In this enriching episode of Handful of Leaves, Venerable Sumangala shares how Buddhist wisdom can be applied to everyday challenges—whether in the workplace, in speech, or in balancing spiritual life with modern demands. With heartfelt stories and practical guidance, she offers a grounded path toward wisdom, mindfulness, and right living. Key Takeaways: 🗣️ Right Speech Matters – How the words we use can either uplift or harm, and ways to speak with intention and compassion. 🧘 Mindfulness in Daily Life – Practical tips to integrate Dhamma into your workday, commute, and even lunch breaks. 💡 Simple Principles, Deep Impact – Why values like generosity, morality, and clarity of mind are essential for lasting happiness. #RightSpeech #ModernMindfulness #BuddhistWisdom #DhammaInDailyLife #LiveWithCompassion About the Speaker Venerable 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. Her formal journey into monastic life began in 2005 when she left the household life to become an Anagarika. Her ordination as a Dasasil (akin to a Sāmaṇerī) took place in November 2008 under the sacred Sri Mahābodhi at Bodhgaya, India. Her preceptor-teacher was Ven. Mahinda Mahāthera, a proponent of Mettā and one of the early disciples of the late Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Nāyaka Mahāthera from Malaysia. Her meditation teacher was Ven. Nadimale Sumedhā Maniyo of Sri Lanka, who guided her in samatha-vipassanā meditation practices. On 21 June 2015, she took her higher ordination under the guidance of preceptor Ven. B. Sri Saranankara Nāyaka Mahāthera – the Chief Judiciary Monk of Malaysia, and bhikkhuni preceptor-teacher Ayya Santinī Mahātherī of Indonesia. 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. Transcript: https://bit.ly/hol-ep-57 Timestamps: (00:00) – Power of speech and first impressions (01:00) – Ego and decision-making in teams (02:00) – Communicating with clarity and empathy (03:00) – Leading with Dhamma and unity (04:00) – Right speech in difficult situations (05:00) – Transforming unwholesome language (06:00) – Speech as a source of harm or healing (07:00) – Choosing words that reduce negativity (08:00) – True meaning of “being busy” (09:00) – Mindfulness in everyday routines (10:00) – Practicing generosity and morality (11:00) – Living by the five precepts (12:00) – Simplicity, health, and presence 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, Amelia Toh, Hannah Law Editor and transcriber of this episode: Hong Jiayi, Ang You Shan, Tan Si Jing, Bernice Bay, Cheryl Cheah HOL indent visuals: Anton Thorne Jingle and Sound effects: Tan Pei Shan, Ang You Shan Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook
