What does Vesak mean beyond flowers, incense, and rituals? In this warm and insightful conversation, the HOL team reflects on their childhood memories, evolving understanding, and personal aspirations for Vesak. From funny temple stories to deep reflections on renunciation, this episode explores how we can live the true spirit of Vesak — not just on one day, but every day. Key Takeaways: 🌱 From Ritual to Reflection – How Vesak transformed from a cultural event into a meaningful spiritual practice. 🧘 Practice Over Offerings – Why the Buddha taught that our actions — not flowers or incense — are the highest form of respect. 💛 Faith in Human Potential – Vesak is a reminder that we too can walk the path the Buddha walked. #VesakReflections #EverydayDharma #ModernBuddhism #HandfulOfLeaves #BuddhistWisdom About the Speakers: 👤 Hong Jiayi works in communications. She began her Dhamma journey last year, a path that has since become a grounding presence in her life. She volunteers with DAYWA, a community for young Buddhist working adults in Singapore, and serves as an editor on the podcast team at Handful of Leaves. Outside of work and Dhamma, she trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a sport that keeps her humble, grounded, and occasionally squished. 👤 Teo Heng Soon (known as Soon in short) graduated from the University of Melbourne and is now a human capital consultant. Passionate about people, he has been a leader with multiple volunteer organisations like the Dyslexic Association of Singapore. Buddhist Fellowship Youth has been his Dhamma home for 12 years. Honing his leadership skills, he has learnt to give Dhamma talks and conduct workshops and sutta discussions. On a personal level, Soon is passionate about the arts - from Karate to Photography. Transcript: https://bit.ly/hol-ep-58 Timestamps: (00:00) – Introduction: Gratitude for the Buddha and what Vesak means (00:56) – Hosts share their backgrounds in Buddhism (03:00) – Childhood memories and early Vesak experiences (06:45) – How understanding of Vesak deepened over time (07:55) – From taking to giving: Vesak as spiritual transformation (10:05) – Honoring the Buddha through practice, not just ritual (11:15) – Why precepts matter and how they bring freedom (13:58) – Restraint vs. comfort in modern life (15:45) – Redefining happiness: freedom from craving (16:15) – Letting go of ego and being present with others (17:30) – Daily check-in: living wholesomely beyond Vesak (21:15) – Faith in the Buddha and our human potential (24:13) – Practicing Vesak meaningfully for the first time (26:38) – The Buddha’s compassion and sacrifice (29:28) – Seeing the Buddha as a relatable human (31:19) – Aspirations: letting go, gratitude, compassion (34:45) – Closing: What does Vesak mean to you? Resource: The Snake Simile where the Buddha calls someone foolishhttps://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.022.nypo.html#:~:text=6.%20%22Of%20whom,time.%22%5B3%5D 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, Shin Hui Chong Sponsor us here: https://handfulofleaves.life/support/ Editor of this episode: Aparajita Ghose Website: aparajitayoga.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLdn8TJKbY1uQ9PQr5AUsA Transcribers of this episode: Tan Si Jing, Bernice Bay Visual and Sound Effects: Anton Thorne, Tan Pei Shan, Ang You Shan Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook
