies, and many other topics.

The episode ends with 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 

Sutras: ‘Discourse on Happiness’
https://plumvillage.org/library/sutras/discourse-on-happiness/ 

Tathāgata
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tath%C4%81gata 

Deva
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_(Buddhism) 

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

Sutras: ‘Discourse on the 5 Ways of Putting an End to Anger’
https://plumvillage.org/library/sutras/discourse-on-the-five-ways-of-putting-an-end-to-anger/ 

‘The Order of Interbeing’
https://plumvillage.org/community/order-of-interbeing/

‘The Five Mindfulness Trainings’
https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness/the-5-mindfulness-trainings/ 

‘Dharma Sharing’
https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness/extended-practises/ 

TWOII: ‘Engaged Buddhism: Applying the Teachings in Our Present Moment (Episode #9)’
https://plumvillage.org/podcast/engaged-buddhism-applying-the-teachings-in-our-present-moment/ 

The Four Noble Truths
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy-RI3FrdGA 

Tết
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%E1%BA%BFt 

Quotes

“There is no way to happiness; happiness is the way.”

“Thay said that happiness is not outside of you, happiness is in you and aro