Lessons in Impermanence: How to Handle Life when Everything Changes | TWOII | Episode #2

Welcome to The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living, a podcast series co-produced by The Plum Village App plumvillage.app/ mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy into a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering and creating more happiness and joy in our lives.
In this episode, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and lay Buddhist practitioner and journalist Jo Confino address one of the deepest teachings in Buddhist philosophy: impermanence.
They discuss reasons why it’s difficult for humans to recognize the impermanence of life; how impermanence can help us deal with suffering as well as happiness; how to live with the fact that everything changes, and how to avoid become attached to anything (including happiness); enjoying every moment in life, and not taking life for granted, since it is only available in the present moment.
Brother Phap Huu explains the Buddhist insight into impermanence, and how to practice impermanence as meditation. He recollects his first mindfulness retreat at Plum Village (aged just nine) and the teachings about handling strong emotions; visiting Thich Nhat Hanh in 2020, in Vietnam; and reuniting with his grandmother after 15 years.
Jo shares a lesson in impermanence with his favourite cup of tea, and investigates “dying (and living) well”, as well as letting go as one of the most challenging obstacles to embracing impermanence.
Their discussion also touches upon renewing Buddhism and making traditional spiritual practices relevant to the younger generations and to the suffering of today, true happiness, having no expectations, awareness, simplicity, Buddhahood, the practice of gratitude, non-attachment, and the importance of gathas (poems) in the practice of impermanence.
The sound of the bell makes a cameo appearance, and Brother Phap Huu offers some insights into this “Plum Village mark.”
Finally, the episode ends with a guided meditation on impermanence by Brother Phap Huu.
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🎧 Listen to previous episodes on KZbin ➛ pvapp.to/twoii-episodes
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The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation:
thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 🙏
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🎧 Listen to the podcast on the FREE Plum Village App ➛ web.plumvillage.app/talks/the... and other streaming services.
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Resources:
Plum Village Community ➛ plumvillage.org/
True Love and the Four Noble Truths ➛ plumvillage.org/library/dharm...
Old Path White Clouds ➛ www.parallax.org/product/old-...
Creating Gathas ➛ plumvillage.org/articles/crea...
Gathas to print at home ➛ plumvillage.org/articles/mind...
Help us caption and translate this video: web.plumvillage.app/subs?yt=f...
#TheWayOutIsIn #TWOII

[@jkupkowski]

Quotes with time stamp I found helpful to my heart that may help someone else’s heart ❤️: At 13:56 “My Life is My Message” At 14:07 First line of Morning Poem: Waking up this morning I have 24 brand new hours (what can you do so it can be impactful for yourself, and the world and you know after 24 hours you know one day is over) At 14:32 End of the day Poem: (to reflect the practice impermanence): The day is ending And our life is one day shorter Let us look carefully at what we have done Let us practice diligently putting our whole heart into the path of meditation Let us live deeply each moment And in freedom So that time doesn’t slip away meaninglessly At 15:18 “ To Take each moment as it lasts forever.” At 17:50 “Impermanence tells us that whatever we are feeling today will change tomorrow.” At 19:21 “Take Refuge in your breathing, whether sitting, walking or lying. Tell yourself to breathe deeper” At 23:35 In true happiness there is freedom. Sometimes we have to let go of an idea of happiness to nourish a greater happiness… true happiness”

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you, dear Julie, for these helpful time stamps 🙏. With much appreciation, 🌿 The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@jkupkowski]

@@plumvillageapp and I have much appreciation for sharing the knowledge!!! 🙌🏼

[@plumvillageapp]

@@jkupkowski 🙏

[@carpenterfamily6198]

Thank you

[@lephuong7353]

Omg, thank you so much❤

[@heatherstubbs6646]

How perfect and loving are the workings of that Great Something! My husband of 34 years passed away yesterday. Only five weeks from diagnosis of stomach cancer to his passing. Suddenly it’s only our dog and I in our home. This morning I was scrolling through KZbin, and this wonderful podcast appeared. Every word is exactly what I needed to hear today, to reinforce the letting go that I have already begun. Life is rich, life is blessed, and life is magically beautiful. ! know that my husband’s love will be always with me, cheering me on to let go of attachment - even to him - and move forward with joy. These first few days will be difficult, but that will pass, just Ike everything else.

[@plumvillageapp]

Dear Heather, we're deeply moved by your sharing with us and how you're able to touch the impermanent with love. We're very happy that you've found this podcast during this time. Thank you for being a lighthouse to everyone by the way you live your experience. May you and your husband be peaceful and happy 🙏. With much love and appreciation, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@noahwhalen3398]

Love the Way Out Is In. Thank you for putting it together & making it available to us.

[@missdeath1990]

This is the best of technology !

[@SmithBrookHollow]

At 8:35 Br Phap Huu speaks about the practice of total relaxation with recognizing the different body parts. I love to go to the Plum Village App under "Meditations" and then under "Deep Relaxation", I scroll down until I find the one called "55 Minutes Deep Relaxation" by Brother Phap Dung. It is the most amazing guided meditation! If you try it you will be richly rewarded! Br Phap Dung scans the body, along with the planet, the moon, the sun and all the planets. And then he sings! "Breathe and you know that you are alive, breathe and you know that all is helping you". Thank you so very much for this new podcast, such a delight.

[@plumvillageapp]

Beloved friend, your words put a smile to our hearts. We are happy that you have found Brother Phap Dung's deep Relaxation in the Plum Village app and that you enjoy it so much. Thank you for recommending it for all our friends! 🙏 A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app/

[@isabelperezortega]

000 00

[@susancerezo401]

Thank you for talking about this version of Total Relaxation. Br Phap Dung does give a particularly fresh and beautiful version. Thank you so very much !

[@tlsparks8094]

Thank you for this recommendation. I tend to allow myself a wee bit of overwhelm when accessing the app as there is soooo much available!

[@lilcarlehedenottosson1337]

My deepest gratitude for the way you explane the teachings of the Buddha and Thich Nhat Than.

[@ruhied957]

Thank you ...this IS profound... as these teachings come to me just as i feel ready to truly understand...❤

[@tinaoldenskov]

Merci beaucoup💜

[@kiwi007]

Extremely profound. Can see from the monks comments that it confirms what many know that Thict Nhat Hanh is a living Buddha(he wrote Living Buddha, Living Christ and was nominated for Nobel peace prize by Martin Luther King).

[@mrSWEETlfs]

Thank you. I hope to use this in my daily practice.

[@happyherby]

Thank you for sharing letting go of what is deemed to be happiness and sharing of our beloved teacher being in the present moment despite unable to speak. It has given me great insight on embracing impermanence. Thank you!

[@hollydubrasich8276]

Thank you for being there to support me. Wonderful series.🙏🙏🙏

[@waywardwayfinder8278]

Br Phap Hu is always a joy to listen to, and my friend Jo is a wonderful facilitator and brings an element of expertise to the podcast to allow this well earned knowledge to shine through in the best light. Cas

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you 💐 - We are so lucky to have them 🙏 A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@duchessvictoria5779]

Ahhhh I love the music, just tuned in. I chant NAMU MYOHO RENGE KYO ~ but the spirit led me here. Thank You PEACE AND BLESSINGS (philly usa)

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you, dear friend 🙏. Happy the spirit of our podcast resonates with you ✨. A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@colleendeane7888]

Br Phap Hu, our teacher Thay shines through your words and feelings. We are blessed with your wisdom and love.

[@kathatziandreou4314]

Thank you this has helped me today I am suffering in my mind as I have heart issues and it becomes uncontrollable and very scary in the moment I will try to come back to my breath when the episodes happen I am trying to remember that everything changes Thankyou so much for the lesson in impermanence

[@plumvillageapp]

Dear Kat, thank you so much for sharing it with us. We are extremely happy that you have found help through the podcast and that mindful breathing helps you. If you haven't tried our free app yet, you might like to give it a try. Many friends share with us that it's become a great support in staying grounded and calm throughout the day. You will also find the podcasts there:) With much care from the Plum Village family 🙏

[@gedman9527]

I have heart 💖 issues too, can be very scary at times , hope all is well 🙏

[@laurajane2791]

You are a brave man. Bless you. Thank you for sharing. You’re an inspiration to me as I continue to get well.

[@positivevibes3418]

🙌♥️🙌 Thank you

[@Constantinului]

An episode with very useful reminders. Beautiful ! Thank you 🙏

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you, Constantin 🙏 :)

[@luule7488]

“Attachment” this is the way I need to drop to. Thank you br. Phap Huu, it’s amazing for your speech

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you, dear friend. We're glad this is helping you 🙏. A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@dorandacolbert5973]

Thank you for your light, love, and wisdom.

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you for tuning in, dear Doranda 🙏☺️. A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@Ellen-wv4ku]

This was such a beautiful and nourishing conversation to listen to, thank you so much, I could listen to you both all day 🙏

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you so much Ellen 🙏 This will make our hosts very happy ☺️✨

[@rdlewis3616]

I have tried for some time to be mindful of impermanence and to live in the moment with varied success. My mom passed two weeks ago, and I now see that my practice has helped me to prepare for this time. Thank you for this reminder of the value of acceptance of change.

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you for sharing from the depth of your heart, dear friend. We are glad that the practice has been borne fruits for you 🙏. A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@vanpham1751]

So grateful….🙏🙏🙏

[@jonicarollo6805]

I absolutely love this podcast. It is so comforting & relaxing. I only wish the intro & exit music was more inline with the soothing message. The music is a bit overwhelming to relax. I say that with the kindest intentions and respect for this most lovely podcast. 🙏💜

[@plumvillageapp]

Dear friend Joni, thank you so much for your loving words and for sharing how you feel 🙏🧡 We are very happy about feedback, as this is our first podcast and we will learn together with the support & feedback of our friends :) A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app/

[@VoidVanish]

Agreed. It is a bit startling but I do enjoy what is in between it.

[@judithrochin256]

I love the music, it sounds like Philip Glass.

[@23Bentley45]

I absolutely love the music and was about to ask what it was. When I hear it, I feel like I was lost in the dark and all of a sudden I see light and joy

[@middleofnowhere1313]

I really like the music

[@aakritipeshion7089]

This podcast opens up my heart in the most beautiful way ❤️

[@plumvillageapp]

That makes us very happy ✨ Thank you, Aakriti 🙏 A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@catherinscutt4082]

A joy to listen to.What a gift.And I loved the meditation at the end.THANK YOU! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏♥️

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you, Catherin 🙏. We're happy you enjoy the podcast :). A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@andreadadaab6276]

Thanks for sharing some stories of 'Thay's life, the view/experiences of a layman (which I can very much relate to) and the wisdom of a continuation of Thay (thank you brother Pha Huu).

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you, dear Andrea, for walking with us on this journey 🙏.

[@bridget7890]

beautiful reminders on impermanence ! infinite gratitude to you both for such peaceful moments .OM

[@mikeq5807]

Very insightful monk! Interestingly, I pondered the impermanence of my parents when I was in my early 20's. Thirty-five years later, it was also that consciousness that led me to sell my condo in Florida to be by my parents' side. My father had Alzheimer's, and those two final years with him in form were priceless. Everything passes. Only you remain. Incidentally, I see challenging situations in the same way. They will pass. Even something as mundane as a headache.

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you for sharing with us your experience on the impermanent, dear Mike 🙏. A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@Silv_a_line]

Thank you so much for this! The guided meditation begins at 37:20

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you, Aline 🙏 This will help our friends who want to come back for the guided meditation 🧘✨ A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@greosex]

What an absolutely amazing podcast. It just popped up and it seems to suit perfectly. We're on holidays, on Boa Vista, Cape Verde, the cancelled ones from last year... we've got some 10 days left... and I've got a chronic illness: Multiple Sclerosis. Was sitting in the wheelchair back in January- but I'm walking again and enjoying every second. So, whoever reads that please do always remember: NOTHING is for granted. NOTHING is permanent: not the good nor the bad. SENDING ALL MY LOVE AROUND THE WORLD. Stay safe💓

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you so much, dear friend, for sharing your deep experience with us 🙏. We are so happy that you have joined us on this peaceful journey 🌿. We wish you and your family a wonderful time. May you be peaceful and happy ✨. A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@cocolouise8227]

Happiness is in this moment 🌸

[@lizcaplan3410]

I send to you so much love and gratitude! I am an indigenous American and I have suffered much. But, the thing is, I only care about recovery, not about what has happened. My teacher and therapist has listened to the teachings of the Rev. Thich Nhat Hanh, and his friend, Rev. Thomas Merton, and all I have to say to you is that I am eternally grateful! I love you so much--you seek what is eternal and transcendent, and you seek to share the same. I love you so much, and I send you gratitude! Please be granted every blessing of brotherhood from a grandmother of the Karuk tradition of Northern California, of the upper Klamath River mountain area. I am so thankful for your effort to help your sister so far away from France and from Viet Nam.My life is full of suffering, and you show me a way. Thank you. ver

[@plumvillageapp]

We are deeply touched by your heartfelt words, dear friend 🙏. Thank you for sharing your love with us - May you be peaceful and happy ✨🌿. A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@lizcaplan3410]

@@plumvillageapp Thank you.

[@plumvillageapp]

@@lizcaplan3410 🙏

[@mahvash2811]

Thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🌷

[@plumvillageapp]

🙏

[@raposaii]

Thank you for this teachings. It is powerful to meditate on our nature as prone to not be heathy as well as to be healthy. There was a fist impact or shock but staying with the breathing and the thought transformed it into acceptance of live as life is, as you say impermanent. Thank you

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you dear friend, for sharing your experience on the meditation of impermanence. We are happy to read that mindful breathing has helped you and that you were able to transform it into acceptance of life as it is 🙏. A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@earthrooster1969]

The humility in the meditation and quiet submission to the universe is what i take away from this podcast. Thank You!

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you for listening to the podcast 🙏✨

[@alexdepilarez6921]

Thank you with so much gratitude... Every morning and night I listen to these podcasts for my mindfulness present moment, wonderful moment practice. " A Cloud Never Dies" TNH 🙏🙏🙏❤

[@molly6276]

How apt that I should hear this news of Thay's stroke in this particular podcast. I am saddened but accepting. His teachings have helped me cope with a very difficult period in my life for which I will always be grateful and thankful. I hope he is comfortable. 🙏❤️, Jim.

[@plumvillageapp]

Dear Jim, Thank you for your words of love 🙏🧡 We have set up a page where we update all our friends about Thay's health, as he's currently residing at Từ Hiếu Temple in Huế, Vietnam. plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/thich-nhat-hanhs-health/ Much love and gratitude, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app/

[@misinca]

Impermanence is a profound and difficult life matter to handle. Thay and you are helping us to understand it. Thank you so much! 🙏🙏🙏

[@samuelgio1975]

Beautiful the pauses to listen the bell and birds

[@jiniaroon8640]

I love this important lesson on how to prepare ourselves for the reality of Impermanence.

[@ellenstrycker1239]

I really love this podcast and these guys, thank you ❤️

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you, dear Ellen 🙏. We're happy you enjoy the podcast 💫. A lotus for you, The Plum Village App team plumvillage.app

[@irenamangone]

Thank you so much again all was just what I needed as was the meditation blessings on you all

[@liricabox]

Thank you for sharing this podcast! I always learn something new, and i have new things to think and experience. Thank you for activate the automatic captions, im deaf/hard of hearing person, and i need the subtitles to understand the things you are saying. Thank you for your work and time doing this. Lots love! :)

[@Red-Di]

Thank you my friends! 🙏❤️

[@divinekiwi2012]

Blessings after Blessing every word 💖

[@LDD143]

Thank you. This is what I exactly need right now

[@zentimenow2012]

Thank you for the podcast. The meditation near the end is wonderful ...

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you for listening, dear friend. We hope you enjoy the free app @plumvillage.app Practice in calm and peace, PV App Team

[@nuuskamuikkunen2932]

I listened to this part many times " let us say thank you to the wonderful conditions that we have encountered today so that one day when we have to let go we can smile" I will try to remember this sentence.

[@plumvillageapp]

Keep your daily practice dear friend. Thank you for sharing. A lotus for you, Plum Village App Team plumvillage.app

[@moonpure762]

Thank you 🙏💓

[@plumvillageapp]

🙏✨

[@adrianaventuri2436]

Thank you🙏

[@mississippimoondog]

Thank you very much

[@elizabethplane9868]

Thank you.

[@jillm4406]

I wish my Brother would attach to my heart soul and emotions there's no humanity left between families and when you're the youngest they should really look out for you and they don't care at all have two living Brothers I'm living in my car and they don't care they can't figure a way to help me it's really sad I hope that somebody can realize it there is a way to help people especially your family

[@lmansur1000]

e.g. of mindfulness when you realized undecided to spend more time with your grandmother as the workshops could be recreated. And that brought you happiness.

[@kristindrijvers4579]

♡♡♡

[@Kat-ko4hj]

Namasta... you are a beautiful soul ... thank you for your teachings... your family must be very proud of you . I love the bell ...🙏🏼🇨🇦

[@dechevers]

Thankyou 🙏

[@plumvillageapp]

🙏

[@livefromplanetearth]

give thanks!!! 🙏🏾👌🏾💒

[@plumvillageapp]

🙏✨

[@funkyshade]

Thanks a lot for this, and the guided meditation was great

[@plumvillageapp]

Thank you, dear friend Steven 🙏

[@ingridborate1064]

Merci beaucoup

[@plumvillageapp]

🙏

[@AnaRuizPessenda]

🙏🌸

[@plumvillageapp]

🙏

[@mariamurmis4915]

It would be wonderful if you could post separately the guided meditation at the end . It is very inspiring.

[@sarahkrank2590]

Hello Mariamurmis4915 - I believe the guided meditations are posted separately on the Plum Village App. It takes a little searching as there is much on that app, but it is worth looking for them. The entire app is lovely.

[@juanitamora4857]

Heaven abd hell are in how we react to things, we either embrace and accept change with a happy mentality of adventure looking to the new and the future,or you suffer refusing to accept what is coming toward us. You have to ove, Ieave friends and family behind,instead of feeling sad, feel happy and look forward to new adventures, meeting new people, learning new things. Same happens with everything including politics or a new job etc.

[@emiliojr.cabandon6257]

LIFE SITUATION IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING! WETHER ONE LIKES IT OR NOT, KNOWS IT OR NOT, IT DOES CHANGE. OF COURSE, IF ONE CANNOT HANDLE CHANGES IN ONE'S LIFE SITUATION, IT MEANS ONE DOES NOT KNOW WHAT LIFE IS. TO ENSURE HANDLING CHANGES IN ONE'S LIFE SITUATION, ONE MUST KNOW FIRST WHAT IS LIFE, AND ITS MEANING. IF THERE IS REALLY MEANING TO IT. AS FAR AS I KNOW, AND AS FAR AS REALITY IS CONCERNED, LIFE ITSELF DOES NOT CHANGE. IT REMAINS CONSTANTLY AS IS. WHAT CHANGES IS THE SITUATION OF LIFE IN EVERY HUMAN BEING.

[@emiliojr.cabandon6257]

WHO WILL HANDLE YOUR LIFE? YOU ARE THAT LIFE ITSELF! TO LIVE THIS LIFE THE WAY YOU WANT IS WHAT YOU CAN DO!

[@gabypribadi5537]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@aliwafa5324]

I miss Thay..

[@luccamagic]

We have to be careful when we speak about suicide. Often, those who kill themselves are suffering from an imbalance which manifests physically and mentally. The idea of hopelessness is physiological and while meditation is helpful, medication is often necessary.

[@dianadeane9233]

“Not holding on” was the reason he dropped it surely!

[@juanitamora4857]

That's the problem with procrastination. People forget that we are not permanent, we only have today and jf you're procrastinating and leaving everything for tomorrow and the next day you will never do it, because you might not be here tomorrow, so you have to make good use of what time you have and stop procrastinating.

[@harleyquinn5774]

The possibility I may not get my old job back due to the Delta variant and how law firms are changing and adapting to it, like doing away with jobs like what mine was, a legal receptionist. While I do have a Paralegal Certificate, folks like me who are dependent upon gaining law firm work experience on top of our Paralegal education to qualify for the position need to adapt to the changing career survival dynamics.

[@kalifhalimaffanbey3171]

The only thing that dies is the ego. Consciousness is incorporeal as is the Soul and the Spirit.

[@Jane-Jay]

Absolutely wrong view.

[@kalifhalimaffanbey3171]

@@Jane-Jay And....

[@tlsparks8094]

I was still doin my stamp collection 🤣

[@grubbygruber1621]

The only constant........... is change

[@lazydaisy649]

Ask not for whom the bell tolls...(or something like that) Mae hi’n ❓o’r gloch. 🔔

[@banyanphotography]

I know about impermanence because I have cats who knock my favorite things off high places and break them 😩

[@ursulaansbach2244]

Touch impermanence. Ahhh

[@dominiquevayssette8810]

Bonjour à vous tous MERCI pour cet échange mais je suis désolée de ne pas tout comprendre car je suis convaincue que c'est vraiment très riche en enseignement profond

[@MassiveLib]

There is no impermanence because there is no time or space and no separate objects to be impermanent, only apparences, illusions...

[@paulineoconnor7339]

Hi , bless I understand it's an analogy, but it's a cup !! Not really a reach to let it go , people are struggling with real problems , not first world games , I find it disrespectful. Sorry . When people are in need of real support , they don't want cup anecdotes.

[@plumvillageapp]

Dear Pauline, we appreciate you sharing these feelings with us. As far as my humble beginner's experience goes, I would say, that in the Zen tradition, we often use metaphors and analogies from our daily lives. As for myself, it has often helped me to approach more the substantial sufferings in myself and in the world. Of course, not everyone likes the same style of metaphors or analogies. I think it's best if we use whatever works for us and what we find helpful; and if something is not useful for us, we don't have to pick it up. A lotus for you 🙏, Salvo from the Plum Village App team, plumvillage.app

[@jnighs8380]

Yea but when you think of the people starving and having there freedoms oppressed it does make us feel a little silly for suffering over hearing the words first world problems

[@nancybosworth4998]

I agree. My husband died almost a year ago, very suddenly. I don’t care if every cup I own breaks. Really quite petty, his analogy.

[@blueotter5990]

"manifestating" ?? lol

[@kristindrijvers4579]

♡♡♡

[@plumvillageapp]

🌷 Plum Village App plumvillage.app