A senior Dharma teacher ordained by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, Dr. Larry Ward was one of the leading proponents of Engaged Buddhism in the United States. He was deeply inspired by both Thay and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., devoting his life to non-violent social change, healing, and transformation at individual, communal, and global levels.
Larry made his peaceful transition on August 19 this year, but his radiant light is being carried on through the work of the Lotus Institute, practitioners, students, and all of those touched by his teachings.
We are incredibly privileged that many talks and meditations by this beloved teacher and wise elder are available on the Plum Village App. Over the years, Larry and his wife, Dharma teacher Peggy Rowe Ward, generously shared many valuable offerings, some in collaboration with the Lotus Institute (an educational non-profit organization, co-founded by Larry and Peggy, which helps to heal trauma and inspire the world we want), some created especially for the app or for other Plum Village projects.
Below you can find some of our favourite talks and series which will allow you to interact with Larry’s wisdom.
Short films honoring the legacy of Dr. Larry Ward
Five short films were released on the app in late September and October 2025 in honour of Larry. Directed and edited by Miguel Sanchez, these films meld Larry’s words – from public talks, meditations, and recitations – with contemplative footage of the natural world.
One of the films, Reminder from an Old Friend, is based on the eponymous poem from Larry’s first collection of more than 70 poems, Morning Night. Published last month, these explorations of race, nature, and spirit are woven with messages of hope, justice, and belonging, while paintings by Larry offer a deeper glimpse into his creative process.
More short films:
We Are the Light
Our Inner Sangha
Listen to the Earth
Overcoming our Hindrances
The Pursuit of Liberation
This talk on the pāramitā of renunciation (nekkhamma), one of Larry’s final recorded offerings, was made for Midnight Path: a six-month course during which students explore Buddhism’s ten pāramitās through the lens of the global polycrisis.
Recorded just weeks before Larry’s passing, it features characteristically timely advice and guidance.
Connecting with Our Inner Community
This is a series guided by Larry and Peggy to help us explore our inner space and improve our relationship with ourselves. It will help you learn to recognize and nourish your inner sangha: those beings that inspire and accompany us on our spiritual path (ancestors, mentors, friends, family members, etc).
Based on Thich Nhat Hanh’s book Transformation at the Base, this series comprises five video talks given by Larry and five meditations guided by Peggy.
Rest Is Resistance
Part of the Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet (ZASP) online course, this short conversation between Larry and Sister Peace addresses the need to deal with social injustice in order to deal with climate change.
During earlier editions of this in-depth online learning journey, Larry was one of the first teachers to nurture insight, compassion, community, and mindful action in service of the Earth.
Lighting Up the Incense of Our Hearts: The Metamorphosis of Fear into Love
In this hour-long Dharma talk, Larry discusses how to turn fear into love, according to Buddhist psychology, allowing us to “light up the incense of our hearts” by bringing mindfulness into our daily lives.
Fear can be a dangerous toxin in our lives: not only the source of our unquenchable thirst for power and the root cause of harmful illusions, but also a painful pollutant, bringing physical and mental sickness to both self and society. This Dharma talk (one of several available on the app) looks briefly into understanding this pollutant and practicing with its antidote. By mindfully lighting up our hearts with goodness, wisdom, beauty, and love, we can find relief and transformation.
🔔 By searching Larry Ward in your desired category, you’ll be able to find even more material.
We hope these favourites from the Plum Village App’s collection will encourage you to seek out further wisdom from Dr. Larry Ward.
What is your favourite talk, poem, or meditation by Larry?