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 Cheah