In the Footsteps of the Buddha (5/6) | The River of Life (Episode #106)

About this episode

The episode reflects on the Buddha's final days and the legacy of his teachings, featuring discussions on the importance of community in preserving Buddhism.

If you wish 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 fifth in a series of six episodes recorded during the In the Footsteps of the Buddha pilgrimage, this instalment was made in Kushinagar, 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 reflect on the Buddha’s final days and the legacy and continuation of his teachings. They also discuss Thich Nhat Hanh’s passing and how Plum Village responded to his transition; the responsibility of current and future generations to continue his work and teachings; and the importance of the multi-fold community in preserving and spreading the Buddha’s teachings in a way that is relevant and accessible to the modern world. Furthermore, Shantum Seth provides historical context about the Buddha’s final journey and…

People in this episode

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

Topics covered

• Buddhist philosophy
• Buddha's teachings
• Thich Nhat Hanh
• monastic order
• Buddhism history
• community responsibility

Keywords

• Buddha
• Thich Nhat Hanh
• Buddhism
• Zen
• monastic teachings
• pilgrimage
• Kushinagar

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Kushinagar, India

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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
• In the Footsteps of the Buddha (1/6) | The Buddha: Down to Earth (Episode #102) · March 19, 2026 · 1h 45m
• Calm in the Storm Q&R, Part Two (Episode #101) · March 5, 2026 · 1h 31m