In the Footsteps of the Buddha (4/6) | Fourfold Sangha: The Living Community (Episode #105)

About this episode

The episode discusses the significance of the Buddha's teachings and the role of nuns in Buddhism during a pilgrimage in India.

If you want to support our podcast please visit 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. The fourth in a series of six episodes recorded during the In the Footsteps of the Buddha pilgrimage, this instalment was made in Vaishali, India, in February 2026. In it, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach Jo Confino are joined by Zen Buddhist nun Sister Tam Muoi and Dharma teacher Shantum Seth to discuss new steps in the pilgrimage, like their visit to Nalanda University, an ancient seat of Buddhist learning, and Vulture Peak, where the Buddha gave some of his most important teachings. In Vaishali, the Buddha made the revolutionary decision to ordain the first nuns, which was a significant step towards gender equality in Buddhism.Shantum Seth discusses the historical context and significance of these events and places, the importance of adapting Buddhist teachings to the present day, and a vision for Plum…

People in this episode

Guests: Brother Phap Huu, Jo Confino, Sister Tam Muoi, Shantum Seth

Topics covered

• Buddhism
• Gender Equality
• Pilgrimage
• Zen Teachings
• Community

Keywords

• Buddha
• Buddhism
• Pilgrimage
• Gender Equality
• Zen Master
• Thich Nhat Hanh
• Community

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Plum Village

Places: Vaishali, Nalanda University, Vulture Peak

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• In the Footsteps of the Buddha (3/6) | The Heart of the Buddha’s Teachings (Episode #104) · April 16, 2026 · 1h 51m
• In the Footsteps of the Buddha (2/6) | Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree (Episode #103) · April 2, 2026 · 1h 43m
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