Brother Phap Dung: Now You Get to Choose

Meet the Monastics

Brother Phap Dung is a Vietnamese refugee who worked as an architect in Los Angeles before finding the practice, healing his relationship with his father, and changing the course of his life.

"Now you get to choose, and it's deliberate. That is a monk. I choose to be in this intimate way with the community, with this path. I choose not to be in a romantic relationship. I choose to have real relationships with people I come across with. It's always a constant choice. "

2:35 Meeting Thay and the Sangha 9:51 Joining the Buddhist "Enterprise" 14:40 Signs 19:28 Transformation 31:36 Advice for Potential Monastics 36:11 Love for Monastic Life 44:00 Engaged Buddhism

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In this episode of Meet the Monastics, Brother Minh An interviews Brother Phap Dung, also known as Brother Fabian or Brother Embrace. They explore Brother Phap Dung’s journey from an architect in Los Angeles to becoming a monastic in the Plum Village tradition. Reflecting on his early experiences, Brother Phap Dung recalls his initial curiosity about Buddhism, sparked by a retreat led by Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay). His journey to monastic life was marked by a deepening commitment to mindfulness practice, inspired by the peaceful yet vibrant presence of young monks and nuns.

Brother Phap Dung shares memorable moments with Thay, who once invited him to join the “Buddhist enterprise,” a phrase that would later resonate deeply with him. He speaks of the transformative insights he experienced through meditation, such as the ability to observe his thoughts without reacting. Over time, he shed attachments to his former identity, transitioning from societal expectations to a life of mindfulness and community service.

The interview also delves into Brother Phap Dung’s commitment to engaged Buddhism, particularly in addressing the climate crisis. He reflects on his presence at international conferences like COP26 as an opportunity to bring peace, deep listening, and loving speech into critical dialogues on environmental issues. Inspired by Thay’s compassionate approach, Brother Phap Dung emphasizes the importance of connecting with others’ humanity, even in challenging global discussions. Through his ongoing dedication to both personal and collective transformation, he aspires to live a life that inspires others to touch peace and mindfulness in their own lives.