Brother Chân Pháp Hữu is a senior Dharma Teacher in the Plum Village tradition and currently serves as the Abbot of the Upper Hamlet at Plum Village Monastery in France.

His journey is quite unique and closely tied to the life of the late Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh (affectionately known as Thầy). Here are the key details about his life and teachings:

Early Life and Ordination

• Background: Born in Vietnam, he moved to Canada with his family when he was three years old.
• First Encounter: He first visited Plum Village at age 9 and was so moved by the joy and peace of the monks that he decided he wanted to join them.
• Monastic Path: He was ordained as a novice monk in 2002 at the age of 13. Thích Nhất Hạnh gave him the name Chân Pháp Hữu, which means "True Dharma Friend."

Relationship with Thích Nhất Hạnh

For 17 years, Brother Pháp Hữu served as the personal attendant and assistant to Thích Nhất Hạnh. He accompanied Thầy on international teaching tours, often standing by his side during calligraphy demonstrations and talks. This long-term proximity allowed him to share intimate stories and deep insights into Thầy’s personal practice and vision.

Current Roles and Teachings

• Abbotship: He became the vice abbot of Upper Hamlet in 2008 and has been the Abbot since January 2011.
• "The Way Out Is In" Podcast: He is well-known as the co-host of this popular podcast alongside Jo Confino. The show explores how to apply Zen Buddhist philosophy to modern challenges like grief, leadership, and climate change.
• Focus Areas: He is particularly passionate about bringing mindfulness to:
  • Young adults and the "Wake Up" movement.
  • Business leaders and professionals.
  • Team building and coaching.

Teaching Style

Brother Pháp Hữu is known for his "fresh" and accessible approach. He often bridges the gap between traditional monastic life and modern interests, such as his love for basketball and music. His teachings emphasize that mindfulness is not a destination but a way of living that involves "walking the talk" and embracing both suffering and happiness in the present moment.

Interview with Brother Phap Huu

This video provides a personal look into Brother Phap Huu's experiences living in Plum Village and his reflections on Thich Nhat Hanh's legacy.