In this heartfelt farewell episode, Kai Xin shares her personal journey of stepping away from Handful of Leaves to fully pursue the spiritual path. Together with Heng Xuan, they reflect on the early days of HOL, the community they’ve built, and what lies ahead. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the platform, this episode is a touching reminder of purpose, presence, and legacy.
Key Takeaways:
🙏 Honoring a New Chapter – Kai Xin shares her decision to step down from HOL to focus on formal Buddhist practice.
💡 Legacy & Letting Go – Reflections on building HOL and trusting the team to carry the vision forward.
🌱 What’s Next for HOL – Heng Xuan shares how the platform will evolve and continue to serve the Buddhist community.
#MindfulTransitions #BuddhistWisdom #SpiritualJourney #HandfulOfLeaves #DharmaInAction
About the Speakers:
👤 Koh Kai Xin is a co-founder of HighSpark, a strategic communications consulting and training agency. She started her Dhamma journey at the age of 17 with Buddhist Fellowship Singapore and has been volunteering her time at various Buddhist organisations. She's now a mentor under the SBM mentorship programme. Her perfect holiday is a long meditation retreat in the forest monasteries.
👤 Teo Heng Xuan works as a senior associate in an investment firm. He is also the co-founder of DAYWA, a community for young Buddhist working adults in Singapore & Handful Of Leaves, a popular Buddhist media platform that publishes insightful articles and a podcast series. He is also a mentor for the BFY youth group.
Transcript: https://bit.ly/hol-this-is-goodbye
Timestamps:
(00:00) – Kai Xin announces her departure from Handful of Leaves
(01:26) – Origin of HOL and vision to make Buddhism accessible
(06:17) – Why Kai Xin chose to step down
(08:28) – Emotional struggles and clarity while in Thailand
(11:51) – Heng Xuan reflects on the impact and future without Kai Xin
(13:54) – Transition planning and empowering the team
(15:40) – Financial sustainability and staying true to Dhamma
(17:51) – Confidence in the path and finding support in Thailand
(22:29) – Milestones and meaningful community impact
(26:05) – Kai Xin’s commitment to practice and simple living
(28:32) – The future of HOL: new formats, new contributors
(30:30) – Parting advice: use the three poisons as a guide
(35:06) – How to support HOL: skills, donations, and personal practice
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 and transcriber of this episode:
Hong Jia Yi, 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