Join us to celebrate this International Women’s Day and be inspired by the stories of these amazing women on the art of letting go from health, career, relationship to self-acceptance.
Meet our human library authors
Click on the pictures to find out more about their stories on the art of letting go
Book Title:
Embracing Liberation: Overcoming the Fear of Letting Go
Author:
Sayalay Sujata
Synopsis:
In the profound teachings of the Phena Sutta, the Buddha eloquently illustrates the impermanent nature of existence: form as foam, feeling as bubbles, perception as mirages, fabrications as banana trees, and consciousness as magic tricks. This wisdom invites us to gently embrace the practice of letting go.
Just as peeling the layers of a banana tree reveals the exquisite beauty of emptiness, embracing this process brings forth carefreeness, ease, and joy. Yet, for many of us on the spiritual path, the greatest hurdle in letting go is the fear of the unknown, the "what ifs," and "what's next." It requires courage, understanding, and faith to transcend these barriers.
Profile:
Sayalay Sujata is a Singaporean Buddhist nun who started her career in the banking and finance sector but decided to embark on a spiritual journey after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Since then, she has had the privilege of studying with great masters from various countries and traditions, which has enriched her spiritual journey immensely. Sayalay also underwent monastic and meditation training in Myanmar for more than a decade, which further deepened her understanding of Buddhism.
Currently, she serves as the spiritual advisor for Nanyang Technological University Buddhist Society and Buddhist Fellowship Youth, where she shares her knowledge and experience with the younger generation. Her passion for serving the community inspired her to pursue a Master's Degree in Counselling at the National Institute of Education. She also volunteers as a counsellor at Kong Meng San's Counselling Social Services and Dot Connection Growth Centre, providing emotional support and guidance to those in need.
Sayalay aspires to help people cultivate their spiritual journey, integrating Buddhist philosophy and practices into the professional counselling framework of self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-change. By doing so, she hopes to help individuals lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Book Title:
Learning to let go of control
Author:
Cheryl Goh
Synopsis:
From concealed worries to embracing open vulnerabilities, she navigates the emotional maze of IVF. She sheds the rigid armour of societal pressures, learning to distinguish supportive whispers from doubtful echoes. Eight cycles of hope and heartbreak shape a lesson in relinquishing control. Not of the dream itself, but of the urge to dictate its outcome. Every needle prick, every surge of hormones, contributes a stroke to the canvas of resilience. She confronts the silent internal struggle, the question marked in every teardrop: "When is enough, truly enough?" Yet, solace blossoms in the quiet realization that she has given her all, bravely teetering on the edge of possibility. In this surrender, a newfound beauty unfolds—a beauty that embraces impermanence. Vulnerability, once a protective shield, transforms into a source of strength, unveiling a heart enriched with the wisdom of a lived journey. By letting go, she discovers not emptiness, but a universe of strength revealed in the cracks of vulnerability.
Profile:
Cheryl Goh is a seasoned banking professional with over 16 years of expertise in the trade finance industry. Her journey encompasses diverse roles, including Trade Finance Operations, the Middle Office, and serving as a Client Service Manager. Currently excelling in project management, Cheryl's extensive and varied experience underscores her versatile skill set, positioning her as a valuable asset in navigating the complexities of trade finance.
Book Title:
Let go to gain so much more
Author:
Sis Phanida
Synopsis:
Lessons from my time abroad has helped me discover that letting go doesn't imply indifference or detachment; rather, a conscious choice to free oneself from the burdens of clinging to outcomes and beliefs.
Like many forms of art, mastering the art of letting go is a journey of ongoing practice. As I continue on my path of letting go, I have found that the more i release, i create More room for abundance of peace, courage, and joy to flow into my life.
Profile:
With over a decade of teaching and working with young children and families in Singapore, Russia and Qatar, Phanida has recently returned to Singapore and is now pursuing a new career in the financial sector.
Her spiritual journey in Buddhism began with a poignant deathbed promise from her mother to her late grandfather. Her journey in Buddhism encountered detours but the profound teachings of Buddha remain a beacon, gently steering her back to a path of balance , gentleness and resilience through life's inevitable ups and downs.
Book Title:
Who is Clinging On, Why ?
Author:
Dr. Fong
Synopsis:
I started my banking career at age 32 with JPMorgan as an Associate after my PhD and became a Managing Director after 7 years. This speed of promotion shows how intense I was in pursuing my career. Indeed, I was a workaholic, powering on at least 12 hours a day and 6-7 days a week. Apart from my elderly parents and husband (we have no kids), career was my everything. I was happily chugging along with the rat race, enjoying all the privileges of a good banking career. I even moved to new bank and started all over again at age 56 when many bankers my age had either retired or were actively contemplating retirement. Looking back, it was a crazy decision! But last year, I was awakened to recognize mortality due to health scares. I decided it was time to switch gears. At the same time, I realized that letting go of an identity and of all the privileges I had built up over 32 years wasn’t easy. Thus, I am extremely thankful for Buddha’s fundamental teachings on the Three Universal Truths, Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, and Twelve Links of Dependent Origination, etc. which guide me as I constantly question – Who is Clinging On? Why? What Is The Purpose of Life? Why Am I Here? Who Am I? What Is Life After Death? Meditating on these questions and facing my defiled self helps me to reset my goal in life. I am reading David Brooks’ “The Second Mountain – The Quest for a Moral Life”, and I look forward to an exciting time climbing my own Second Mountain.
Profile:
Dr Fong Cheng Hong grew up in a small village in Malaysia, and through her sheer determination, completed a PhD in Economics with a scholarship from the US government. After an eminent 32 years in banking in Singapore, with 14 years heading research and 18 years in private banking, she retired in February 2024. During her researcher/economist career, Dr Fong was a sought-after speaker and analyst on global economic and political issues, appearing regularly in the media. Dr Fong is passionate about philanthropy, and at age 46 switched from being a researcher/economist to being a private banker in order to educate clients on legacy giving. She was Chairperson of the Investment Committee and a Board Member for Community Foundation of Singapore focusing on linking donors and charity programs. Like many retirees, Dr Fong is actively planning the next phase of her journey. Given her interest in mental health issues and inspired by David Brooks’ book “The Second Mountain – The Quest for a Moral Life”, Dr Fong has taken up Buddhist Counselling courses under Venerable Ding Rong and aspires to practice Buddhism, engaging Buddha’s teachings to help those in need.
Book Title:
Gratitude that brings us Happiness !
Author:
Sis Priscilla
Synopsis:
When a family crisis struck, I decided that while this is a traumatic experience, it doesn't have to stay as a trauma in my life.
My decision on the onset to get something positive out of this experience really helped me weather and break the ceiling to find success.
Profile:
Priscilla Lim is a Regional Corporate Banker for subsidiaries of large multinationals (“MNCs”) based in the Asia Pacific for a large global bank with a head office in the USA. She drives conversations with key decision makers and global/regional influencers for MNCs to partner with us across the 12 countries in Asia where we have a presence.
Pris joined the current bank in late 1999 and held roles across corporate banking and treasury sales focusing on cash management.
Pris plays an active role in her Bank’s volunteering and philanthropy efforts. Besides being the co-Chairman of the Singapore Philanthropy committee, she is an Exco member in the Singapore Community Volunteer committee. She won the Global Volunteer Award in 2018 and Global Diversity & Inclusion Award in 2021. She also mentors some juniors to help them succeed in their career and live a more meaningful life. Pris was recognised by House of Rose as one of the Most Inspirational Women in Leadership in Dec 2023.
Book Title:
Tight Grip on the Handful of Sand
Author:
Sis Marcelly
Synopsis:
Marcelly is just another woman who’s blessed to be a daughter, a wife, a mother, a career woman and a friend, at the same time, continuously learning to walk the middle path while learning the Art of Letting Go. She is an avid fan and eager student of Ajahn Brahm and admittedly still a messy work in progress.
Her lifelong career path has been in Sales Leadership, in fact if you look carefully, there’s “Sell” in her name.
She hopes to contribute to the Buddhist society where she can add value with her expertise and experience.
Profile:
Marcelly Suhali has a strong work history, starting in 2005 as a Business Development Engineer at ST Engineering. From 2006 to 2019, they worked at Walton Global as a Vice President of Sales. Following that, Marcelly worked at Shared Services & Outsourcing Network (SSON) as a Partnerships Director from January 2019 to July 2019. They then joined Darwinbox, where they initially served as a Sales Director for the SEA market, leading the company's expansion in the region. In 2020, they took on the role of Regional Sales Leader. Currently, Marcelly holds the position of Head of Partnerships and Alliances, APAC at Darwinbox, where they focus on developing strategic partnerships.
Marcelly Suhali holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford (1999-2001), a B.Eng degree in Mechanical Engineering from the National University of Singapore (2001-2005), and a Certificate in Digital Marketing Leadership from Squared Online (2018-2019). Additionally, Marcelly has a Diploma in Counselling and Psychoteraphy from Dot Connections (2018) and obtained an IGCSE from Concord College (1996-1998). Marcelly also holds a Design Sprint Facilitator Certificate from Lean Disruptor, obtained in October 2018.
Book Title:
Ouch ! Drop the Second Arrow!
Author:
Sis ShuoMei
Synopsis:
The Buddha taught that in life , we can't always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. The second arrow is optional." In our daily life, we are conditioned to "solve problems ", regardless of their scale. When something does not go our way, it is a "problem ". Until and unless we become mindful of our thoughts processes, we are really self-inflicting pain with our quiver full of second arrows . How and when can we abandon our attachment to the pain we inflict on ourselves?
Profile:
A retired public servant whose 40 year career spanned social security, community development and public healthcare. A mother of 3 adult daughters who mentors young leaders and volunteers with charitable causes.. Shuo Mei currently sits on the board of Brahm Centre and ,
Aranya Sangha Dana Fellowship . She is also an active volunteer with Care for the Elderly Foundation. In addition, over the last 24 years, Shuo Mei has solemnised the marriages as Licensed Solemniser /Deputy Registrar of Marriages.
Book Title:
I don't want to be a superwoman, I want to be a water bear. A story on resilience, hope and faith
Author:
Sis Joey
Synopsis:
Gain inspiration on how you can tap into the power of the Buddhist faith to gain inner strength to overcome life hardships and turn them into opportunities for personal growth and happiness. An abrupt health event in my 30s affected my mobility and "forced" me to let go of my ideal career, my duty as the 'perfect' mum, daughter and even my dignity. Stripped of all conventional identities, I embarked on a search and found my inherent self-worth based on the wise teachings of the Buddha. If you are curious about the book title, water bears can survive in a -134 degree Celsius environment and even in outer space, making them the most resilient creatures on Earth! Although the term sounds invincible, let's not forget that ‘superwoman’ is just a myth.
Profile:
Joey is in her late 30s and was a civil servant in the social sector for 13 years before making a career switch to be a self-employed digital marketer. She has a school-going child and has got herself certified in early childhood teaching due to her innate love for children, on top of nature and animals. Joey sees the world with refreshed eyes, different perspectives and renewed Buddhist faith after the diagnosis of a genetic illness.
Book Title:
Crystal Ball
Author:
Gladys
Synopsis:
Stories of love, heart ache and betrayal. Listen to her many stories from her work that will inspire you! From the vast experience of Khema; do come and ask! Ask and discover tips and techniques to transform your deepest fear and secrets. Or Simply learn to breathe and enjoy. Lets go!
Profile:
Khema So facilitates clients to have a better understanding of their inner world and resources. Trained as a special education teacher, psychologist and counsellor spanning over 30years. Her light-hearted and supportive facilitative style has helped children, adults, and seniors to transform their cognitive distortions, anxiety, depression and relationship issues into one of love, joy and freedom. She obtained a Master of Arts (Psychology) from the University of Sydney and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Satir Systemic Brief Therapy. When she retires, she sees herself in a cruise ship providing readings with a crystal ball.