For over 13 years, Lim Tat Ming worked in the corporate world, garnering experience in the IT industry as an ERP consultant. In 2003, he quit it all to become involved in Dharma – born to a Taoist and Buddhist family, Tat Ming grew up with religion around him so it seemed a natural progression for him to become spiritually active as an adult. Travelling to international Buddhist festivals, Tat Ming also participated in retreats and volunteered in Dharma centres locally and abroad. Tat Ming is now Kechara House’s full-time administrator, in charge of the smooth day-to-day operations of the centre.

As someone with a lot of experience in Buddhist festivals and who has a lot of knowledge about other centres, what attracted you to commit fully to Kechara?

It was the ease of access to Vajrayana teachings that attracted me. Most Vajrayana teachings are only available in Tibetan and since I don’t understand Tibetan, having to rely on translators slows down my learning because the actual meaning of the teachings can be lost in translation. Kechara allows me to access those teachings in English through H.E. Tsem Rinpoche. I was also attracted to Kechara because they encourage actual engagement of practice through any of the 12 departments. In Kechara and with Rinpoche, all moments and all situations are Dharma practice. I found this different to my previous experiences with Dharma, which were mostly intellectually-based.

So what do you like about Rinpoche? What is it about his style of teaching that appeals to you?

Rinpoche has the ability to teach Dharma in a simple and easy-to-understand manner that I can relate to. Although his methods of teaching are unconventional, Rinpoche strictly follows the lineage tradition. His teachings are authentic and can be traced back to Lord Buddha. That is why even though he teaches in English, I know that nothing is lost in translation and I am following a proven Buddhist path.

Why do you like Dharma? What is it about Dharma that appeals to you?

Dharma is not something that was created by Lord Buddha. It is the way things are, or in other words, Dharma is nature. It teaches us about the law of cause and effect (karma). Through Dharma, I learn to cultivate positive actions and avoid non-virtuous actions. I learn to relate to others and how to handle situations in the right way. I avoid harming anyone.

What role do you see yourself playing in the manifestation of Kechara World Peace Centre (KWPC)? Are you happy to be involved with the project?

Yes, I’m happy to be involved in the project and whatever task I am given, I will perform efficiently and to the best of my ability. I will be there to help and support others in Kechara who are more capable than me in the quest to manifest KWPC. I will use whatever opportunity that arises, in the course of my Dharma work in Kechara, to share our KWPC vision with others.