The concepts “award-winning fashion designer” and “Buddhist organisation” do not usually meet. However, in Eric Choong’s world, nothing is ordinary and after 25 years in the fashion industry, Eric says that his involvement in Kechara has helped to bring more balance and happiness into his life. Willing and happy to support any Kechara event, Eric says he does so because the members’ motivation is sincere and he knows the beneficial results they are trying to achieve.

Tell us about yourself Eric, why did you join Dharma work? Surely as a highly sought-after couture designer, you have plenty of things on your plate!

I do Dharma work because it trains me to be humble and compassionate, and allows me to practise generosity. However, the most important reason why I joined Dharma work was to transform myself and follow in H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s example, to bring greater benefit to others.

Why were you attracted to Kechara? What was it about the centre and its style that appealed to you?

Kechara, unlike other conventional Buddhist centres, encompasses modern and ancient Buddhist teachings. Rinpoche’s skilful means and alternative teaching methods fit modern people. At Kechara, we also come into contact with different groups of people, and practise Buddhism as a way of life. It is very interesting. Kechara can be a university, a community and also a temple.

So what do you like about Rinpoche? What about Rinpoche appeals to you?

Rinpoche is a living Buddha – he is a teacher, a brother, a friend, and he could be my parents. He is tolerant, kind, open-minded and makes the best use of different ways to teach different students. He uses modern technology and ancient Buddhist wisdom to cultivate compassion and Bodhicitta in our hearts.

Of all of the teachings you have received from Rinpoche, which teaching has had the single biggest impact on you?

The classic phrase of “Nothing changes yet everything changes” has had such an impact on me. Rinpoche has also taught me about fame which I previously used as a self-serving tool. However, Rinpoche has taught me to transform this thought; to use fame and fortune as a driving force to benefit others.

What do you see in Kechara’s horizons? Do you think that the future is bright for Kechara?

Kechara will draw a lot of attention globally, especially when Kechara World Peace Centre is completed – it will attract both Dharma students and tourists to Malaysia. With Rinpoche using various channels to promote Buddhism, and with the support of many hard-working Dharma friends, Rinpoche’s teachings will definitely go global.