Practical Buddhist Wisdom For a Happier Life
Ep 73: Retiring from Singapore Elite Special Forces to Buddhist Monk ft. Venerable Drachom
Can you become fearless not by becoming stronger, but by learning to love more deeply?
In this thought-provoking conversation, Ven Drachom explores what it means to move beyond fear and develop a deeper relationship with compassion, courage, discipline, and suffering. Drawing from his experiences as a former SEAL-trained anti-terrorist commando and his Buddhist spiritual practice, he offers a very different perspective on what it means to become a spiritual warrior.
Rather than seeing fear as something that must simply be defeated, Ven Drachom describes a transformation in which fear gradually gives way to love. The goal is not to become emotionally numb or invulnerable. Instead, it is to develop the inner strength to meet difficult experiences without immediately reacting to them.
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Ep 73: Retiring from Singapore Elite Special Forces to Buddhist Monk ft. Venerable Drachom
Can you become fearless not by becoming stronger, but by learning to love more deeply?
In this thought-provoking conversation, Ven Drachom explores what it means to move beyond fear and develop a deeper relationship with compassion, courage, discipline, and suffering. Drawing from his experiences as a former SEAL-trained anti-terrorist commando and his Buddhist spiritual practice, he offers a very different perspective on what it means to become a spiritual warrior.
Rather than seeing fear as something that must simply be defeated, Ven Drachom describes a transformation in which fear gradually gives way to love. The goal is not to become emotionally numb or invulnerable. Instead, it is to develop the inner strength to meet difficult experiences without immediately reacting to them.
What an AI-composed Heart Sutra taught me about emptiness
An AI-assisted interpretation of the Heart Sutra unexpectedly reveals emptiness as a source of creativity, resilience, and renewal rather than nihilism. Through the simple image of a child playing with clay, the ancient teaching becomes personal, accessible, and deeply human.
Ep 72: Buddhist Monk with The Duty to Kill ft Venerable Drachom
What happens when a former Special Forces operative turns his attention from confronting external threats to confronting the hardest enemy of all—the mind?
In this episode, Ven Drachom reflects on his experience in Singapore’s Special Forces, the meaning of responsibility, and his journey into Buddhist practice. He shares why the happiness we chase externally is temporary, how self-cherishing creates suffering, and why the ultimate goal isn't simply to feel peaceful—but to develop clarity so we can do more for others.
Five Precepts, Eight Precepts: What’s the Real Difference?
The Five Precepts support ethical daily living, while the Eight Precepts create temporary conditions for deeper practice. One helps you live well in the world, the other helps you step back and study the mind.
How Devas Became an Unexpected Part of My Buddhist Practice
A personal reflection on how devas became a meaningful and grounding part of Buddhist practice through sutta stories, merit dedication, and everyday mindfulness. Discover a gentle, non-mystical perspective on relating to devas as spiritual companions who support the path towards awakening.
Ep 71: From Princeton Graduate & Singapore Civil Servant to Buddhist Nun ft Venerable Damcho
What happens when you follow the Singapore path, tick the right boxes, and still feel like something is missing?
In this episode, Cheryl speaks with Venerable Damcho on her unexpected path into Buddhism, from heartbreak and anxiety in university, to meditation, retreats, ordination, and discovering a kind of happiness that did not depend on external success.
How Seeking To Balance Everything Nearly Cost Me My Relationship
Be mindful of the underlying metaphors that shape your view of relationships. Relationships are not transactions to be balanced out, but collaborative artworks that are infinitely deep. Give selflessly with no expectation of return. Ironically, this is also how you are rewarded with beautiful and deep connections.
A Precious Retreat at Plum Village: Coming Home Within
A heartfelt reflection on a Plum Village retreat, revealing how mindfulness can be gently woven into everyday moments to cultivate presence, compassion, and inner refuge.
Through embracing emotions and deepening connections, the experience offers practical insights for living with greater love, understanding, and peace beyond the retreat.
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Handful of Leaves | Buddhist Blog on Practical Buddhist Wisdom for a Happier Life
Welcome to Handful of Leaves, a Buddhist blog for youths seeking practical wisdom for a fulfilling life. Our mission is to share the teachings, reflections & practice of Dhamma in a relatable and accessible way for young people in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. By learning about mindfulness, compassion, impermanance and inner peace through our articles and resources, you can gain the tools to navigate through the complexities of modern life with grace and clarity. Join us on a journey to discover how this ancient wisdom can help us live life to the fullest with more meaning & purpose.