Handful of Leaves | Mindfulness & Buddhism in Everyday Life

Handful of Leaves | Mindfulness & Buddhism in Everyday Life

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Handful of Leaves | Mindfulness & Buddhism in Everyday Life episodes

  • 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

    16 min
  • 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

    21 min
  • 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

    30 min
  • Ep 50: Between the Lines ft. Heng Yeh

    Join us in this conversation between Cheryl and Heng Yeh —an award-winning poet, writer, and translator, as we discuss grief using poetry as a means to unpack the nuances.

    The conversation feels like peeling an onion , unfolding the layers of this complex human experience, and we hope you take a ride with us on your morning or evening commute!

    We talk about grief 😢, pain 💔, loneliness 😔, and everything in between.

    There's a little bonus 🎁 at the very end, so make sure you don't miss that 😉

    #griefjourney #poetry #copingwithgrief #healingafterloss


    About the Speaker

    Yee Heng Yeh is a writer, translator, and poet from Malaysia. His poetry has appeared in various publications and was twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize. He also contributes to Penang Monthly, writes for the theatre, and runs workshops. Last year, he did a residency in Rimbun Dahan and was a Writing Fellow at A Public Space. He is currently the poetry editor of NutMag, a Penang zine.


    Transcript: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/hol-ep50


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Introduction

    (01:45) Poem analysis

    (04:05) Impact on identity

    (07:35) Buddhist perspective on impermanence

    (12:15) Contrasting responses to grief

    (15:45) Heng Yeh's grief experience

    (18:05) Neurological basis of grief

    (19:50) Practice of Metta

    (24:30) 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, Susara Ng

    Get connected here: ⁠⁠Telegram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook

    27 min
  • Ep 49: Oh No, One Day Our Parents Are Going to Die ft. Sis. Sylvia Bay

    Navigating conversations about death can be challenging, especially with ageing parents. In this poignant episode, Sis. Sylvia Bay, esteemed Dhamma Scholar shares insights on how to approach the topic of death with our parents, particularly in cultures where discussing death is considered taboo:

    🕊️Learn when is the best time and ways to discuss death with loved ones.

    😔How to address feelings of regret and inspire ongoing positive actions in your loved ones.

    🌱Understand the comforting concept of rebirth can transform the way we view death and mortality.

    #FilialPiety #Family #Wisdom #ParentChild #Death


    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-ep49

    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Introduction

    (00:20) Discussing Death with Loved Ones

    (04:18) Addressing Regret and Making Amends

    (08:01) Role of the Sangha

    (10:02) Coping with Grief and Attachment

    (13:20) Letting Go as an Expression of Wisdom

    (18:06) Understanding Attachment and Self-Love

    (22:07) 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, Susara Ng

    Get connected here: ⁠Telegram⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠Facebook

    23 min
  • Ep 48: Parenting the Parent ft. Sis. Sylvia Bay

    In this thought-provoking discussion between Cheryl and esteemed Dhamma Scholar Sis. Sylvia Bay, we explore the vital Dhamma principles that guide us in our relationships with our parents and the deeper aspects of filial duty while staying true to our principles! Highlights include:

    🌱 The Buddha’s teachings on honoring our parents and fulfilling our filial duties, both materially and spiritually

    🌱 Balancing personal well-being and parental expectations

    🌱 Exercising wisdom and setting boundaries in familial relationships

    #FilialPiety #Buddhism #Family #Wisdom #ParentChild #HandfulOfLeaves


    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-48


    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction

    00:45 - Dhamma Principles For Filial Buddhists: Honouring and Fulfilling Duties to Parents

    01:00 - Setting the Cause and Condition for Parents to Cultivate the Five Mental States (Faith, Morality, Learning, Generosity and Wisdom)

    09:32 - Balancing Personal Well-Being and Parental Expectations

    10:18 - Fair Play in Filial Duties

    14:10 - Filial Piety ≠ Fulfilling Our Parents’ Every Desire

    17:47 - Exercising Wisdom and Boundaries In Familial Relationships

    20:58 - Seeking Guidance from Wise Individuals on Navigating Family Dynamics

    22:23 - Conclusion and Recap


    Resources:

    • Sigālovāda Sutta (DN31) https://accesstoinsight.org/ati/tipitaka/dn/dn.31.0.ksw0.html

    • Kataññu Suttas: Gratitude (AN 2.31-32) https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an02/an02.031.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: 

      Cheryl Cheah, Susara Ng, Ke Hui Tee


      Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

      23 min
    • Ep 47: Strength in the Sangha: Growing Together as a Buddhist Community ft. Bro. Chye Chye

      🤔 Ever wondered what it truly means to take refuge in the Sangha? 🌱 In this episode, Cheryl and Brother Chye Chye explore the importance of this practice for personal and communal spiritual growth by understanding:

      ☸️ The significance and qualities of the noble Sangha

      🙏 How we can find balance in relating to the Sangha

      🔍 Checks and balances within the Sangha ecosystem

      #TakingRefuge #Sangha #Buddhism #Mindfulness


      About the Speaker

      Chye works in the wealth management industry. He not only plays the role of a banker to his clients but often as a counsellor, friend, confidant etc. As a trained engineer, he will often try to make Dhamma learning as simple and logical as possible.


      Transcript: ⁠https://bit.ly/hol-ep-47


      Timestamps:

      (00:00:00) Introductions

      (00:01:39) Significance of Taking Refuge in the Sangha

      (00:06:45) Qualities of the Ideal Sangha

      (00:09:07) What Makes a Sangha Member Inspiring?

      (00:11:33) The Dangers of Over-Attachment to Teachers

      (00:12:55) Balancing Guidance from the Teacher vs. Self-Reliance

      (00:16:22) Addressing Criticism and Feedback in the Sangha

      (00:18:53) A Layperson's Role in Providing Feedback to Monastics

      (00:20:59) Book Recommendation: The Bhikkhus' Rules - A Guide for Laypeople 


      Resources:

      The Bhikkhus' Rules – A Guide for Laypeople https://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/bhkkrule.pdf


      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, Susara Ng, Ke Hui Tee


      Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

      22 min
    • Ep 46: Dhamma vs. Adhamma ft. Uncle Vijaya

      In the vast ocean of teachings, how do we discern the true Dhamma from the false? 🌊 In a recent conversation with Uncle Vijaya, we explore essential ways to anchor ourselves in the Buddha's timeless wisdom by 📜 Staying Faithful to the Buddha’s Words and 🙏 Seeking Guidance from Wise Teachers.


      About the Speaker

      Vijaya Samarawickrama, fondly known as Uncle Vijaya, is a respected figure within Buddhist communities, delivering countless inspiring Dhamma talks at universities, schools, and Dhamma centres throughout Malaysia, as well as in Singapore and Australia, spanning over six decades. In addition to his speaking engagements, he held the role of Patron at the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society in Kuala Lumpur and served as the Chairman of Nalanda Institute's Education team. He represented Malaysia in various Buddhist conventions and conferences, both locally and internationally. He has authored over a dozen booklets, with more than 150,000 copies distributed worldwide. Before his retirement, he held the position of a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and worked as a lecturer in Drama and Theatre, Public Speaking, and World Religion at Taylor's University American Degree Program.


      Transcript: ⁠https://bit.ly/hol-ep-46


      Timestamps:

      [00:00:00] Introduction

      [00:01:11] Definition of Adhamma and its challenges during Buddha's time

      [00:03:31] The story of Maha Brahma pleading with the Buddha to teach the Dhamma

      [00:08:00] The importance of the First Council in preserving the Buddha's teachings

      [00:10:15] Authenticity of the Dhamma and the Buddha's approval

      [00:13:39] The complexity of Dhamma and the importance of competent teachers

      [00:17:26] How to identify genuine Dhamma teachers

      [00:21:33] Examples of modern misinterpretations of Dhamma

      [00:24:55] The use and potential misuse of mindfulness in modern times

      [00:25:02] How to skilfully handle friends with wrong views

      [00:28:26] Guarding the mind against self-righteousness

      [00:29:28] Strategies to support those who lose faith in Buddhism due to wrong teachings

      [00:31:13] The story of Punna: Using Brahmaviharas as an antidote to antagonistic treatment

      [00:34:12] The Buddha’s words on telling true Dhamma from false Dhamma

      [00:39:15] Using this rare human rebirth for meaningful self-practice


      Resources:

      • Buddha’s advice on distinguishing True Dhamma from False Dhamma: Aṅguttaranikāya (Numbered Discourses) 8.53 https://suttacentral.net/an8.53/en/sujato

      • The Story of Puṇṇa: Saṁyuttanikāya (Linked Discourses) 35.88 https://suttacentral.net/sn35.88/en/sujato


      • 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, Susara Ng, Ke Hui Tee


        Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

        42 min
      • Ep 45: Building a Buddhist Chatbot (NORBU-AI) ft. Lim Kooi Fong

        Bro. Lim Kooi Fong shares the inspirational story behind NORBU, a pioneering Buddhist AI chatbot designed to promote mindfulness and spiritual growth through open dialogue. He was inspired by the Dalai Lama's call to spread the Nalanda tradition of Buddhist learning through open discourse. This led him to create NORBU, a pioneering AI chatbot that provides a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to explore personal struggles, ethical dilemmas, and spiritual questions related to Buddhism. Drawing from diverse traditions and authoritative sources, NORBU guides users through a process of honest self-reflection, applying Buddhist teachings to cultivate greater mindfulness and facilitate positive growth. With its commitment to inclusivity, accuracy, and the principle of Brahma Vihara, NORBU represents an innovative approach to making the Dhamma accessible and fostering mindful conversations that can spark personal transformation.


        About the Speaker: Bro. Lim Kooi Fong has been a student of Buddhism and Dharma teacher for more than 30 years. He is the founder of the Buddhist AI Chatbot NORBU (https://norbu-ai.org), the Buddhist Channel (buddhistchannel.tv) and Buddhist Travel (buddhistravel.com). He is a life member of Upakara Kalyana Mitta Buddhist Assocation (UKMBA). He currently manages a bioinformatics company based in Cyberjaya. He actively conducts Dharma talks for Buddhist societies around Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.


        Transcript: ⁠https://bit.ly/hol-ep-45


        Timestamp:

        00:00:00 - Introduction by Cheryl on the Handful of Leaves podcast

        00:00:30 - Introduction of Brother Lim Kooi Fong, founder of NORBU AI

        00:01:00 - Brother Kooi Fong shares the inspiration behind NORBU AI

        00:02:00 - Discussion on Nalanda tradition and its importance

        00:04:00 - Initial responses to NORBU AI beta version

        00:05:00 - NORBU AI provides a safe space for discussing sensitive topics

        00:09:00 - Diversity in the team handling source data for NORBU AI

        00:10:00 - NORBU AI as a tool for building mindfulness and awareness

        00:11:00 - Discussion on the purpose and potential impact of NORBU AI


        Resources:

        For individuals: Use Norbu-AI https://norbu-ai.org/

        For Buddhist societies: Integrate NORBU-AI Chatbot on your webpage. Contact Bro Lim here: [email protected]


        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, Susara Ng, Ke Hui Tee


        Get Connected Here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

        13 min
      • Ep 44: Buddhism vs. Spirituality: When to Call Yourself A Buddhist?

        In our newest episode, we delve into the intricate journey of spiritual identity with our special guest, Ray Choo, director and producer of Waking Up 2050 🎬. From his personal experiences to the broader concepts of Buddhism, Ray sheds light on embracing the Buddhist identity as a commitment to the path of wisdom and compassion, and unravel the evolving perceptions of religion and spirituality in today's world.

        About the Speaker

        👤 Ray Choo Hongrui was born and raised in Singapore. He studied Communications Design in Berlin, Germany, at HTW Berlin-University of Applied Sciences where he had the opportunity to try his hand at filmmaking and storytelling and experience a world where Buddhism, its meanings and functions are not established. The conversation in the West is just gaining momentum and presence. In trying to contribute to this dialogue, Ray redefined for himself what it actually means, to walk the path of Dharma. Through WAKING UP 2050, he met his teacher Lopen Pema Deki with whom he took his precepts and continues to study the Dharma. Ray currently works and resides in Berlin as a motion designer.


        Transcript: ⁠https://bit.ly/hol-ep-44

        Timestamps:

        00:00 - Introduction

        00:21 - Waking Up 2050

        01:08 - What it means to Identify as a Buddhist

        06:19 - Practicing for the Benefit of Oneself and Others

        11:38 - What Defines a Good Buddhist?

        13:00 - The Practical Application of Buddhism

        15:02 - Navigating Social Perceptions

        19:44 - Religion vs. Spirituality from an Academic Standpoint

        24:23 - The Beauty of the Buddhist Journey

        26:13 - From Identification to Letting Go

        27:32 - Final Advice: Walking the Path of True Freedom


        Resources:

        💡 Thus Have I Seen (THIS) Buddhist Film Festival 2023 https://thisfilmfest.com/2023/ 

        💡 Waking Up 2050 https://thisfilmfest.com/2023/films/waking-up-2050/


        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, Susara Ng, Ke Hui Tee


        Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

        30 min

      About Handful of Leaves | Mindfulness & Buddhism in Everyday Life

      From the publisher's feed

      Delivering practical wisdom for a happier life. A Buddhist podcast that explores how to navigate the daily complexities of life relating to topics such as ambition, personal finance, relationships, etc.