DATIN NG WEE CHIN's - Kechara

T h e Ke c h a r a i n - h o u s e q u a r t e r l y n e w s l e t t e r
Apr - Jun 2010
* For In-House circulation & Non-Muslims Only/ Not for circulation/ Not for sale
reliving the success of
The Grand Setrap
& Dzambala Puja 2010
the first rumblings at
KECHARA WORLD PEACE CENTRE
FEEDING hunger to feed hope with
kechara soup kitchen
kechara house’s dynamic
new committee 2010 - 2012
DatIN NG WEE CHIN’s
incredible contribution to dharma

EDITOR’S n o t e
We want to hear from you!
Dear Readers,
Wow, it’s been an exciting first quarter of 2010 – “action-packed” barely describes the huge hive
of activity that has been going on over the last three months.
As we head firmly and steadily into the rest of the year, the manifestation of our ultimate
dream and vision is fast becoming a reality - our retreat centre, Kechara World Peace Centre.
Check out the first glimpses of legendary KWPC history on the page 3, which see us going right
into the heart of the 30-acre land.
Expansion and growth isn’t just about a physical building though, as H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
always reminds us. More importantly, it is about an “inner-Kechara World Peace Centre” which
is developed by our sincere practice and mind transformation.
no more caves is brought to you by the
Kechara Buddhist organisation. For more
information about Kechara, its branches
and activities, please contact us.
Kechara House
Lot 21-1 & 23-1, Jalan PJU 1/3G,
Sunwaymas Commercial Center,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, MALAYSIA
t: +603 7803 3908
f: +603 7803 3108
e: care@kechara.com
w: www.kechara.com
This issue we see many exciting and incredible examples of how this practice is becoming
more and more firmly rooted in our modern lives – our cover story about a very special Dharma
pioneer, Datin Ng Wee Chin, shows us what can be achieved when we share the many blessings
of our own lives to benefit others, through Dharma.
From the Grand Setrap & Dzambala Puja 2010 (pages 4 & 5) to the resounding success of the
Kechara Soup Kitchen fundraising dinner (pages 6 & 7), Kechara is truly bringing Dharma more
closely into people’s hearts and minds. By our involvement with these activities, we ourselves
are constantly given these rare opportunities to “get our hands dirty”, toughen up our spiritual
mettle and practice.
And the best thing is, there’s much more in store for Kechara. Sometimes, there just don’t seem
to be enough hours in the day! We hope we’ll see you in the throng of activities soon too.
With love and respect,
Jamie xxx
Q U O T E S
W e b W i s d o m f r o m
H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
The biggest Buddha in the world is the one inside of you:
the Buddha potential.
Changing one’s motivation is very hard.
But not changing is harder in the long run and it gets worse.
Read “Wheel of Sharp Weapons”.
Devotion to a teacher isn’t something new. We’ve been devoted to
materialism, music, partners, cars, entertainment. Change focus.
Taking care of your Guru is like taking care of yourself. The easier it is
for them, the easier they can disseminate the Dharma to you.
If you really want something truly bad enough,
work towards it, then you can get it. Just one day at a time.
Love the wisdom? “Follow” Rinpoche on Twitter and have instant wisdom delivered to you
every day. Check out www.twitter.com/tsemtulku and start tweeting!
For further details of all Kechara
departments and contacts, please refer
to www.kechara.com
Who’s Who in the Cave
Spiritual Guide:
H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
Editor:
Jamie Khoo
Contributors:
Kechara House Grand Setrap &
Dzambala Puja Committee,
Sharon Saw, Tsem Ladrang
Photography:
e-division of Tsem Ladrang, Kechara
House Grand Setrap & Dzambala Puja
Committee, Kechara Soup Kitchen,
Fang Chyi Chang, Ngeow Voon Chin,
Khong Jean Ai
Art Director:
Fang Chyi Chang
Printed by:
ESN Advertising
02

the start of
a legacy
The beginnings of Kechara World Peace Centre.
The earth is starting to shift and rustle in the highlands of Kechara World Peace Centre (KWPC)
as the first signs of work begin up there.
As part of the process of obtaining approvals for building works on our 30-acre retreat land, it
is necessary to do tests on the land. These are done by drilling the land up to a 26-metre depth
to extract soil samples. The samples are then tested in a lab and the results will be used in
future as supportive data for structural designs and the foundation laying of the buildings.
Our very own super engineer and Uncle Bob the Builder, Liaison Ngeow Voon Chin of the KWPC
Executive Committee, went up every day during the drilling to oversee the works and ensure
that all went according to plan. He was the first among us to really venture where no one had
gone before, thus creating big history as we embark on the first steps to making KWPC manifest!
Here are some photos to celebrate this most auspicious first chapter in our new history.
Ngeow (right) with the foreman of the drilling
team stand in front of one of the drilling rigs
used for extracting soil samples.
The cranes and “magic
hands” carve out rough
roads to access different
parts of the land for
testing.
Ngeow charters new territory and makes history up in KWPC.
A scene out of Avatar?
No, just the beautiful,
magical lands of KWPC.
03

The stunning main altar and centre
stage was meticulously set up by
a large team of volunteers. Pujas
were all conducted on the stage
itself, surrounded by 108 specially
designed, new Setrap statues, a
large wealth of water offerings
and tsok offerings.
Kechara Paradise on Earth
Reliving the magnificence of the Grand Setrap and Dzambala Puja 2010
Kechara’s second annual Grand Setrap and
Dzambala Puja (GSDP) over the weekend
of January 30th and 31st was an astounding
success, surpassing our inaugural event last
year in décor, energy and atmosphere.
The theme of the event was A Garden
of Wealth and Protection, brought to life by
our incomparable celebrity designer and
Apprentice Liaison Bill Keith.
Beautifully put together with Himalayan
touches of traditional thangkas, brocades
and victory banners, the entire KL & Selangor
Chinese Assembly Hall was transformed into
an ethereal atmosphere of bright colours
and lights – truly Kechara Paradise on earth.
It was a magnificent beginning to the new
year of the Tiger, introducing the blessings of
both Dharma Protector Setrap and Buddha
of Wealth Dzambala to Malaysians. The
event saw a total of six pujas performed in
both English and Chinese to clear obstacles
for 2010 and to invite protection and wealth,
both inner and outer, for ourselves and all
our loved ones.
Each of Kechara’s departments had its
own area, decorated with its individual and
unique style. It was a grand opportunity for
the entire organisation – all its staff and
volunteers – to share their Dharma work and
activities with the 800 over new faces who
came to visit us over the weekend.
Many visitors came on both days, and
stayed for long periods, because there
was just so much to see and do that it
was impossible to finish in one day. Many
travelled from Klang, Melaka, Singapore and
Penang just to attend the event.
With Rinpoche’s blessings, and
everyone’s dedication to make this event
spectacular, we hope these two days have
touched the lives of many who came and
that they will be inspired to explore their
spiritual journeys further with Kechara.
Setrap practitioners such as Associate
Liaison Kok Yek Yee and Mr. K.H. Ng
(both centre) shared their personal
experiences of this great, ancient
practice with all at the puja. This brought
a more personal and very touching
aspect to the practice, as they showed
how relevant and beneficial Setrap’s
practice can be for modern people.
04

Liaison Datuk May Phng, representing Tsem Ladrang and the
Liaisons’ Council, gave a welcome speech followed by Liaison
Paul Yap, Chairperson of the GSDP organising committee.
Inviting
Setrap
home
TOP: Individual booths were set up to reflect the special energy
of each Kechara department. Here are the KMP and KSK booths
which were specially decorated to best showcase their work and
allow guests to “tour” their department.
RIGHT: A beautiful waterfall for the practice of “bathing” Dzambala was set up especially for the weekend.
Complete with rich foliage and actual flowing water, it was a stunning offering to the Buddha of Wealth,
totally conceptualised by Bill Keith.
The event was officially launched when we invited an image of the previous life of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche,
the Spiritual Guide of Kechara organisation, in to the puja, which was placed on the main altar.
Loved the puja and want a piece of it at
home with you for the rest of the year?
Or did you miss it and wish you could
have been there? It’s never too late to
invite the blessings of Setrap into your
home for this year and forever.
For the first time ever, speciallycustomised
18-inch Setrap statues are
available for you to invite home for your
personal prayer and practice. Crafted
by Kechara Discovery, these statues are
available ONLY through Kechara and
have been very carefully made to ensure
all iconography and detail are accurate
and beautiful.
The statues are available in both
matte gold and bronze finishing. Of
course, they can be painted or further
customized at our own art department,
Kechara Saraswati Arts, to make your
Setrap statue extra special, just for you
and your family! Then bring your statue
along to our weekly Setrap pujas at
Kechara House to consecrate and seal
the blessings.
If you are serious about the benefits
of Setrap, get a comprehensive Setrap
Box Set in English or Chinese. Each set
has a beautiful Setrap tsa tsa, a book
about Setrap and prayer books (with
instructional DVD) so you can follow
the pujas at Kechara or practise right at
home!
Visit any of our Kechara Paradise
outlets or visit www.kechara.com/
paradise for more information.
05

Feeding Hunger
to Feed Hope
Kechara Soup Kitchen’s Annual Fundraising dinner
raised incredible and vast awareness of their work
to help the homeless.
In her inspiring and deeply passionate opening
speech, our President Ruby Khong explained
that KSK is an NGO working towards a longterm
solution for the homeless.
Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) has come a long
way since it began in 2006 when a group
of friends began distributing 20 packets of
food to the homeless. In the last four years,
we have grown to a dedicated team of
volunteers who hit the streets each weekend
to distribute 800 packets of food.
Recognising the need to provide our
clients with better service, and assist the
increasing number of homeless on our
streets, KSK recently acquired a building as
their new permanent base, off Jalan Imbi in
the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
To be truly effective in our work however,
we need to renovate and properly equip the
building. In light of this, KSK recently held its
annual dinner on February 7 at the Sunway
Pyramid Convention Centre, to raise funds
for this new building.
KSK President Ruby
Khong (centre) with
guests of honour
(from L – R): Shahreen
K a m a l u d d i n ,
Kamaluddin Ali, YB
Datuk Seri Shahrizat
Abdul Jalil, Minister
of Women, Family
and Community
Development and
YBhg. Datuk Dr
Victor Wee, KSK
patron and Chairman
of Tourism Malaysia.
The dinner was graced by our Guest of
Honour, YB Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil,
Minister of Women, Family and Community
Development. Despite Datuk Seri Shahrizat’s
extremely busy schedule, she had made time
to attend this dinner to show support for
KSK. In her speech, Datuk Seri Shahrizat said
she was impressed with the work KSK was
doing and that her Ministry would support
our work. To everyone’s delight, Datuk Seri
made a surprise announcement that the
Ministry would donate RM50,000 to KSK!
She was joined by other distinguished
guests including Mr Ngeow Voon Yean
(Managing Director of Sunway Properties),
Tuan Syed Annuar (Director of Public Affairs
for AmBank Bhd), Aster Lim (Managing
Editor of Blu Inc Media), Patrice Pakium
(Owner of Orient Rewards), Shahreen
Kamaluddin and Kamaluddin Ali.
The patron of KSK, YBhg. Datuk Dr.
Victor Wee, who is also the Chairman of
Malaysia Tourism, delivered a moving speech
with his usual eloquence. He said, “The main
objective of KSK is not feeding more and
more homeless although it will continue to
do so. The real goal is to get the homeless off
the streets by finding shelter homes for them
or to help them to get jobs. I am happy to
note that this month, KSK managed to help
five homeless people to get jobs. Now, that
is the measure of success.”
06

Over 800 guests attended KSK’s annual dinner this year, making it the
biggest and most successful fundraiser ever organised by KSK. By this, many
more people now know of KSK’s works and goals.
Harness the power of the Tiger this year! These
cuddly tigers were up for sponsorship as a means of
raising funds. Tigers were placed at every table and
every single one was snapped up, bringing funds to
KSK and much luck, joy and power of the tigers to
sponsors.
The 800 other dinner guests spent
a joyous evening dining on delicious
vegetarian food, entertained by the melodic
strains of local artistes. Most of all, they left
happy knowing that they had just made a
major contribution to charity... and had fun
doing it! Thanks to the hard work of the KSK
team led by President Ruby Khong, and the
support of our kind Malaysian Government,
KSK is one step closer to getting our building
up and running!
With our new building, we’ll be able
to reach out to more people, to feed their
stomachs and minds, and give them the
assistance they need to get off the streets
for good. If you can help us fulfil our wish list,
or donate to our ongoing regular activities,
contact our Project Director Justin Cheah
at justin.cheah@kechara.com or +6012 203
2135.
In true Kechara spirit, there was plenty of fun and
laughs at the dinner. Kechara’s own Apprentice
Liaison Bill Keith and his good friend DeeDee were
MCs of the evening, bringing their inimitable style
and humour to every table.
Guest of honour, YB
Datuk Seri Shahrizat
Abdul Jalil, Minister
of Women, Family
and Community
Development, was
very supportive of
KSK and expressed
her wish to continue
supporting their
work. Here she is
exchanging greetings
with our own Liaison
Datuk May Phng.
For news and updates about KSK’s activities and the new building, visit www.kechara.
com/ksk. Watch the video of this event here http://kechara.com/ksk/video.php
Who they’re helping
A look at some of the homeless who KSK have helped to bring off the streets.
Mr. Tan Liew Fook
He had been sleeping on
the streets for almost two
weeks until our Kechara Soup
Kitchen (KSK) volunteers
found him in Chow Kit during
a midnight round. KSK’s Project Director, Justin
Cheah, referred Mr. Tan to a security company as a
security officer. Mr. Tan passed the interview and was
offered the post as a guard at a factory in Glenmarie
Industrial Area in Shah Alam.
Shanmuga, Dorey and Siven
These three friends were
on the streets for different
reasons, having gone through
much hardship, depression,
bullying and being cheated.
They’d been having problems securing proper
employment until Justin started talking to them and
recommended they apply to be security officers.
They went for the interview and all got a new job!
Uncle Cheong
Having been jobless for a
month, Uncle Cheong took
to sleeping in the Puduraya
Bus Station. With his consent,
KSK sent Uncle Cheong to Ti-
Ratana, where he can rest quietly and peacefully in
his old age. Uncle Ong, another client who we invited
to retire at Ti-Ratana, readily agreed to take care of
him and be Uncle Cheong’s buddy, looking out for his
well-being.
07

Part of the
Big Family
Honorary Liaison and past Kechara House President, Datin
Ng Wee Chin is one of Kechara’s most loved and respected
members for her unwavering dedication to H.E. Tsem Tulku
Rinpoche and passionate, selfless support of Kechara.
On pilgrimage in Kathmandu, Nepal with
Rinpoche five years ago.
Honorary Liaison Datin Ng Wee Chin, who is the immediate past president of Kechara House
and member of the Kechara World Peace Centre (KWPC) Executive Committee, has played
a vital role in the explosive growth of the Kechara organisation. Quiet and unassuming, her
elegant demeanour belies her achievement as a busy and successful businesswoman who also
has a full family life yet always finds time for Dharma. It wasn’t always like this.
Datin Ng had considered herself a Buddhist but prior to meeting Rinpoche, she had
little knowledge and understanding about Dharma. She confessed that she was not even
particularly inclined towards spirituality before meeting Rinpoche.
All this changed when she was introduced to Rinpoche by Liaison Henry Ooi and his wife,
Angel, on Wesak Day 2004. When she observed over time how committed Kechara members
like Liaison Henry, Liaison Ruby and Angel were, and how they unconditionally supported
Rinpoche’s work, even when they themselves did not have much resources then, Datin Ng
was inspired to help.
Datin making intricate crystal offerings
onto the Buddha statues in Ladrang.
Receiving teachings from Rinpoche in Buddha’s
place of Enlightenment, Bodhgaya.
The Priceless Reward
“I asked myself, if they can, why can’t I? Certainly, Rinpoche had a direct and substantial
impact on me.
“When I learned and understood more about the essential meaning of Dharma, belief and
faith came along naturally. I realised that I shouldn’t waste my life away. Hence, I started to
get more involved in doing Dharma work by putting Dharma methods into practical actions.”
After attending many of Rinpoche’s talks, and finding that the down-to-earth wisdom Rinpoche
shared resonated with her and transformed her life, she committed to support Rinpoche’s
work. Her motivation was that others would gain the benefits that she had received. Thus,
she became one of Rinpoche’s largest and most devoted sponsors. Not one for the limelight,
Datin has always contributed to the organisation quietly and unconditionally. Her priceless
reward has been the Dharma.
She shares, “What I like about Dharma is that if you understand Dharma correctly and act
accordingly, you’ll find much greater satisfaction and meaning in life. More so, it gives the
body and mind a sense of inner peace and calm.
“I support Rinpoche’s Dharma work so that more people can benefit from his teachings as
08

much as I have. When we learn the Dharma, it
will remove our inner and outer obstacles and
eliminate our suffering through our Dharma
practice. Rinpoche can awaken the spirituality
in you, and he can help and guide you to a
spiritual path that will be beneficial to you.”
Datin Ng not only supports Rinpoche’s
work through financial sponsorship but also
actively supports the organisation through
her work on the Kechara World Peace Centre
Executive Committee and during her tenure
as President of Kechara House. On a personal
level, she also spends much of her time
making offerings at the Ladrang, which she
dedicates to the long life of Rinpoche, Kechara
members and friends and her own family.
Datin with her family, who have been very
supportive of her Dharma work.
The Highest Aspiration
“My hope for the Kechara organisation in the
future is for it to be a place of learning and
great peace, totally imbued with spirituality
which will be inspired by love, kindness and
human compassion.
“I also hope that the organisation will be
able to build a greater awareness of the value
of Dharma practice and spread Dharma to
more people, with the goal to alleviate the
sufferings of others.”
For her own spiritual aspirations, she
wishes to continue learning and practising
Dharma until she reaches the final sanctuary
which is a place blessed by Buddha – Kechara
World Peace Centre.
Kechara members both past and present
will always be inspired and grateful to Datin
for her continuous generosity of support: in
time, care and resources, which she extends
without agenda.
Offering body, speech
and mind to Rinpoche at a
KWPC land blessing.
When It All Falls Into Place
As an Honorary Liaison and KWPC Executive
Committee member, Datin finds working with
the Liaison Council and KWPC revolutionary
and legendary. She says, “Working with this
group of people has taught me a lot about
patience and love. Meeting these people has
made me wealthier, not in terms of money
but in working together as a team with care
and harmony. They make me feel like I’m a
part of their big family.”
Having a very full schedule with her
business, family and Dharma, she attributes
her ability to balance it all to good time
management. According to Datin, when we
recognise our priorities in life, everything
else will fall into place.
For busy people with family and work
commitments like herself, she advocates making
the most of the potential we have. If we get our
priorities right and we let whatever touches our
hearts to motivate us, we will automatically
wish to become involved in a worthy cause.
For Datin, Rinpoche’s vision and the growth
of the Kechara organisation is the cause she
has committed to for the rest of her life.
With Rinpoche and Liaison JP Thong at the celebratory dinner for Datin’s Honorary Liaisonship.
09

H.E. TSEM TULKU RINPOCHE’S
BIOGRAPHY The First Signs of a Special Being
This third part of a continuing series about
H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s life story explores
the beginnings of Rinpoche’s profound and
extraordinary connection with Dharma.
Since his early childhood, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s powerful imprints of a Tulku manifested
in his natural devotion towards Buddhist Masters, deities and prayers, and his all-consuming
longing to practise the Dharma.
Often, he would sit on his bed in meditation posture, visualising himself as a high Lama
giving teachings, composing sacred texts on long strips of paper, or drawing and painting
various Buddha forms. These he passed out to other children and his cousins as blessings and
protection.
From a young age, Rinpoche was fascinated by the Buddhas Manjushri, Vajrayogini,
Heruka, Palden Lhamo and Chenrezig, and was profoundly affected by the Eight Verses of
Mind Transformation and Chenrezig’s prayer.
An official school photo of Rinpoche at Land
O’Pines elementary school.
Rinpoche has always loved being in the hills
and forests to meditate.
ABOVE: Rinpoche with his cousins in New Jersey.
RIGHT: Manjushri Buddha has always been
among Rinpoche’s favourite Buddhas.
10

He also had an unusual attraction to H.H.
the Dalai Lama and would spontaneously
chant Om Mani Peme Hung and think of His
Holiness as a Buddha without anyone telling
him to do so. Rinpoche also used to pray to
Manjushri to do better at school. Certainly
none of his classmates prayed to a Buddha
for their school work!
There were other examples of Rinpoche’s
unusual connection to the Dharma. As
a child, he used to see a red lady in his
imagination and would think, “This practice
can take us from this world fast”. Many
times, he would miss the school bus because
he had spent the previous night secretly
reading Dharma books under his blanket (so
his mother wouldn’t catch him). Reluctant
to walk to school in the rain, he would pray
to Medicine Buddha, reciting Om Mani Peme
Hung as he did not know any other mantras.
The rain would stop, and only start again just
as Rinpoche arrived at school! Once, he even
dreamt that the Medicine Buddha appeared
from the sky and stopped other children
from teasing him!
With such powerful imprints from
previous lives, it is not surprising that
Rinpoche would meet his first Guru, the
highly realised Master of Vajrayogini practice
and Abbot-Emeritus of Sera Monastery, H.E.
Kensur Lobsang Tharchin, at Rashi Gempil
Ling (RGL), a Mongolian temple just 10
minutes from his home in Howell, New Jersey.
Sera Mey Kensur Lobsang
Tharchin Rinpoche, the
abbot of Rashi Gempil
Ling and Rinpoche’s first
Guru who gave him his
first Dharma teachings.
From that point onwards, Rinpoche would
spend every free moment at RGL, helping
out, mowing the lawn, washing the dishes
and cleaning. He had a strong desire to work
in the temple and serve his Guru. Attracted to
the wrathful deities, he would spend hours in
the gompa praying to Palden Lhamo.
Of those years in RGL, Rinpoche says,
“I would die to get teachings. I would
tremble with excitement, anticipation
and glee before teachings and initiations.
I would sit there through the whole thing
with my breath held. When it finished, I was
depressed because I loved the Dharma and
I didn’t know what was waiting for me at
home.”
Despite his parents’ opposition to his
Dharma practice, Rinpoche would borrow
Dharma books which he would read
voraciously. He would also call up Michael
Roach, another student of Kensur Rinpoche,
and talk for hours to clarify Dharma
questions.
It was here in RGL that Rinpoche met
H.H. the Dalai Lama for the first time, from
whom he received the oral transmission of
Om Mani Peme Hung and the Eight Verses
of Thought Transformation. After many
requests, Rinpoche also finally received his
first initiation from Kensur Rinpoche; it was
of the “red lady” of his dreams, Vajrayogini.
“My first initiation – I was so excited
for weeks. And also afterwards. Even now
I’m excited when I talk about it! It’s like a
tightness in my chest, that I can’t breathe,”
Rinpoche shares now.
However, in the midst of such excitement
and joy, there was a certain sadness for
Rinpoche for he could not share any of
this with his family, who were completely
unsupportive of his Dharma practice. He
had to keep it all a secret, with devastating
consequences – physical and emotional
abuse, and being grounded – if found out. At
one time, his mother even started spreading
unfounded rumours among Mongolians
about his Guru, Kensur Lobsang Tharchin
Rinpoche.
His foster parents were strictly opposed
to his passion for Dharma and Rinpoche
received the harshest physical and
psychological punishment every time he was
caught at the temple or reciting mantras in
his room.
Everything having to do with Dharma
practice had to be a secret; Rinpoche had to
hide his Manjushri statue in his bedside table
and read Dharma books under the covers
by torchlight; even mantras were recited
secretly and quietly. He had to lie to his
parents every time he went to see his Guru
or to the temple, saying that he was meeting
friends or cousins.
His parents wanted him to study, attend
college, start a family and just pray once
in a while. But although he excelled in his
studies, Rinpoche had a severe dislike of
going to school, finding it a waste of time.
He would constantly pray to do Dharma and
to be a monk. The urge to look for a cave,
meditate and do mantras was overpowering
and consistent.
In spite of the difficulties, Rinpoche
never gave up. He reflects, “I got caught a
few times and was severely beaten for it. But
I kept lying for years. If I went to the temple
and got beaten once, it was worth it. Lying is
bad karma, but not getting Dharma is even
more bad karma.”
Things at home were never easy, but Rinpoche
always found solace in the Dharma.
11

On 23 February 2010, Kechara members
from near and far congregated in Buddha
Oasis, Kechara House 2 for the 2010 Annual
General Meeting (AGM) of Kechara House
Buddhist Association Malaysia (KHBAM).
Chaired by its incumbent President Datin
Ng Wee Chin, the AGM gave us a chance
to look back over the past two years and
welcome in brand new horizons, especially
with the election of the new Kechara House
Committee 2010. As guests of honour, Ven.
Kating Rinpoche and Gen Lobsang Yeshi,
monks visiting from Gaden Monastery in
India, also joined the AGM.
The meeting began with the adoption
of the minutes of the previous AGM, as well
as the Treasurer’s and Auditors’ Report for
the year ending 31 December 2009 - these
were approved unanimously by all voting
members.
The agenda then swiftly moved on to the
highlight of the AGM, which was the election
of Kechara House’s 2010-2012 Committee.
All incoming office bearers won the election
by majority vote, an indication of the support
they have garnered from Kechara members
through the work they have done in helping
Kechara to grow.
Toting up votes
for the new KH
committee.
the new committee
Join us in welcoming the 10 new stars who will make
Kechara shine brighter than ever!
A NEW BEGINNING
The New Kechara House Committee looks forward to
big, new plans for the Kechara organisation.
TOP: KH’s new president, Datuk May Phng, gave
a speech after being elected
LEFT: Outgoing KH committee member Bill Keith
(right) welcomes in new member Nicholas Yu.
In her inaugural speech as the 4th
President of Kechara House, Datuk May Phng
thanked everyone for having confidence in her.
She also thanked the outgoing committee, led
by Datin Ng Wee Chin, for bringing Kechara to
the position it currently occupies. Saying that
she will do whatever it takes for the Dharma
in this country to grow, Datuk said she wished
for her Guru, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s,
teachings to reach many people. In her term
of service, it is her dream to make the new KH
gompa magnificent and Kechara World Peace
Centre manifest.
We would like to echo Datuk May’s
comments - to the outgoing committee,
thank you for the work you have put into
helping Kechara grow! It is through your
dedication to the Dharma that Kechara is in a
position to support a new gompa and retreat
centre in the near future. And to the incoming
committee - CONGRATULATIONS! May your
positions assist your Dharma work to spread
Je Tsongkhapa’s traditions in the three times
and ten directions!
President:
Datuk May Phng
(Ex-President: Datin Ng Wee Chin)
Vice President: Henry Ooi
(Ex-Vice President: Datuk Jeffrey Ng)
Secretary: May Ong
(Ex-Secretary: Julia Tan)
Treasurer:
Yap Yoke Fui
(Ex-Treasurer: Dr Ming Hui Ying)
Committee Members:
Becky Yap, Louise Lee, Nicholas Yu, Heng
Meng Kiat and Dr Hank Ng
(Ex-Committee Members: Eric Choong, Bill Keith,
Dr Chua Choon Yew and Dr Gee Tik Fu)
Honorary Secretary: Sharon Saw
12

Following Kechara
from Afar
This issue, another two Kechara friends, right across the world from each other in
Australia and America, share how Kechara and Dharma have thrown a brand new
light on their lives.
Ai Chin [Melbourne, AUS]
Michèle Marie [California, USA]
Ai Chin first connected to Kechara when she
started watching H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s
teaching videos on YouTube. “When I first
heard and watched Rinpoche’s videos I
sat transfixed and glued to the screen and
enjoyed every second of it,” she shares.
She wasn’t content to just sit and watch
passively. Shortly after, Ai Chin made a trip
to Kuala Lumpur to spend time with Kechara
and join in the activities. Ai Chin is Malaysian
but migrated to Melbourne many years ago,
where she now lives with her family.
Ai Chin visited Kechara again in August
last year, when she spent a week participating
in the centre’s activities and visiting all
the departments. In between the visits,
Ai Chin contributes to the organisation
by volunteering in transcribing Dharma
teachings from afar and sponsoring various
initiatives in Kechara.
When asked how she maintains this
commitment and passion for Dharma, even
when she lives on another continent, Ai Chin
shares that it is a way for her to give back for
all that she has received from the Dharma.
“I am filled with admiration and awe at the
professionalism of Kechara’s members,
their sincerity, dedication and team work.
Thanks to you (many times over) for all the
opportunities you have given me... I am full of
gratitude always.”
“Lastly, I can never thank Rinpoche
enough. I am extremely grateful for the
beautiful Lama Tsongkhapa statue that
Rinpoche so very kindly gave us. I have
benefited immensely just by reciting Lama
Tsongkhapa’s holy mantra and Om Ah Ra Pa
Tsa Na Dhi daily.”
Like hundreds around the world, Michèle
also discovered Rinpoche’s teachings on
YouTube and the main practices she is now
studying and practising have flourished
from that simple online connection.
Based in California, Michèle was
originally from France, where she studied
art, theatre, music, dance, psychology and
oriental medicine at Strasbourg. She was later
inspired to move to America to study at The
Healing Art Institute in Boulder, Colorado.
It seems she was always inclined
towards a spiritual and holistic way of living.
She now lives with her daughter in Nevada
City, California, where she practises Shiatsu
massage therapy.
Today, the Dharma teachings add
another dimension to her life. From an initial
question she asked Rinpoche on Twitter about
becoming a renunciate, she was advised to
study the Lamrim, Wheel of Sharp Weapons,
Guru Devotion by Tsongkhapa and Preparing
for Tantra by Kensur Lobsang Tharchin.
Michèle has already started studying
these texts, and adds that she also holds
Rinpoche’s book Compassion Conquers
All as “my Bible, my precious friend, my
real friend”. After reading this book, she
has been reciting the 8 Verses of Thought
Transformation daily and says, “I wish to
take this book with me always in this life and
always remember it, at all times. All I need to
know and practise for inner transformation
and developing compassion is in it.”
In her many correspondence with several
Kechara members, she often expresses her
joy in discovering Rinpoche, Kechara and
these teachings:
“I am forever grateful for all the Dharma
talks Rinpoche is giving to us, and for the
wonderful energetic team that is working
with Rinpoche to spread the teachings. Now
I am learning and discovering how important
and precious Master Tsongkhapa and Lord
Setrap are by listening and watching the
videos on YouTube.
“In this lifetime, I might never meet
Rinpoche in person and so never be able
to take refuge with him and go deeper in
the practices but I am still working using
Rinpoche’s teachings as my main guidance
in my life.”
13

kechara’s NEW NEWS
> The New Gompa
There have been many whisperings lately
of a new gompa (temple) within the same
neighbourhood of our two existing centres
KH1 & 2. The Kechara Gompa Committee
has been formed under the leadership of
Liaison Datuk May Phng and is working hard
now to get the job off the ground. Keep your
eyes peeled for more news. For a teaser,
check out kechara.com
> The Time is Now
Kechara Media & Publications officially
launched their new, sexy coffee table book,
If Not Now, When? by Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
Held on a sunny afternoon in January, the
launch in MPH Bookstore in 1Utama brought
in 11 journalists from different media who
then proceeded to write many wonderful
reviews about the beautiful book. Check out
what others have to say about If Not Now,
When? on kechara.com/kmp
> Learning from the Sangha
Kechara has had the great honour to have
had two monks visiting us from Gaden
Shartse Monastery. H.E. Kating Rinpoche
and Gen Lobsang Yeshi were in KL for five
weeks to teach selected students new rituals
and pujas in Tibetan. Now, thanks to all they
have taught us, these sacred, wonderful
pujas will soon be available to all Malaysians
and marks yet another step in Rinpoche’s
vision to create a dynamic local community
of Dharma practitioners.
> Model Visit
It’s not everyday a supermodel drops by!
World famous model sisters Ling and Ein Tan
- who have appeared on some of the world’s
greatest runways and magazines, such as
Harper’s Bazaar - visited Kechara House
in December and joined the KSK team to
go out on their food distribution rounds.
Dharma really is for EVERYONE! See photos
of the beautiful sisters in our centre on
kechara.com
> Kechara Oasis Turns One!
Our delicious new-age vegetarian restaurant
celebrated its one-year anniversary in
January! It’s been a year filled with great food,
a healthy lifestyle and most importantly, a
more compassionate cuisine which promotes
non-violence. Find out more about KO and
their current promotions on kechara.com/
oasis
> Tying the Knot
Our dedicated outlet manager of Kechara
Paradise Sunway Pyramid, Suzan Ng,
finally tied the knot with her long-time
boyfriend Simon on December 19! They
had a most unusual marriage, with a
ceremony in Kechara House presided over
by H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, and also in
the church as Simon’s family are Christians.
Congratulations Suzan and Simon! Read the
whole story on kechara.com
> Hollywood Beckons
Shirley Maya Tan, one of H.E. Tsem Tulku
Rinpoche’s long-time students, has been
busy making a star of herself for the Dharma
and will soon be appearing in a Hollywood
promotional video! Produced by one of
Tinseltown’s most prolific producers Teddy
Zee, Shirley will star alongside famous Asians
such as Sandra Oh, Lisa Ling and Joan Chen
in a short video against domestic violence and
sexual abuse. See more on kechara.com
> Chinese Dzambala Pujas
Starting this year, Dzambala pujas are now
available to our Chinese-speaking friends!
There is now a session every Wednesday 8pm
at our gorgeous Dzambala chapel in Kechara
House 2. Tell all your Chinese-speaking
friends: invite the energies of wealth in this
ancient and wonderful practice! For more
details, email care@kechara.com
> FED-exing joy to the World
Inspired by H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s
encouragement that nothing will happen
if no effort is made, Kechara Media &
Publications and many volunteers have
been doing massive mail outs of their latest
publications to influential people all over
the world. These included the books Call Me
Paris, There’s No Way But Up, and If Not Now,
When? in both Chinese and English. See
their massive efforts on kechara.com
> New Year, New Staff!
The first quarter of the year has witnessed
an amazing shift in the level of commitment
from Kechara members. Many are now
joining Kechara full-time and making Dharma
a career. Please join us in welcoming the
following into the Kechara family: Dr. Lanse
Chiah and Allan Lee (Kechara Media &
Publications), Han Siew Fong and Jace Chong
(Kechara InMotion), Bill Keith (Creative
Direction for all Kechara departments) May
Ong (Kechara Care), Tan Gim Lee (Kechara
House), Wan Wai Meng (e-division, Tsem
Ladrang) and Yvonne Yap (Kechara Discovery).
Keep up to date with all the latest news and find out the latest, upcoming happenings, download cool new photos and discover a wealth of
Dharma resources on www.kechara.com
14

follow
the
liaisons
What they’re all really up to...
> The Liaisons Council expands its family
tree and huge scope of Dharma work and
activity. Recently, four more very committed,
dedicated and hardworking members have
joined the Council. We welcome PHNG LI
KIM as Associate Liaison and HAN SIEW
FONG, DAVID LAI and IRENE LIM as
Apprentice Liaisons. Read the full stories and
find out more about the Liaisons at kechara.
com
> Regularly described as someone who brings
great joy to whomever she meets, the eversmiling
Ladrang Liaison CHUAH SU MING
was recently (and very appropriately!) voted
in as the new Head of Kechara Care. This
very crucial department looks after all new
people in the organisation as well as existing
members, staff and friends - so the position
suits Su Ming to a tee. Congratulations Su
Ming!
> Kechara Paradise Liaison WAN WONG,
who has been deeply involved with Kechara
Saraswati Arts since its inception, has taken
over leadership for this exciting department.
KSA had sprung from a back room in Kechara
Paradise SS2, under Liaison Wan’s care, and
grown into a separate but closely related
department. It is only fitting that Liaison
Wan will lead KSA as its Head of Department
as it grows and evolves.
> Honorary Liaison DATIN NG WEE CHIN has unveiled a secret hidden talent in adorning
Buddha statues with jewels. She’s been working hands on for many months, adding tiny
Swarovski crystals, jade and rubies onto the three main Buddhas of Tsem Ladrang’s audience
room - White Tara, Shakyamuni Buddha and Tsongkhapa. What a beautiful offering of time,
effort and of course, plenty of bling bling!
The Board
As Kechara grows at light-speed, more accountability and efficiency are required to move
forward towards our goal of KWPC. Therefore, the Board of Directors (BOD) has recently
been restructured to clearly define each Director’s roles and responsibilities.
Liaisons JP THONG, DATUK MAY PHNG, HENRY OOI, RUBY KHONG, PAUL YAP and PHNG LI KIM were voted in by the Liaisons’ Council
as the new BOD. Each of the BOD will be directly responsible for specific departments - Liaison JP to oversee Ladrang, Datuk May - Kechara
House and KWPC, Ruby Khong - KSK and KC, Paul Yap - KD and KSA, Phng Li Kim - KMP and KIM and Henry Ooi - KP and KO. We congratulate
the members of our BOD for accepting the challenge to take the Kechara organisation forward!
FROM the lama’s cushion
The latest news from H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
> Always an avid animal lover and supporter
of animal welfare, Rinpoche has recently
set up fish tanks within his own bedroom,
housing betta fish and other small freshwater
fish, as well as cute little terrapins.
> During the recent visit by the monks of
Gaden Shartse Monastery, H.E. Kating
Rinpoche and Gen Lobsang Yeshi worked
with some of Tsem Rinpoche’s students to
make the Vajrayogini self-initiation ritual
available. This involved doing transliteration
and learning the tormas and rituals. Now,
Tsem Rinpoche has done the self-initiation
ritual once and will be able to continue doing
this now that the puja is available here. (We
fervently hope that Rinpoche will confer
Vajrayogini’s holy practice on to us in the
future too!)
> Two new blogs reveal the more private side of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. Share in Rinpoche’s own thoughts, stories and personal pictures in
his blog: tsemtulku.typepad.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche and uncover all Rinpoche’s secret acts of kindness behind the scenes in a blog started
by his students: secrettsemtulku.blogspot.com
15

Books to shock you
into practice…
Two new candidly honest biographies of two young
and gifted people within Kechara reveal an utterly
unexpected side to spiritual practice.
When Liaisons David Lai and Jamie Khoo wrote their personal stories about their journeys in
Dharma, they didn’t think it would amount to very much. In their own words, they “didn’t think
anyone would be interested”.
Actually, the two books, There’s No Way But Up by David and Call Me Paris by Jamie have
shown a vastly different and interesting side to spiritual practice, one that’s quite unlike the quiet
scenes of green tea, bald, old teachers and retreat huts. Here’s what readers are saying about it…
Call Me Paris
“Jamie Khoo gives readers a surprising perspective of what spirituality means
today and how it has brought her the most unexpected adventures which
changed her life. This is a must read for people who seek Enlightenment.”
Lorraine Hahn (Broadcast Presenter & Journalist, former CNN & CNBC Anchor)
“…deeply personal, very funny and very relatable… many people will be able to
relate to this journey and make them realise that young people can incorporate
the Dharma in their modern lives without becoming dull as powder.”
Monique Surette (The Hague, The Netherlands)
There’s No Way But Up
“I have gained a better understanding of David as a person, as a friend, and
especially as a fellow spiritual student. Or better yet, as a close student of
Rinpoche.
Also, his own personal experiences in Kechara and with Rinpoche shed
a great deal of light into what I did not really know or understand. Especially
about how Kechara came into being and the details of Rinpoche’s life and
childhood.
David’s book is a biography and he has chosen to open up in order
to share with us all … how one can change one’s life for the better, just by
changing the attitude of one’s mind.
…[his] book is yet another new way for me to see transformation in
action, understand Dharma through another person’s eyes/mind and view our
Guru through another perspective.”
Shirley Maya Tan (CEO, Revolver Asia)
“A clear insight into what Guru Devotion is not or what it should be... It is a good and inspirational read.”
May Ong (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
REGULAR ACTIVITIES @ KECHARA HOUSE! Join in any of Kechara House’s diverse activities,
to learn Dharma, make friends, relax and create lots of merit!
DHARMA CLASSES: Join our engaging and highly informative, thought-provoking Dharma classes for
both adults and children. The classes cater to different levels of study. The children’s classes are specially
divided by age-group to suit their learning levels and interests. For all classes except the advanced Lamrim
class, no previous knowledge of Buddhism is necessary and classes are open to everyone. Find out more on
www.kechara.com/education or call Head of Education Liaison Ngeow Voon Chin on +60 16 605 2996
PUJAS: Find peace and clarity at any of the prayer sessions held weekly at Kechara House (see timetable
for details). No prior knowledge is required and friendly Kechara members will be happy to explain the
prayers and show you what to do. Find out more by contacting our KH administrator on +603 7803 3908
KECHARA SARASWATI ARTS (KSA): Express your creative side by participating in the exciting, buzzing
activities of KSA. Join volunteers as they roll mantras to be put into statues or learn traditional Himalayan
art techniques. This is a wonderful way to learn all about the significance of Buddha images and Dharma
practice. Find out more at www.kechara.com/ksa or call +603 7873 6703
KECHARA SOUP KITCHEN (KSK): Engage in deeply rewarding community work with KSK by going on
their food distribution rounds every Saturday and Sunday to donate food to KL’s homeless and urban poor.
Find out more at www.kechara.com/ksk or call KSK Project Director Justin Cheah on +6012 203 2135
FUNDRAISERS and SOCIAL EVENTS: Let your hair down for a good cause at our fundraiser events
and parties. It’s a great opportunity to meet many KH friends and find out more about Kechara and our
activities. Keep an eye out for upcoming and exciting announcements!
STAY IN TOUCH: Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter and we’ll send you regular news, updates,
Dharma sharings and announcements about our fun and exciting events! To join our mailing list, please
contact care@kechara.com
Kechara
Weekly
Schedule
Check out Kechara’s weekly schedule and
be a part of our fun, energising activities.
(All prayer sessions and Dharma classes
are conducted in English, unless stated
otherwise.)
MONDAY
8 – 10 pm
Setrap Puja (KH2)
TUESDAY
8 - 10pm
Setrap Puja in Mandarin (KH2)
WEDNESDAY
8 – 10 pm
Medicine Buddha Puja (KH1)
8 – 10 pm
Dzambala Puja in Mandarin (KH2)
THURSDAY
8 – 10 pm
Dzambala Puja (KH2)
FRIDAY
8 – 10.30 pm
Shantideva/LamrimClass (KH1)
8 – 10 pm
Chinese Manjushri /Chinese
Lamrim Class (KH2)
SATURDAY
9.30 pm - approx 2am
Kechara Soup Kitchen
midnight rounds
(starting @ KH2)
SUNDAY
11.30am - 1pm
Simplified Lamrim Class
(Fortnightly @ KH2)
2 – 3.30 pm
Manjushri Class (KH1)
2 – 3 pm
Manjushri Kid’s Class (KH2)
4.30 – approx 8pm
Kechara Soup Kitchen
(starting @ KH2)
MONDAY - SATURDAY
2 – 10pm
Volunteer @
Kechara Saraswati Arts
16