Background & Introduction (Theoretical Orientation)
Esther is a Hong Kong native who was born and raised in a working-class family. Her parents both had to work outside of the home for a living, so from a young age, she learnt to take care of her two younger sisters and had cultivated a sense of discipline, independence, and resilience in her.
When she was admitted to the University of Hong Kong, being passionate for art since childhood, she chose to study architecture from which she pursued a combined discipline of "Design" and "Practice." She is now a Registered Architect in Hong Kong and an "Authorized Person" listed under the Building Ordinance of HKSAR.
After practicing in the field of architecture for over twenty years, in year 2018, she pursued further studies in the University of Hong Kong and completed the first Master's degree programme in Buddhist Counseling in year 2020. Subsequently, she also completed the first Professional Diploma program and practicum training in Buddhist Counseling Practice offered by the School of Professional and Continuing Education of the University of Hong Kong in year 2023.
With outstanding achievements in both of these systematically cultivated programmes/ training for Buddhist counsellors and completion of her registration as a Buddhist counsellor in the newly established Register of Buddhist Counselors by the Hong Kong Buddhist Association in 2023, she is transitioning from her professional expertise in architectural design for living spaces to her second professional endeavor in which she concentrates in assisting people to construct their inner spiritual spaces and to regain inner peace.
As someone who has experienced adversities, Esther deeply recognizes the therapeutic effects of Buddhist teachings. Through the circumstances of causality and achievement, her previous painful experiences have transformed into valuable resources on her path as a Buddhist counsellor in assisting her to navigate people through darkness, free themselves from suffering, and start a peaceful and liberated life.
Personal introduction
On her journey into the field of Buddhist counselling, Esther reflects:
"I once fell in adversity, thinking I had lost all my happiness and future, pushing myself to the edge of extreme suffering, believing that life had lost its meaning..."
By a fortuitous coincidence, a struggling fish caught on a hook pierced through the illusion, and driven by my unwavering character, I discovered the teachings of the Buddha amidst the vast ocean of self-psychological healing knowledge. It brought me insight to live on.
The moment I emerged from darkness into clarity, a thought resonated in my mind: 'If, during the long process of self-healing, there had been someone to guide me with the teachings of the Buddha, then I would not have needed ten years of stumbling and seeking to heal myself!'
Through a combination of causes and conditions, in 2018, I was deeply drawn to a promotional poster for the first Master's degree programme in Buddhist Counseling offered by the Center of Buddhist Studies of the University of Hong Kong, which stated, 'Motivated by Compassion.' It awakened the seed within me to explore whether I could become a 'guiding light' and it leads me into the field of Buddhist counselling.
From 2018 until now, as I received systematic training on Buddhist Counselling, I also grew and realized that it was my own mind that had trapped me. The 'orientation of the mind' played a crucial and influential role in how I faced the ups and downs of life. The teachings of the Buddha are "psychological medications" for 'revamping the mind,' not only alleviating the current psychological suffering but also providing a long-lasting prescription for living in accordance with truth and finding inner peace.
During the process of gaining professional qualifications and engaging in practical training, I further discovered that the pain I had once experienced has transformed into valuable resources for my Buddhist counseling service. The more I walk on this meaningful journey, the more enthusiastic I become..."