Handful of Leaves | Mindfulness & Buddhism in Everyday Life

• Ep 56: Is Letting Go = Laziness? ft. Venerable Sumangala and Soon

  In this episode of Handful of Leaves, Venerable Sumangala shares insights on the practice of letting go and renunciation, emphasising the importance of inner transformation and understanding suffering. She explains how letting go of attachment to ego and external perceptions leads to true freedom and happiness, while still pursuing goals with a balanced approach.Key Takeaways:🧘‍♀️ Letting Go of Ego – True liberation comes from letting go of the ego and not creating more attachments to identity, fame, or success.🌱 Understanding Suffering – The Four Noble Truths guide us to understand that suffering is a result of attachment, and by letting go of desire, we can end suffering.⚖️ Balancing Desire and Detachment – Achieving goals and success is natural, but it is important to not become attached to the outcome. Focus on the process and the wellbeing of others.#LettingGo #InnerPeace #EgoFree #Buddhism #Renunciation #Mindfulness #FourNobleTruths #BalanceAbout the SpeakerVenerable Sumaṅgalā Therī is the Abbess of Ariya Vihara Buddhist Society. She embarked on her spiritual journey in Buddhism at the age of 19, inspired by the serene sight of a monk and people meditating, which deeply delighted her heart. This initial inspiration led her to actively pursue, learn, and practise the Buddha’s teachings, with a particular focus on meditation.She holds a B.A. in Psychology and in 1999, she completed her M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, both from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Furthering her academic and spiritual education, Ven. Sumaṅgalā Therī obtained an M.A. in Philosophy (Buddhism) from the International Buddhist College, Thailand in 2011.Currently, she serves as the Abbess and President of Ariya Vihara Buddhist Society and is an advisor of Gotami Vihara Society in Malaysia. Ven. Sumaṅgalā Therī is actively involved in conducting meditation retreats and giving Dhamma talks in various centers and camps, sharing her deep understanding and experiences in the Dhamma with others.She is one of the recipients of the 23rd Anniversary Outstanding Women Awards (OWBA) 2024, in honour of the United Nations International Women’s Day.Transcript: https://bit.ly/hol-ep-56Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Guest Host00:32 – What is Letting Go of Becoming?01:33 – Renunciation in Buddhism03:20 – Letting Go of Ego04:00 – Personal Story: Shaving Head08:10 – Internal Transformation & Liberation09:02 – Letting Go of Outcomes12:13 – Focusing on Process & Wellbeing13:22 – Bhikkhuni Training CenterSpecial thanks to our sponsors:Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye, Melvin, Yoke Kuen, Nai Kai Lee, Amelia Toh, Hannah LawEditor and transcriber of this episode:Hong Jia Yi, Ang You Shan, Tan Si Jing, Bernice Bay, Cheryl CheahGet connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

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• Ep 55: Gay, married with a family. Buddhism taught me self-love

  In this deeply personal episode, Julian opens up about his journey of self-discovery, struggles with self-acceptance, and how Buddhism transformed his perspective on life. He shares his battles with fear, vulnerability, and self-doubt, offering valuable insights on resilience and personal growth. Join us as we explore the power of kindness, healing, and embracing one's true self.#SelfDiscovery #MindfulnessJourney #HealingThroughVulnerability #BuddhismAndLife #OvercomingFearTranscript: https://bit.ly/hol-ep-55Timestamps:(00:00) – Introduction & Disclaimer(01:37) – Julian’s Journey into Buddhism(02:13) – Learning from Buddhism & Personal Growth(03:40) – Losing Everything & Finding Purpose(04:11) – Facing Fear & Coming Out(05:27) – Overcoming Judgment & Self-Doubt(07:37) – Battling Negative Self-Talk(08:42) – Vulnerability & Family Support(09:55) – The Power of Self-Kindness(10:10) – Understanding Ego vs. True Kindness(12:08) – Taking the Leap to Be Vulnerable(12:56) – Buddhist Teachings & Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts(13:45) – Closing Reflections & GratitudeSpecial thanks to our sponsors:Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye, Melvin, Yoke Kuen, Nai Kai Lee, Amelia Toh, Hannah LawEditor and transcriber of this episode:Hong Jia Yi, Ang You Shan, Tan Si Jing, Bernice Bay, Cheryl CheahGet connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

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• Ep 54: Chords of Connection: Music, Mindfulness and Friendship ft Plum Village

  In this insightful episode of Handful of Leaves, we held a conversation with Brother Duc Pho - a monastic from Plum Village - to explore the powerful connection between music and mindfulness. Discover how music can enhance meditation, help transform suffering, and cultivate a more joyful, present life. Brother Duc Pho also shares personal stories, practical tips, and reflections on balancing silence with song, making this episode a harmonious blend of wisdom and melody. There's an error in the subtitles: It should be European Institute of Applied Buddhism, not the European Institute of Applied Music. #MindfulMusic #TransformWithMindfulness #JoyfulPractice About the Speaker Brother Đức Phổ (徳普), born in the Netherlands in 1985, first got in contact with Buddhism while traveling in South-East Asia. Later he found a practical and applied form of Buddhism in Plum Village France and has been practicing and building sangha as a lay practitioner in this tradition since 2010 and continues to do so since being ordained as a monastic under Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in 2016. He currently practices with the monastic sangha of Thai Plum Village International Meditation Practice Center in Pak Chong, Thailand. Brother Duc Pho enjoys sitting meditation and slow walking outside in nature, drinking tea in mindfulness, playing music and offering his presence as an authentic human being and practitioner with people of all ages including young people and children. Transcript: https://bit.ly/hol-ep-54 Timestamps: (00:00) – Introduction (01:15) – Fun Question (02:30) – Music and Mindfulness (03:20) – Mindful Music vs. Obstacles (04:10) – Music as a Double-Edged Sword (06:15) – The Eight Precepts (07:30) – Music Choices and Intentions (09:10) – The Three Complexes (10:00) – Music for Healing (13:20) – Final Advice (14:35) – Music as a Community Builder (15:25) – Closing Thoughts Resources: Plum Village Thailand  https://www.thaiplumvillage.org/ Joyful Garden Sangha Singapore  https://www.joyfulgarden.sg/ Plum Village Malaysia  https://www.instagram.com/plumvillagemalaysia?igsh=MWN1amV1OWoxNzJ2eQ== Plum Village Indonesia https://www.instagram.com/plumvillageindonesia?igsh=bmg5bzVxNWppdjd0 https://wkup.org/ Special thanks to our sponsors: Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye, Melvin, Yoke Kuen, Nai Kai Lee Editor and transcriber of this episode: Hong Jia Yi, Ang You Shan, Tan Si Jing, Bernice Bay, Cheryl Cheah Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

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• Ep 53: Reframe & Rise: Transforming Feedback into Fuel ft. Jeraldine Phneah

  In this inspiring episode, we explore how to rise above criticism, face unfairness with courage, and grow into a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. Join host Cheryl and guest Jeraldine Phneah, a top tech sales leader and content creator, as they share transformative insights on navigating challenges, embracing forgiveness, and thriving in an often judgmental world. 💡 Key Takeaway: Learn to use criticism constructively and grow from it, while maintaining emotional resilience and self-worth. 🌱 Themes: Overcoming unfairness, cultivating forgiveness, and embracing personal growth. 💪 Empowerment: Navigate life's challenges with mindfulness, self-compassion, and skillful relationship management. #CriticismToGrowth #MindfulnessMatters #selfcompassion About the Speaker Jeraldine Phneah is a Singaporean tech sales professional and content creator, passionate about helping others become the best versions of themselves in their careers, finances, health, and relationships. Through her own journey, she shares practical, actionable solutions to alleviate the pressures of modern life. Listed as one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Singapore, Jeraldine has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Channel News Asia, Dollars & Sense, and Her World. She has also spoken at high-profile events, including the YWLC/Grab Future Women Leaders Forum 2022, E27 Echelon Asia Summit 2023, and the Endowus Wealthtech Conference 2023. In her professional role, Jeraldine works at an AI SaaS startup, where she focuses on scaling their business across the APAC region. Transcript: ⁠https://bit.ly/hol-ep-53 Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:00) Defining Unfairness (03:30) Facing Appearance-Based Criticism (06:30) Listening Without Losing Yourself (08:00) Managing Emotions: Mindfulness and Detachment (09:30) Loving Kindness: A Buddhist Approach to Feedback (11:00) Validating Criticism: When to Act and When to Let Go (14:00) The REACH Model for Forgiveness (18:00) Wisdom in “Forgive, Not Forget” (19:30) Thriving Despite Unfairness: The Power of Compassion (20:30) Closing Resources: - Jeraldine’s website https://www.jeraldinephneah.com/ - Akkosa Sutta https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn07/sn07.002.than.html Special thanks to our sponsors: Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye, Melvin, Yoke Kuen Editor and transcriber of this episode: Soh Jun Xing, Cheryl Cheah, Bernice Bay, Tan Si Jing, Susara Ng Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

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• Ep 51: The Most Precious Commodity in Life ft. Sylvia Bay

  In this episode, Cheryl and Sister Sylvia discuss practical ways to avoid critical judgment, cultivate compassion, and align our actions with the Dhamma for a more peaceful life. Some key takeaways include: 🧠 Understand why judgment is instinctual and how it stems from our survival mechanisms. 🧘 Learn how to be mindful of your feelings and reactions, turning judgment into compassion. 💭 Embrace the power of reflecting on impermanence to shift your perspective and reduce suffering. #BuddhistWisdom #MindfulnessMatters #LifeTransformation About the Speaker Sylvia Bay has been dedicated to the study and practice of Buddha's teaching since 1992. She graduated with a B.A. (Hons) First Class, in Buddhist Studies, from the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka in 2000 and joined the teaching staff of the Buddhist and Pali College (Singapore) in 2001. Since 2002, Sylvia has also been a regular speaker on Buddhist doctrine, Buddhist history, and the practical application of the Buddha's teachings in daily life, at the invitation of various Buddhist organisations in Singapore. She published her first book in May 2014: the 1st volume of a 2-part series on the life of the Buddha which is titled, "Between The Lines: An Analytical Appreciation of Buddha's Life". Volume 2 was launched on Vesak day of year 2015. Sylvia also holds a B.Soc.Sci (Hons) from NUS and a Masters in International Public Policy (M.I.P.P) from School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins. Transcript: https://bit.ly/hol-ep-51 Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction  (03:30) Perceiving vs. Judging  (09:20) Converting Judgment into Compassion  (13:45) Five Conditions for Character Change  (16:05) Becoming a Positive Example  (19:17) Material and Spiritual Success  (24:11) Five Precepts (26:32) Mortality and Impermanence  (28:27) Kamma and Merits (29:03) Conclusion Special thanks to our sponsors: Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye, Melvin, Yoke Kuen Editor and transcriber of this episode:  Cheryl Cheah, Bernice Bay, Eng Yean Khai, Tan Si Jing Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

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