Coming of the Dharma
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Life Story
Brother Chân Pháp Lai was ordained as a novice monk on May 26th 2002 in the “Bead Tree” family. He received full ordination as a bhikshu on January 14th 2006, and the Lamp Transmission as a Dharma Teacher in January 2010.
Br. Pháp Lai is passionate about nature. While working as an ecologist in Scotland, he realised that living in community is one of the most sustainable ways of living. This led him to the Plum Village community where he now shares his passion through his teachings, guided walks, stories, plays, and music.
Br. Pháp Lai has been actively involved in bringing Plum Village practices into education through the Wake Up Schools initiative. Every summer, many English-speaking children eagerly await the lively Dharma stories told by “Brother Ben”.
Br. Pháp Lai spent a large part of his youth in Africa, and has continued this affinity through his support for social workers in war torn Liberia. He has also offered talks on peace building in Northern Ireland and Columbia.
Within the community, Br. Pháp Lai’s humour, humility, sincerity, and wisdom have made him an endearing elder brother. His favourite practices are Dharma sharing and walking in nature, and he loves impromptu theatre and music.
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Dharma Talks
Thanh Thuy’s Apple Juice from The Sun My Heart
Book excerpt from “The Sun My Heart” by Thich Nhat Hanh, read by Br. Phap Lai.
Thich Nhat Hanh, Br Pháp Lai
Christmas eve talk- The true spirit of giving
Br Phap Lai gives the Christmas Eve talk on embracing the suffering that may come up during Christmas celebrations as well as the true spirit of giving. Br Phap Lai shares a story of being embraced by the collective energy of the community on Christmas eve while he was…
Br Pháp Lai
Taking care of Mother Earth
Br Phap Lai teaches on protecting Mother Earth. Protecting Mother Earth was one of Thay’s greatest teaching. He had the courage to love Mother Earth and face her suffering. In Thay’s book, Love Letter to the Earth, and his calligraphy “I am in love with Mother Earth”, he asks…
Br Pháp Lai
Wake Up Earth “Taking Care of our Mind”
Br. Phap Lai talks about having gratitude for simple things. It is easy to take things for granted when they are abundant. With mindfulness, when we are aware of impermanence, we learn to cherish our relationships and time we have left to live. Mindfulness itself is a source of…
Br Pháp Lai
Questions & Answers for children
Children asking questions during 3rd week of Summer Opening 2019 in Plum Village France.
Sr Chân Không, Sr Giác Nghiêm, Br Pháp Lai, Br Phap Khoi
Mindfulness as a Source of Happiness
Br Phap Lai started the talk with the song “In, Out, Deep, Slow”. He then explained what is mindfulness. The practice of mindful breathing helps us release the tension in our body, and to generate feelings of joy and happiness. We come to Plum Village with a common intention:…
Br Pháp Lai
Be Present for Ourselves | Neuroscience Retreat
Br Phap Lai talks about how to come back and be present for ourselves, the Four Noble Truth and the Noble EIghtfold Path.
Br Pháp Lai
Motivation and Obstacles in the Practice
Br Phap Lai talks about examining our motivation to practice on the spiritual path and working with the obstacles that prevent us from having a deep practice. Br Phap Lai shares how the Buddha gave up great power and privilege which would have enabled him to do much good,…
Br Pháp Lai
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Articles
- Mindful Eating: Featuring Brother Phap Lai
- Seasoning the Soup with Peace – Mindfulness Bell #36 Summer 2004
- “Mitakuye Oyasin” – Mindfulness Bell #37 Autumn 2004
- Sitting in the Spring Breeze – Mindfulness Bell #46 Autumn 2007
- The Question of Overpopulation – Mindfulness Bell #50 Winter/Spring 2009
- Compassion Is the Energy that Protects – Mindfulness Bell #54 Summer 2010
- Fertile Ground – Mindfulness Bell #56 Winter/Spring 2011
- Peace in the Heart of London – Mindfulness Bell #63 Summer 2013