HENRY OOI's cOuRagEOus jOuRNEY FROM ROcK ... - Kechara

The Kechara in-house quarterly newsletter
Oct - Dec 2010
* For In-House circulation & Non-Muslims Only/ Not for circulation/ Not for sale
HENRY OOI’s
courageous
journey from rock
bottom to top of the
world
The World Wide
Wonder of Online
Dharma
Kechara Soup Kitchen’s
Phenomenal Growth
Kechara Care
loves YOU!
Dharma education
for all ages

EDITOR’S note
We want to hear from you!
no more caves is brought to you by the
Kechara Buddhist organisation. For more
information about Kechara, its branches
and activities, please contact us.
Dear readers,
What a fabulous way to see out the last quarter of the year – a brand new gompa for
Kechara! We’ll be sure to see you there soon.
In the meantime, even before the gompa goes up, we’ve had plenty of action and growth
within the organisation as always. After all, the real growth and success of a Dharma
centre isn’t in its buildings but in personal and spiritual growth – we’re all aspiring towards
the expansion and transformation of our minds and Kechara provides us all the support
we need for this most special journey.
As a first step on the Dharma path, we celebrate the opening of our newest department,
Kechara Care (see pages 4 & 5) – complete with love, parties and a big red man, this
department has been set up specially to care for newcomers to the organisation and help
them begin their spiritual practice.
It also seems most fitting that – alongside our new gompa opening – our cover story this
month is about Henry Ooi, one of Kechara’s most senior and beloved members who has
been integral in bringing Kechara to what it is now. Read his story on pages 10 & 11 and
find out how even the most “ordinary” people can rise to do tremendous things.
Lastly, and most importantly, make it a must to read the next instalment of H.E. Tsem
Tulku Rinpoche’s biography on pages 12 & 13 – now a regular feature in no more caves.
Without Rinpoche, none of what we enjoy in Kechara would have manifested. And so, at
the dawn of a new chapter in our growth, we should remember more than anything who it
was who brought us here and blessed us with all the happiness we have now.
With folded hands,
Jamie
THANK YOU!
As we approach the end of the year, all of us in Kechara are looking back on the successes of
2010 and would like to spend a moment to thank everyone who has made it possible for us
to fulfil our Dharma work, projects and visions.
The 13 departments of Kechara owe a huge debt of thanks, appreciation and gratitude to
our generous sponsors, volunteers and friends (too many to name and some who wish to
remain anonymous) who have consistently given us their contributions of time, money and
other kindness – all of which have sustained Kechara and enabled it to grow constantly.
We look forward to ushering in the New Year with you and inviting many more successes for
2011. May your wishes be fulfilled, may your lives be filled with peace and may your Dharma
practice flourish with many attainments!
May the merits accumulated by all contributions beneficially serve all sentient beings and
the Buddha Dharma.
Kechara House
3,5,7 & 9, Jalan PJU 1/3G,
Sunwaymas Commercial Centre,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, MALAYSIA
t: +603 7803 3908
f: +603 7803 3108
e: care@kechara.com
w: www.kechara.com
For further details of all Kechara
departments and contacts, please refer
to www.kechara.com
Remember that no more caves is
also available online now at www.
kechara.com alongside countless
other stories, updates, photos and
informative Dharma resources. Do
click in regularly for the latest news!
Who’s Who in the Cave
Spiritual Guide:
H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
Editor:
Jamie Khoo
Contributors:
Kechara Soup Kitchen, Josh Akers,
Sandy Clarke, Nicholas Lee, KH Ng,
Shen Tan, Tsem Ladrang e-division
Photography:
Han Ling, Kechara Care, Kechara
House Education Committee,
Kechara Soup Kitchen, Tsem Ladrang
e-division
Designer:
Tac
Printed by:
Imminent Enterprise
02

The Online Buzz
Get connected to our infinite cyberworld and be the first to receive all the hottest,
latest news in the Kechara mandala.
Kechara is going places – many places! The possibilities are endless as we expand our virtual horizons and bring H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s
teachings and Kechara’s activities to every corner of the globe.
Over recent months, there has been a huge buzz of energy on all our websites, notably Rinpoche’s personal blog which he updates himself
and our newly revamped Kechara website. Here’s a sneak peek, but nothing beats logging on and joining all the fever and fun online!
Buddha Diaries: H.E. Tsem Tulku
Rinpoche’s personal blog
blog.tsemtulku.com
Bet you didn’t think that the Lamrim could
be brought to you in such a super trendy,
interactive, colourful way. Well, that’s exactly
what H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s blog is –
every single post is a Dharma teaching that
shares a precious message which all of us can
take to better our lives.
Updated personally by Rinpoche himself,
this blog is packed full with a massive range of
articles – insider news about the Kechara organisation, stories about Rinpoche’s life, sharings
about students and friends, Dharma insights, even entertaining videos about UFOs, ghosts
and a rude little talking dog… (we’ll let you discover that one for yourself!)
You’ll also notice, as you scroll through the posts, that one of the most interesting parts of
the blog are the comments that follow each blog entry. With opinions and sharings from Kechara
students and friends all around the world, the comments section provides a whole teaching of its
own. From the thousands of comments, you’ll learn how the teachings have inspired and benefited
others and come across other rare stories that the students have to share about Rinpoche and
Kechara.
Most importantly, every part of the blog is a teaching for us to contemplate upon.
Rinpoche’s writings are there for us to think about how the teachings within can be applied
to our lives to effect change for the better.
He provides us a different way of looking
at things and plenty of relevant examples
of how we can bring the teachings into our
modern lives, right here, right now. After
all, it can’t get faster and more convenient
than the click of a mouse – Dharma is now
literally at our fingertips!
Who knew Buddhism could be this cool?
kechara.com
Launched just a few months ago, the new kechara.com interface brings a whole new face to
Buddhism and to our organisation. The website is now very clearly categorised into the many
different aspects of Kechara: arts, publications, film & video, travel, soup kitchen etc. Each
“tab” leads browsers to the different departments and their unique work, products or services.
Each sub-website of each department has also been specially mapped out to cater
specifically to the nature of their work. So visiting kechara.com doesn’t just stop at one place.
You enter many other little worlds once you’re there and it introduces you to the many facets
and faces that make Kechara as diverse as it is today.
On top of that, the new website also provides very comprehensive resources for people to
start their own practice. There are downloadable images that can be printed out for people to
set up their own altars; personal accounts of practitioners to inspire others in their practice;
videos that share an interactive side of Dharma; even a kids corner with games, stories and
learning materials.
The website has been developed to increase interactivity so you can get involved in it too!
Make it your website as much as it is ours. Share your views by posting comments at the bottom
of each article; click just one button to share your favourite articles with friends; link easily to
social networks like Twitter, Facebook and Digg.
Warning: this website is addictive, so you’ll need to set aside a few hours and a big cup of
tea before you log on!
03

A Little TLC
The birth of our newest department, Kechara Care, brings the heart of Buddhist teachings to
everyone – kindness and care.
Buddhism is often described as a religion of
“kindness” – being as caring and loving as
we can to others and learning never to harm
anyone.
Bringing this to the heart of every single
department and activity of Kechara, our
spiritual guide H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche has
always urged students to look out for and
care for each other, at all times.
This has been a part of all that Rinpoche
does, from the very first day he stepped into
Malaysia to teach. This grew into various
aspects, such as the gift department, which
prepares many gifts to connect people all
over the world to the blessings of Dharma;
providing informal counselling for people in
need; and even bringing soup and medical
care to students who are ill.
The famous culture of having chill-out
rooms across all Kechara departments and
offices is also an integral part of developing
care. The Bam Rooms of Tsem Ladrang, Dhi
Room of Kechara Media & Publications and
Hring Room of Kechara Saraswati Arts, for
example, were personally conceptualised
and put together by Rinpoche himself.
While they may just look like lounges or
giant playrooms, Rinpoche explained then
that these rooms are just as important as
the working space of these departments.
They are a space for students to relax and
rest after long working days, to socialise and
spend time with each other, and to welcome
new people into the organisation.
This is where the real Dharma begins –
when we let our hair down and interact with
each other. It is in this relaxed space and time
that you learn about each other as friends
(not just as colleagues), understand each
other’s problems and learn how to extend
your help and care.
Welcome to Kechara Care!
A great hang out for kids and
everyone who is young at heart.
04

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Care Bears
Kechara Care, under the loving leadership of Liaison Chuah Su
Ming, was established half a year ago to bring this level of care to a
whole new level. Now, this newest but most integral department of
Kechara works hard to welcome all new people to the organisation
while caring for existing students, staff and volunteers across the 13
departments.
They are like walking, portable “Bam Rooms”, Kechara’s lovely
Care Bears who are ready to help in any way they can – from lending a
listening ear to bringing volunteers out for a movie; from giving tours
around the organisation to introducing you to the best department
to suit your interests.
Now, with the advent of the new Kechara Care lounge in
SunwayMas, KC is bringing the essence of all Dhi, Bam and Hring
rooms into one big, shiny, multifaceted space for the whole
organisation.
You may be surprised as you walk through the velvet curtains of
the KC lounge – you would never expect a Buddhist centre to have
something quite so bold and bright! But just like every single office,
studio and desk in the Kechara family, every inch of this lounge also
serves to bring people into the Dharma, and the Dharma to the
world.
See, let’s face it – most people these days would rather be in a
club than in a prayer hall. This lounge provides a safe but very fun
place for young people (and all those young at heart!) to gather
and have a good, healthy night out while in a nurturing, secure and
supportive environment. What better way to bring Dharma to others
in a “language” and environment they are most familiar with?
It’s a Dharma Disco for 21st Century spiritual seekers! Dharma is
always best learnt and practised with a little sense of humour and KC
shows us the best way to combine play with practice. The KC lounge
has been beautifully set up to include a counselling room, a bar area
(offering non-alcoholic drinks), DJ console for good music, facilities
for movie screenings, a karaoke system and even a dance podium for
really big nights out!
It is not just all about fun though – ultimately, KC is most concerned
for everyone’s spiritual welfare and works hard to introduce you to
the best practices or activities to suit your life and situation.
From KC, you are led through the amazing mandala that brings
you to Kechara’s many other departments, Dharma works and
activities. And from there, to the Dharma teachings, to change your
life for the better - in ways you could never imagine.
top: Party time at the Kechara Care Lounge! KC can even help you organise
personal parties and events.
bottom left: Sing your heart out at KC and discover new talents!
bottom right: Nicholas Yu of KC, his wife Josephine and their lovely daughters
Nadia and Natasha, show you what a wonderful place KC is for families!
05

The Tremendous
Growth of KSK
There’s just no stopping Kechara Soup Kitchen as their
work grows in huge leaps and bounds, bringing more
and more benefit to the streets of KL… and beyond.
There’s been plenty of action over at Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK). So much so that it has caught the undivided attention of the media and
support of people all over the city.
Under the superb leadership of Liaison Ruby Khong, KSK has grown larger and faster than they could have ever imagined. Today, KSK has
acquired its own building in the city, where they distribute food to the homeless six days a week.
As well as providing meals and a comfortable place of respite, the small but dynamic team are also spearheading many tremendous
initiatives to bring people off the streets and provide them much better opportunities in life. The very touching story of Jit (see story on page
7), for example, will be in the hearts of Malaysians for a long time yet.
The question now is, is there anything KSK does not do?! With all their dedication and hard work, there can only be even more exciting
developments for the community action group. For now, we take a quick peek at KSK’s most notable news over recent months.
A New “Home”
The daily preparation of food
for our clients.
Kechara Soup Kitchen’s new
building on Jalan Barat.
Kechara Soup Kitchen’s brand new building in the city, just off Jalan Imbi, was opened in late
August and began serving food on a daily basis on September 6. Now, homeless clients can
be assured of at least one hot meal every day from Monday to Friday. On Saturday, KSK still
organises late night food distribution rounds around the city, to reach out to many other
people who may not know about the building yet.
The renovations of the building was conceptualised and overseen by Liaison Ruby Khong
herself. It has been done exceptionally well, combining both aesthetics as well as functionality,
making it a very versatile and comfortable place.
Ruby explained that she paid special attention to making the building look very nice
because, “Many of our homeless clients would probably never have the chance to dine in a nice
place, perhaps even for the rest of their lives. We wanted to make the building comfortable so
that they would at least have a nice place to go to.”
As well as being beautiful and comfortable, the space within the building is well utilised
with allocated areas for washing facilities, medical consultations and storage for the food that
is donated by kind sponsors. On the first floor, ample office space is allocated to KSK staff and
volunteers.
The KSK building comes alive especially on Saturday nights, when throngs of volunteers
gather to pack food and prepare for the midnight distribution rounds in KL.
Join the activity and be a part of KSK’s wonderful efforts to help the streets, every Saturday,
9.30pm onwards at 17, Jalan Barat (off Jalan Imbi), Kuala Lumpur. For more information,
contact Justin Cheah at justin.cheah@kechara.com or +6012 203 2135
Washing facilities for the homeless.
06

Who KSK has helped
Jit Kaur
In one of the most touching stories of KSK’s extensive reach, KSK
recently helped to reunite two women who had been separated for
25 years. For the first time in three years, thanks to KSK’s concern for
every single one of their clients and coverage by The Star newspaper,
Jit Kaur will not have to sleep on the streets for another night, after
reuniting with her long-lost sister-in-law.
In July, The Star wrote a story about KSK, featuring Jit’s story.
Jit’s sister-in-law, Anita saw the story and immediately contacted the
paper for help to locate her relative. A few days later, through the
efforts of both The Star and KSK, Anita met Jit again, for the first time
in 25 years.
The 63-year-old former drug addict, who had been living on the
streets, was very surprised when Anita showed her a photograph of
Jit and her husband. Though Jit was initially reluctant to leave the
streets – her “home” for many years – she finally agreed to give Anita
a chance by spending a night with her in a hotel for a night.
Jit had been shunned by her family for a long while, but with this
happy reunion, Anita shared, “I wish that our encounter will be filled
with forgiveness. Although I am excited to meet her after 25 years, I
hope time has healed our scars and we can look to building a happier
future.”
Shaipol
KSK met Shaipol during a Saturday midnight food distribution round
in KL Sentral. Shaipol had been in KL for almost a week, having come
from Johor to look for a job. He was still jobless when we met him but
it wasn’t for lack of trying. He had walked all over the city for a week
looking for opportunities, but to no avail.
KSK’s Project Director Justin Cheah arranged to meet up with
him again and set up an interview for him at Armada Hotel. Their
Human Resources manager had kindly contacted Justin with offers
of employment for homeless clients. Following the interview, Shaipol
was immediately offered a job as a maintenance officer.
Shaipol’s career opportunities have since improved. Today he
works at DiGi and his new job now gives him travel opportunities
around the region, to Indonesia and Philippines. This and many other
success stories show that KSK is doing much, much more than offer
food to the homeless. They’re also giving people a brand new start to
their careers and restoring dignity to many.
Let’s do more!
We want to grow bigger and we want to help more people! As an NGO, we can only do this with YOUR support… So please help us! For more
information on how you can join us in the fight against homelessness, contact our Project Director Justin Cheah at justin.cheah@kechara.com
or +6012 203 2135.
We need all the help we can get, whether it’s with job offers, our wish-list, or with donations of money, food or your time. Employment
opportunities are also welcome, as many of our clients are willing and able to work…they just need YOU to give them a chance.
07

Life Lessons
Having started with just one weekly class a few years ago, Kechara House’s education
programme has grown to include graded levels of learning and dynamic kids’ classes.
As an affiliate of the monastic institution Gaden Shartse Monastery, Kechara House’s spiritual lineage finds its strongest foundation in learning
and education.
The Gelug tradition which we hail from, established by the 14th Century Tibetan saint Lama Tsongkhapa placed great emphasis on study,
debate and contemplation, rather than on the mystical, supernatural aspects of practice.
Following in this tradition, Kechara House’s education committee has developed several educational programmes at varied levels of study,
catering to different interests and stages of learning.
Whether it’s about incorporating Buddhist principles into our daily living or studying the more advanced principles of the Lamrim Chenmo,
the Dharma classes bring teachings to us in clear, applicable ways so we can effect change and transformation for the better. Here, we offer you
an overview of the various classes offered by Kechara House and study groups around the country.
Manjushri Class
(English & Chinese)
Designed as discussions more than formal classes, the Manjushri
classes in both English and Chinese introduce many of the most
important principles of Buddhist teachings using examples of daily
living.
These classes are usually led by a facilitator who shares a
short talk on a new topic each week. This is followed by interactive
discussions between class participants and an opportunity for people
to ask questions or share their own views and experiences.
Some examples of popular topics in Manjushri class include
“Love and Relationships,” “Karma for beginners,” “Spirituality
and parenting”, book readings and reflections on H.E. Tsem Tulku
Rinpoche’s quotes or teachings. Often, we even ask class participants
what they would like to discuss, building their interests into our
programmes of classes.
Manjushri Classes draw heavily on Rinpoche’s teachings, blogs,
books and videos, as well as insights into the Kechara organisation and
aspects of our spiritual lineage. The varied spectrum of topics makes
these classes extra lively, injected also by the unique personality and
perspectives of the class facilitators.
Simplified Lamrim Class
(English and Chinese)
This course brings the Lamrim Chenmo or Graded Stages of the Path
to Enlightenment to you in an abbreviated, simplified course. Tailored
for people who are interested in deeper study yet cannot join the
full Lamrim programme, this course introduces all the main aspects
of this most central text and preps students for the more advanced
course.
The class is conducted by the head of our education committee,
Liaison Ngeow Voon Chin, who encourages participants to engage in
discussion and ask questions. The Simplified Lamrim Class, though
“simple”, makes you work! It isn’t just about sitting back and listening
to a lecture; instead class attendees get asked mind-boggling
questions and challenged to examine their own minds, thoughts,
reactions and spiritual practice.
Simplified Lamrim in English: Alternate Sundays, 11am – 1pm
Simplified Lamrim in Chinese: Alternate Fridays, 8 – 10pm
Manjushri English Classes: Every Sunday, 2 – 3.30pm
For more information, contact Jamie Khoo: +60 12 370 9567
For more information, contact Ngeow Voon Chin on +60 16 605 2996
Manjushri Chinese Classes: Alternate Fridays, 8 – 10pm
For more information, contact Kok Yek Yee: +60 12 388 3390
08

Shantideva Class (English only)
This is a part of the advanced Lamrim classes, which offer intense
study on the Lamrim Chenmo and focuses specifically on Pabongka
Rinpoche’s definitive text Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand. The
first programme was conducted over a 60-week period and was
completed in 2009.
Following this, a Shantideva Class is now organised on a
fortnightly basis, where students study the very significant text, Guide
to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by the Indian master Shantideva. Also
based closely upon the principles of the Lamrim, this text focuses
particularly on the development of Bodhicitta (Great Compassion),
providing a step-by-step guide to living, practising and acting with
the pure, altruistic mind of a Bodhisattva.
As this class comprises more intense and advanced study, students
are encouraged to sign up and attend the whole programme.
Alternate Fridays, 8 – 10pm
For more information, contact Ngeow Voon Chin on +60 16 605 2996
Manjushri Kids’ Class
Start ‘em young! Manjushri Kids’ Class gives our younger members
a firm foundation in Dharma teachings through fun and interactive
activities. The classes foster teamwork in the children and develop
their creativity with arts classes, performances, story-telling and
discussions. Students are also taken on outings to join Kechara Soup
Kitchen or animal liberation days so that they can put the values they
learn into action.
Classes are divided according to age group and draw on all of the
same lineage, tradition and teachings that are taught in the adult
classes. Within every class, the kids also learn basic positive values
such as respecting their elders, honesty, generosity, hard work and
commitment. As many of the teachers are also parents themselves,
the kids are very well taken care of and nurtured in their early Dharma
journey.
Every Sunday, 2 – 4pm
For more information, contact Yap Yoke Fui on +60 12 223 2996
Study Groups
Study groups have been established in various states around the
country, including Johor, Malacca, Ipoh, Penang and Kuantan, and
across the causeway in Singapore.
The style of each study group varies slightly, according to the
dynamics of the group in each city. Some study groups organise weekly
pujas and discussions among themselves; others organise special
festivals or activities to suit the people in their neighbourhood.
However, to ensure that the satellites remain closely connected
to the main centre, members from Kechara in Petaling Jaya make
regular trips to the groups to conduct classes or facilitate discussions
with them. In certain groups, such as in Malacca and Johor, Liaison
Ngeow Voon Chin and Lamrim teacher Thierry Janssens conduct
fortnightly simplified Lamrim classes to introduce them to the core
teachings of our organisation and lineage.
Liaisons and others members of Kechara also visit on a monthly
basis to establish friendships and share more information with the
study groups about the activities, projects and departments back in
the city.
For more information about any of these study groups and their programmes, contact Liaison
and Education Committee head Ngeow Voon Chin on +60 16 605 2996.
09

A Heart Full of Henry
You either love him or you fear him! One of Kechara’s
most beloved Liaisons, Henry Ooi is also the one with the
sharpest tongue and the most acerbic wit. From hitting
rock bottom to soaring at the top of the world, Henry
shows us how it’s done.
It is always said that it is better to be
respected than to be merely loved or feared.
With Liaison Henry Ooi, it is easy to find in
your heart a massive dose of respect for
him, and very quickly too. There is little to
dislike in Henry, which makes him one of the
strongest examples of a Dharma practitioner
– one we would want to emulate and whose
qualities we too hope to achieve.
Offering prayers at the KWPC land,
during a land blessing ceremony.
As a Liaison, a member of the Board of
Directors of the Liaisons Council, Kechara
House Vice-President, Kechara Paradise
director and head, and member of the KWPC
ex-co, Henry has a very full plate. On top of
this, he also has a family with two young
children.
And yet, you’ll never see him frazzled.
Henry manages everything with a superb
coolness, a great deal of wisdom and most
importantly, a heart full of kindness. With
every action he does, it is to follow H.E.
Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s spiritual direction
and vision, and to encourage others onto
an equally fulfilling spiritual path. With this,
he has become a father to many within the
Kechara organisation; also a best friend, a
mentor and a teacher in his own right.
It wasn’t always like this though. When
you ask Henry how he came into Kechara,
he’ll probably chuckle, light a cigarette and
Celebrating an auspicious day with the KWPC
executive committee on the retreat land.
sit you down for a few good stories. And
boy, will these stories warm your heart for
they show the deeply inspiring story of a
man who hit rock bottom and with a little
faith, climbed right back up to the top of the
world.
When things were really down
Henry isn’t the kind of guy you would expect
to join a Dharma centre and be a religious sort
of person. He didn’t think so either. Having
lived a vicarious, often decadent life, Henry
was a carefree, happy fellow whose only
concern was where to go after work to spin
a few vices. He started working life just as
karaoke clubs started to appear in Malaysia
– gambling, women, smokes and drinks were
the best things in life to look forward to.
But there are limits to how much we can
indulge and before he knew it, Henry found
himself down in the most awful of dumps.
When he was first introduced to Rinpoche
in the early nineties, things were worse than
they’d ever been for him and his wife, Angel.
He had just remarried after a difficult divorce,
he had gambled away all his money, business
was failing, Angel was expecting their first
child and he was financially worse off than
he’d ever been. He was at his wits’ end.
Yoga retreat. It was from there that their
Then, he was invited by his cousin, Liaison business started to pick up again and things
Ruby Khong to a teaching and though he began to improve. After much advice and
wasn’t much of a religious person, he figured guidance, Henry got back on his feet, gave
he had nothing to lose by going.
up gambling forever and started a whole new
Soon after that first meeting, Rinpoche road to recovery. There’s been no looking
advised both Henry and Angel to do a Guru back since.
Henry with his lovely wife Angel, and two children Beatrix and Edward.
10

Pioneering Kechara
When Henry met Rinpoche, there was no
Kechara. There wasn’t even an official place
to meet for Dharma talks so students would
gather in someone’s home. There wasn’t
much to get involved in at the time, so Henry
would just attend talks when he could and
await instructions from Rinpoche’s assistants
at the time.
But Henry knew that he had found
something really good: “I thought, this
is someone I can look up to because he’s
wise, he’s a monk, and the advice he gave
was applicable to everyone. Angel and I
persevered with Rinpoche – we both knew
then that Rinpoche was able to help us in
terms of the wrongs that we had done.”
For the first time in his life, this hardtalking
tough guy found someone he knew
he could listen to and who could really effect
a positive change in his life. Until today,
he says confidently and happily, “I had no
qualms submitting to Rinpoche because
I knew he wasn’t out to get us, harm us or
want anything from us. I had nothing at that
time so there was nothing to lose. I thought
to myself, ‘What would he want from me if
not for me to be a better person?’”
Henry was one of the key people who
stuck by Rinpoche even at Rinpoche’s lowest
moments, when Rinpoche himself had very
little support or finances. Henry was one of
the very few pioneers of Kechara who joined
in flea markets every Sunday to raise money
for Rinpoche – sometimes they would make
only a few hundred dollars a week but it
never stopped them from doing it.
From his loyalty, steadfastness and
commitment to Rinpoche, Henry went on to
helping out in many aspects of Rinpoche’s
Dharma work. He was serving in the capacity
of one of Rinpoche’s liaisons long before
the Liaisons Council was even formally
established.
He shares, “People started committing
to going full-time into Dharma. That’s when
Ruby and I worked together and offered
ourselves to work with Rinpoche. I was
already doing a liaison role even before the
official title. When I was elected as one of the
first four liaisons, it was just a name to me,
there was no difference in what I was already
doing.”
This consistency and devotion is certainly
one of Henry’s most remarkable qualities,
which we all look up to. One thing you’ll
The family altar in Henry’s home with
an early and most cherished photo of
Rinpoche, Henry and Angel.
notice about Henry is that no matter how
big things grow – or how challenging things
get – he remains steady as ever, committed
to make things work out for the best. No
matter how many more titles and portfolios
he takes on, he remains exactly just the
same, as tenacious, determined and humble
as ever in his service to Dharma.
Paying it forward
Ask Henry for a Dharma teaching and he’ll
most likely pooh-pooh you. He’s never been
one for scholarly discussions nor reading
volumes of Dharma books. But then again,
he doesn’t need to – his very actions and
speech are evidence enough that real
Dharma practice only happens when you put
all those discussions and books into action.
How differently things would have turned
out if he didn’t meet Dharma. “I think I would
have ended up just like any regular Joe –
bitter, disappointed, with nothing in life. I
would just be making a living to make ends
meet, to pay bills and going out on weekends
with the family, thinking that that was all
there is to life.”
Having been spared a life of ordinariness,
Henry is now committed to paying the
kindness forward. “I have received a lot of
benefit from Rinpoche’s kindness in teaching
us the Dharma. The best way to show
gratitude and return the kindness of Rinpoche
is to do my best to assist others. It could be
for a person with a marital problem, financial
difficulty, someone looking for a relationship
or looking to get out of one, gambling
addictions etc. There are sometimes people
who look me up on the website and call me
up just to talk about their problems.
“The joy of doing Dharma is when
someone says ‘thank you.’ I don’t expect
it but to see that person being happy and
have some relief, and knowing that I have
contributed a little bit of effort to that, is very
rewarding.
“I can relate to them because I was
given the opportunity and the help by
Rinpoche. I know how it feels when you’re
really downtrodden and desperate, when all
avenues have been exhausted and somebody
gives you advice, you follow it and it works.”
As head of all Kechara Paradise outlets, Henry has become a strong, inspiring, loving leader who maintains a close and caring relationship with all his staff.
11

H.E. TSEM TULKU
RINPOCHE’S
BIOGRAPHY
Living Life Freely in Los Angeles
In the fifth part of a continuing series about H.E. Tsem
Tulku Rinpoche’s incredible life, we travel back in time to
Los Angeles, where Rinpoche finally began a new life of
Dharma and freedom.
H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche came across the
Dharma centre Thubten Dhargye Ling (TDL)
in Los Angeles during his search for an altar
to do his sadhana. After unsuccessfully trying
Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s Vajradhatu
Centre, which was closed, he went to the
University of Oriental Studies.
The university did not have an altar, but
Leo Pruden, a Professor of Eastern Studies,
offered to drive him to a nearby Dharma
centre. It was at this centre, Thubten
Dhargye Ling, that he met his second Guru,
Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen.
The centre’s committee arranged for a
small room for Rinpoche in the centre for a
rental of USD150 a month. In February 1983,
he moved into the centre – this was one of
the happiest days of his life.
Rinpoche’s altars, first in a rented apartment
and then in TDL showed what was most important
to him.
Staying Afloat
In order to be self-sufficient and without
any financial assistance from his family,
the young Rinpoche held three jobs while
spending as much time as he could at TDL.
In between his jobs and helping out at the
centre, he would do two to three hours of
meditation during the week and up to eight
hours during weekends. He received many
teachings at TDL including Yamantaka’s
initiation, which would prove very important
as a foundation for him to receive many
other practices later.
While still in school, Rinpoche worked
evenings at McDonalds, a 25-minute walk
from his house, where he was first assigned
to cooking duty and later worked as cashier
and at the drive-thru. His financial situation
was so bad that he would occasionally eat
the old unsold food out of sheer hunger.
After leaving school, Rinpoche got a day
job at Fotomat (like a drive-through photodeveloping
service) working Mondays to
Saturdays and continuing at McDonalds in
the evenings four times a week. He also got
a third job hanging clothes at a department
Tsem Rinpoche was very fashionable and attracted
much attention for his stunning and exotic looks.
store three times a week. All jobs were at
minimum wage, just US$3.35 per hour. This
grueling schedule of 16-hour days eventually
took its toll and he had no choice but to quit
his job at McDonalds despite his worries
about not having enough money.
Focusing on his job at Fotomat at the
Sunset Boulevard branch, Rinpoche soon
became the top regional sales person and
was promoted to Fotomat regional manager,
responsible for five branches. With his friendly
and charismatic attitude, Rinpoche became
a fast favourite with his customers and
befriended everyone, including prostitutes,
hippies, punks and gays, always talking to
them about Dharma.
Later on, he also worked at Fred Sands
Real Estate, at Jon Douglas realtors in
Hancock Park, and at a bank. It was never
easy making ends meet in L.A. but Rinpoche
persevered and never gave up. Throughout
everything, he never lost sight of his goal to
go to a monastery and become a monk.
12

Dharma and… Disco!
Rinpoche was in Los Angeles in the heart of
the 80s, when Madonna, skinny jeans and
the club scene were getting big. Like every
young person his age, the teenage Rinpoche
also knew how to live it up, making many
friends everywhere he went and making
the most of the exciting Hollywood life. In
between his jobs, his many commitments to
Dharma and the centre, he also managed his
time well enough to party and have lots of
fun in L.A.
Rinpoche would go out to many clubs in
one night, driving around Sunset Boulevard
and West Hollywood with his many friends
from all backgrounds, cultures, ages and
races. He always looked too young for his
Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen, Rinpoche’s second Guru.
Hanging out with a friend,
Dino, in Los Angeles
age and the doormen often thought his ID
was fake. He had a 1972 VW bug, which one
of the ladies in the centre, Mamie, had kindly
offered to him to use. He would “sneak”
this noisy little car out from the centre by
releasing the handbrake and letting it slide
down the hill, so he could go out to meet his
friends.
Rinpoche loved to dance and his favourite
artiste was Madonna (she still is!). Having
made friends with people from all walks of
life, Rinpoche went to almost every kind of
club there was in L.A., partying it up with the
best of the 80s. Not surprisingly, he would
share Dharma with everyone he met and
some even ended up coming to the centre,
attending teachings and eventually taking
refuge with Geshe-la too!
He would come home to his rented room
(which was just under Geshe-la’s) at about
6 or 7am, and “just crash”. Despite his busy
social life though, he would always come
home to finish his sadhana. Sometimes
he would rush home between clubs to
complete his sadhana and then go out again!
And even if he went out until very late on a
Saturday night, he would be up again by
10am on Sunday to attend Dharma classes
with Geshe-la. He never missed a class
throughout the four or five years he was in
L.A. For Rinpoche, the Dharma was always
of utmost importance; everything else was
secondary.
With a fellow Dharma friend,
Carol Savva, from TDL.
13

The Miraculous Blessings of
Setrap
Since H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche introduced the practice of Dharma Protector Setrap to
us, Kechara members and friends everywhere have experienced tremendous benefit.
Here are some of their stories.
Setrap gets down to business
Mr. K.H. Ng
I was invited for an open Tsok puja sometime
in December 2006. That was also the first
time I met H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. At
the end of the Dharma talk, I made a khata
offering to Rinpoche and told him of my
existing Buddhist practices. He then asked
me to attend the Setrap puja every Monday
to help me in my practice, which I have done
since.
When I first started, the Setrap puja
sessions were quite long and all I could think
of each time was just finishing the puja.
However, the thought of giving up never
occurred to me. Over time, things got much
better and my patience increased. I found
myself looking forward to the pujas every
week.
I had started a new company in December
2005. The aim was to be a new mobile
operator in Malaysia. Being a small player in
the industry, this was going to be no mean
feat. How was I going to get a license from
the government?
With patience and I believe, Setrap’s
help, I was soon able to secure the license
and mobile prefix numbers. I even managed
to sign a long-term sharing agreement
with a leading telco to use their mobile
infrastructure.
It took more than three years to secure
all the relevant licenses, assignments and
contracts. Were it not for Setrap’s help, I
would have suffered many doubts and maybe
even given up. Every time I faced a problem,
I always believed Setrap would help and
somehow, I would overcome the problem.
On a spiritual level, Setrap has opened
a bigger picture for my practice as a
whole. I now have a better understanding
of the Dharma, have developed a more
compassionate attitude, and hopefully have
planted the merits and seeds for ultimate
liberation.
14

A Secure Education
Shen Tan
At the beginning of the year, I applied for art
foundation courses at various universities,
including Loughborough University which
was my first choice. However at the beginning
of February, I received a number of rejection
letters. The Loughborough rejection had a
bigger impact on me than the others as I had
set my heart on going there. The combination
of these rejections and the possibility that
I would not have a place to study next year
made me feel quite depressed all the time.
I developed an attitude where I didn’t do
much as I couldn’t motivate myself to work
harder for the next portfolio review. I couldn’t
see any point in doing so. This negative
attitude became very strong and I would
sometimes also go to sleep with anger inside
me.
My parents finally asked Rinpoche for
advice and he recommended that I do 500
rounds of serkym offerings, 50,000 rounds
of Setrap mantras, and continue to apply to
other colleges.
Soon after I started doing the prayers,
a series of events occurred which, on the
surface, may seem to be coincidences
although I didn’t think so. Two days into the
prayers, I injured my leg and I couldn’t walk
properly for the next two weeks. I chose to
see this as a purification. As a result of this
injury, I was unable to attend my friend’s 18th
birthday. It was on that day that a close family
friend came to visit, and helped me with my
portfolio which was to be reviewed the next
day. I am now on the waiting list for that
university.
I have also applied to a local college that
my art teacher had recommended. I was
invited for an interview and have subsequently
been offered a place. On both occasions, I did
serkym before attending and went with a
positive attitude.
Rinpoche’s advice to continue applying
for different places definitely helped because
at that low point, I would not have bothered.
After his advice, I felt that more people were
coming into the picture to help.
Since applying and doing my Setrap
practices regularly, I have been accepted
into Oxford Brookes, which was among my
preferred choices of universities, to do an
art foundation course. I begin the course this
autumn 2010.
Skiing with Setrap
Nicholas Lee
Early this year, on a beautiful bluebird day in Beijing, I was skiing,
much like I have done many times over the last 22 years. As I was
making a right turn, my left ski unexpectedly released, causing me to
spin uncontrollably towards the trees lining the slope.
It’s interesting how in situations like that, time seems to slow
down, even though you know that the entire incident was over in
seconds. I knew the crash was going to be bad, as from the corner of
my eyes all I could see was trees all around. I remember bouncing off
the first tree and hitting another one. During the crash, I remember
asking Lord Setrap for protection, though I did not have time to recite
his mantra.
When I came to a stop, I looked around. One of my ski poles had
snapped in two, but I didn’t feel any pain at all. I knew the crash had
the potential to be a lot worse. I said a quick thank you prayer to Setrap
and tried to stand up, but was unable to. Eventually, ski patrol came
and brought me to the local hospital for an X-Ray. After consulting
with doctors in Beijing, I was diagnosed with two torn ligaments in
my knee and all the doctors recommended that I operate on them.
After much contemplation, I decided that I would return to KL for the
surgery.
I attended Setrap puja the night before my scheduled surgery and
prayed for a successful operation and full recovery. Upon completion
of the puja, an announcement was made that we should all go to H.E.
Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s Ladrang for an audience.
At the end of the audience, he pointed to me and said, “That
young man in green, please give him a Lama Tsongkhapa pendant…
he needs it.”. I’m not sure that Rinpoche knew that I was going to
have surgery soon, as my crutches were not within view and I didn’t
have my knee brace on.
The combination of the blessing and pendant gave me a lot
of confidence heading into surgery the next day. In the operating
theatre, as I drifted into sleep, my last memory was of chanting
Migtsema mantras into the oxygen mask. I was told I was still holding
the pendant when I was wheeled out of the operating theatre.
I have no doubt that without Setrap, Tsongkhapa and Rinpoche’s
blessings, my injuries could have been much worse but the operation
was a success and the healing process and physiotherapy sessions
after the operation went smoothly. I am now well on the way to a
sound recovery!
15

Captivated from Afar
Two friends from the UK and the USA share how H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s YouTube
teachings have literally changed their lives from across the world.
Sandy Clarke Glasgow, Scotland
I first came across H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
and his teachings around a year ago, when
I chanced upon a talk of Rinpoche’s on
YouTube entitled “Are You Divine?”
Having no idea who Rinpoche was (or
even what a Rinpoche was), I assumed
the youthful looking man was a wise
Asian college student giving an extremely
insightful talk…
After checking this “student” out, I
searched for more of Rinpoche’s talks and
I was immediately hooked by Rinpoche’s
charisma, charm, contemporary teaching
style and, most importantly, his insightful,
inspiring, encouraging and logical teachings.
I felt right away a strong affinity with
Rinpoche and I just couldn’t get enough
of his teachings. Where I’d normally be
bored with watching one hour or more
of formal teachings, I would instead find
myself wanting more and more, even after
listening to Rinpoche for hours on end – I was
immensely captivated!
As I grew to learn more about Rinpoche,
I came to know of Kechara, Rinpoche’s
wonderful organisation, and of the amazing
people who work so hard to benefit
countless numbers of people through the
Dharma – made possible through the infinite
compassion and tireless efforts of Rinpoche.
Although I live in Scotland, I started
volunteering with Kechara through online
activities and I have found it to be a truly
amazing journey, having met lots of fantastic
people and being able to benefit others, all
from the comfort of my computer chair!
The work carried out at Kechara and the
teachings of Rinpoche are done in such a
modern and dynamic way that there really
are lots of ways for everyone who gets
involved in the Dharma to benefit. I hope
to continue getting more involved with the
work at Kechara in the future, and I truly
consider myself very fortunate and deeply
privileged to be able to call myself a student
of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
Josh Ackers Oregon, USA
I discovered Dharma almost entirely by
accident. I had a typical Christian American
upbringing. I even founded the “Jesus Club”
when I was about five years old. I guess I have
always been spiritual!
In my early adult years, about five years
ago, I developed a serious problem with
anxiety, paranoia and obsessive compulsive
thoughts. At one point I was hearing voices
in my head regularly… It was terrible, and I
had to get better or go crazy trying.
American health-care is not very good for
poor families like mine. So instead of going
to doctors and taking medication, I went to
the library to do some reading about mental
disorders. I started researching meditation as
a means of calming down my overly excited
brain. I had to make real changes myself
because I didn’t have a doctor who would.
I read all sorts of useful information and
found out that I was not alone or crazy like
I thought I was at one point. I don’t know
when exactly meditation led to Buddhism,
but it wasn’t long after I started. I was also
in a religious void at that time because I was
no longer a practising Christian. Then I read
a book by The Dalai Lama called The Art of
Happiness. After that, I considered myself
a Buddhist and I began to seek teachings
online, namely on YouTube. I came across
a few teachers online but one stuck out.
He talked very fast and never said anything
without explaining everything clearly,
leading you through every step. It was H.E.
Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
There is a distinct difference in the way
I now live my life compared to just a few
years ago. I could never go back to my old
self again. The Dharma has sprouted in me
and it is beginning to flourish. At first, it was
just a means to gain self-control and escape
my fear or depressing, paranoid thoughts.
Now I am volunteering to transcribe Dharma
teachings for His Eminence.
Now I know how to stay on the path
that keeps my mind stable. Bad things
still happen. Bad thoughts still arise. I still
make mistakes. The difference is they don’t
control me so much, and once bad things or
bad thoughts happen, I can deal with them
effectively. I have transformed my entire life
in just a few years by doing a simple amount
of real Dharma. At the same time, I can still
quote Bible scriptures to my Christian friends
to help them, too.
16

A Divine
Helping Hand
Pujas and prayer sessions are powerful aids for us to
overcome difficulties, invite abundance, and happiness
and also sponsor the heart
of Kechara, the temple.
In life, we constantly face obstacles and
challenges such as financial difficulties, health
problems, losing loved ones, interferences
from spirits, black magic and accidents.
Pujas are one of the many methods to help
us find relief and clear immediate obstacles
so that we can receive positive effects now
and in the future.
What Is A Puja?
Puja is a Sanskrit word which means
“offerings”. It is a religious ceremony in
which prayers, food and monetary offerings
are made to the Three Jewels to request
their blessings and invoke their help. When
the pujas are directed at certain deities,
they help the patron or sponsor to create
connections with the enlightened energy of
those Buddhas.
The offerings are made not because
the deities will be pleased to receive gifts,
but rather because the deities rejoice in the
virtue of the giver. When the deities rejoice,
the puja sponsor creates merits which will
fulfil their wishes and purify their negative
karma which is the ultimate cause of their
particular problem.
The Benefits of Performing
Pujas
Pujas are performed to avert and clear the
three types of obstacles. These are:
1. Worldly obstacles, which affect our daily
life and relationships, as well as our
success in business and finance.
2. Inner obstacles, which affect our health
and mental state.
3. Secret obstacles, which obstruct the
attainments of innate wisdom and
everlasting happiness.
It should be remembered even if there
is no apparent immediate effect, the results
will eventually come because any offering
made in relation to the Three Jewels is never
wasted and in doing a puja, powerful imprints
are planted and merits are collected for the
avoidance of obstacles in the future.
At the same time, by partaking and
sponsoring pujas, we also make a valuable
contribution towards the temple, the heart
of any Buddhist organisation. This is also
considered an offering towards the Three
Jewels and a way to support and maintain
the Dharma work of the temple. In turn,
this generates tremendous merit to clear
further obstacles – for ourselves and for
the Dharma community – and to create a
profound connection with the blessings of
the Buddhas.
Pujas at Kechara House
There are weekly pujas organised in Kechara
House which everyone is welcome to join
to make their prayers and offerings. This
provides a very direct method for you to
create merit to support your Dharma practice
as well as to clear immediate problems.
Kechara House also offers a range of
special pujas, which can be sponsored by
individuals and dedicated towards loved
ones, the deceased or even to specific
situations that you need help with. These
are done on an individual basis. Please
contact the Kechara House administrator
for more details on sponsoring a personal
puja. More details are also available on
www.kechara.com/kechara-house.
H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche has shared
a very beautiful explanation of pujas on his
blog. Visit blog.tsemtulku.com and search
for “What are pujas about”.
Types of Pujas
The most commonly requested and performed pujas are:
1. Lama Chopa: conducted to thank our Guru for his kindness and guidance in our Dharma practice. It helps to increase wisdom, memory,
compassion and patience. It also helps to dispel negative energy, spells and spirits. Performing this puja helps to purify negative karma and
accumulate merits.
2. Medicine Buddha: this very powerful puja is often performed to help clear health-related obstacles, for successful surgeries, and to help
those who have already passed away.
3. Setrap: effective in pacifying obstacles, demons, spirits and black magic.
4. Dukkar: a very powerful puja for dispelling very negative and problematic spirit disturbances; also very effective for assisting in legal cases.
5. Jampel Tsenchok: this recitation of the 108 names of Manjushri is a praise of Manjushri as the embodiment of all knowledge. It is extremely
beneficial for students who are studying and preparing for examinations or for anyone seeking to gain higher wisdom.
17

NEW NEWS
You just never know what to expect at Kechara
Care. Karaoke nights, birthday parties, Bryan
masquerading as a Hokkien superstar…
I See Orange
Kechara Paradise’s flagship store in SS2,
where it all began, has moved to a bright
new, shiny premises just around the corner.
You can’t miss its characteristic bright orange
colour and beautiful window displays right in
the main square of SS2. Click onto
kechara.com/paradise for more info.
What is world peace?
And is it attainable? Of course it is! And
we show you how as we work towards the
manifestation of the Kechara World Peace
Centre. Read all about it on the newly
launched website kechara.com/peace-centre
or view the spectacular, inspiring video on
youtube.com/tsemtulku
Dining for Peace
Kechara held its largest ever fundraising
dinner that featured all 13 departments and
raised sponsorship for Kechara House’s new
gompa and Kechara Soup Kitchen. There
were stunning auctions, great company and
some extra special entertainment featuring a
few misplaced swans…See the full story and
photos on kechara.com or on Rinpoche’s
blog: blog.tsemtulku.com
Tsongkhapa in Chinese
Following the resounding success of the
Tsongkhapa box set in English, the Chinese
version has also been released. As the first
in the world, both English and Chinese box
sets introduce this sacred special practice to
the world in the most beautiful set, complete
with a book, prayers and Tsongkhapa tsa tsa.
Visit kechara.com/kmp to see more!
Don’t jump, Edward! At a rock-climbing afternoon
organised for the youth division of Kechara.
New family members!
Kechara House expands yet again with the
addition of new full- or part-time staff. We
welcome Bryan Ho to Kechara Care, Wong
Yen Pin to Kechara Discovery, Lili Ng to
Kechara Saraswati Arts, Chua Siong Woan to
Kechara Soup Kitchen, Levi, Andrew Boon
and Khong Jean Mei to Tsem Ladrang. May
your work be extremely successful in bringing
Dharma and happiness to others.
Artistic Skill
Kechara Saraswati Arts is in full swing now
with its schedule of art classes. From making
mala bags to learning the art of painting
Buddha statues, from flower arranging to
creating jewellery, KSA brings out the best
of everyone’s artistic skill and imagination.
These classes provide great opportunities
for bringing the family together, discovering
your own inner talent or just kicking back
and having some fun! See what else they
have lined up on kechara.com/ksa
Going Green
The recycling initiative is well under way at
Kechara House. Start picking through your
trash and separating plastics from aluminium
and paper from glass, and bring them all
over to KH, on the second Sunday of every
month. Do your bit for the earth and make it
a lovelier place to live in.
7th Month Blessings
Far from being scared of the hungry ghosts,
Kechara House invited them in for blessings
and prayers at this year’s special four-day
Setrap puja. Organised specially for the 7th
Month, these pujas dispelled the myth that
this is a scary time and provided an occasion
to generate and dedicate powerful merit
to all beings, our families and loved ones.
All the world needs is a little lurve! Read all
about it on kechara.com
A garuda? A shiny bird? A chameleon reindeer?
This year’s lantern festival saw Kechara’s very own
dragon parade, created by the kids of Manjushri
Kids’ Class.
Swing for the Streets
Golf, anyone? A fun-filled day of golf, in aid
of Kechara Soup Kitchen, was organised in
late August for golfers to do what they do
best: swing hard, swing straight and win the
tournament… all in the name of a very good
cause. Joined by celebrity TV personality,
Lorraine Hahn, and the Singaporean High
Commissioner, this was certainly a very
high-profile event which raised big bucks
for KSK and brought greater exposure to
Kechara’s incredible work. See the full story
on kechara.com/ksk
Family Funday
Manjushri Kids Class and Kechara Care
organised a huge fun day in the sun
for families (or anyone with an inner
child bursting to come out and play). A
telematch and games were followed by
a wonderful animal liberation exercise,
where huge barrels of live catfish were
released into a lake and fed. The day ended
with a happy picnic of Kechara Oasis food
and prizes. What fun! Sign up for email
alerts on care@kechara.com to receive
news for the next family day.
Pujas from Gaden
After receiving training directly from Gaden
Shartse monks, Kechara House is now
very well versed in doing pujas in Tibetan
together with the authentic rituals, exactly
as they are done in the monastery. After
learning Drolchok (Tara) pujas, KH members
have now also learnt to do Menlha (Medicine
Buddha) in Tibetan. All weekly Menlha pujas
are now done just the way the monks do
them! Anyone is welcome to join the KH
pujas at any time. See kechara.com for the
weekly puja schedule.
The Apple’s Dropped!
Fresh from the barrel, Kechara Media &
Publication’s newest book, 108 Ways to Grab
My Apples, has been a fast favourite among
readers everywhere. It was so popular that
the 500 limited edition Chinese copies
completely sold out within one week of its
release! There are still many English books to
be grabbed though. Visit kechara.com/kmp
for more info.
18

Follow the
Liaisons
KSK Liaison RUBY KHONG has become one of Malaysia’s most wellloved
celebrities. Gracing the pages of almost every top magazine
on the shelf, Ruby has been very much celebrated for her amazing
leadership of KSK and for bringing so much relief to the streets. From
radio interviews and TV appearances to personality features and
photo-society pages, Ruby is everywhere! We’re very proud of you
Ruby, bravo!!
Our beloved Head of Education, Liaison NGEOW VOON CHIN,
recently underwent a cataract operation. Ngeow said that he
wouldn’t have known about his cataract problem had H.E. Tsem
Tulku Rinpoche not asked him to feature in the recent Black Swan
performance at the Kechara dinner, where he was required to remove
his glasses…
Kechara House President and Liaison DATUK MAY PHNG has been up
to her yellow builder’s hat in debris and cement over recent months
as she personally oversaw the construction of the new gompa. Always
hard-working, energetic and deeply committed to Dharma work,
Datuk May is a striking example of a 21st Century Dharma warrior,
committed to making the teachings grow. Rinpoche shared on his
blog, “It is always very heart-warming to see what a kind, caring,
warm and genuine person Datuk May is. From all my heart I want to
say she is such a good person and sincere.”
Liaison HENRY OOI has been digging deep into his past in a tell-all
biography of his life. From hitting rock bottom many years ago to
now holding the fort at Kechara as one of Rinpoche’s most senior
Liaisons, Henry really has been through it all. Wait for this stunning
book that will blow your mind and show you why some people are just
never what they seem to be on the outside…
From the Lama’s Cushion
The latest news from H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
It’s Rinpoche’s birthday this month (October!). As it is always very auspicious to engage in
Dharma activity on the birthday of high Lamas – especially our Gurus – do join in the splendid
activities at Kechara and make offerings to strengthen your connection to Dharma.
Rinpoche gets more and more tech-savvy as he works with a team to continuously improve
his blog. Now, there’s a whole new look, special features and a very cool, organised way
of navigating the blog. Rinpoche often shares that he dislikes technology and finds it very
difficult to get around techy stuff, but he has learnt up all he needs to learn to make the blog
more accessible for Dharma students and friends everywhere. Thank you, Rinpoche! See all
the magic on blog.tsemtulku.com
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