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Handful of Leaves | Mindfulness & Buddhism in Everyday LifeAuthor: Handful Of Leaves
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. www.handfulofleaves.life #Podcast #Buddhism #Mindfulness Language: en Genres: Buddhism, Religion & Spirituality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Ep 66: Alone But Not Lonely ft. Ven Sumangala
Thursday, 29 January, 2026
What does it mean to be alone without feeling lonely? In this episode, Venerable Sumangala reflects on solitude, companionship, and the inner stability needed to stand confidently on our own. Drawing from Buddhist teachings and lived experience, she shares why learning to be at ease with oneself is essential for mental freedom, emotional resilience, and genuine connection with others.✨ Key Takeaways:🧘 Solitude Is Not Loneliness — being alone becomes nourishing when the mind is trained to be steady, kind, and present.🤝 Right Companionship Matters — wise friendships support growth and values, without creating dependence or fear of being alone. 🌱 Inner Stability Creates Freedom — when we are rooted within ourselves, we relate to others from wholeness.#AloneButNotLonely #BuddhistWisdom #MindfulLiving #InnerPeace #SpiritualFriendshipAbout 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.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-66⏱Timestamps:(00:00) Being alone versus feeling lonely(02:05) Why modern life amplifies loneliness(04:30) Learning to be comfortable with oneself(07:10) Solitude as a spiritual training(09:55) The role of spiritual friendship(12:40) Boundaries, dependence, and healthy connection(15:20) Loneliness as a teacher(17:45) Cultivating inner refuge(20:10) Living fully alone but not lonelyResources:Ariya Vihara Buddhist Society website - https://ariyavihara.org/Ariya Vihara Building Project - https://ariyavihara.org/ariya-vihara-building-project/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, Dennis Lee, Kayliam, Darren🙏 Sponsor us: https://handfulofleaves.life/support/🎬 Editor: Hong Jiayi✍️ Transcribers: Cheryl Cheah, Tan Si Jing, Bernice Bay🎨 Visuals & Sound: Anton Thorne, Tan Pei Shan, Ang You Shan📱 Get Connected: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook
