Sharon Saw is a woman of many talents. With a BA (Hons) in Land Economy and an honorary Masters of Arts from Cambridge University, Sharon has worked on projects ranging from layout planning for the British government, to running her own IT company, to script-writing. Sharon now brings her life experience and writing expertise to her position as Liaison of Kechara Media & Publications, a role which she feels has given her a permanent sense of fulfilment and a purpose in life that is real.

How would you describe yourself, Sharon? We heard that you are a bit of a workaholic?

Yes, that is quite true, I am a workaholic and very passionate about what I do. However, work is what led me to Kechara – I was introduced by a producer who was commissioned to do a series of documentaries for Kechara which H.E. Tsem Rinpoche was going to present.

So your first meeting with Rinpoche was purely professional but something must have convinced you to stay on. What attracted you to Kechara?

Rinpoche of course – his personality, humour, wisdom, charisma! I was also impressed by Liaisons Henry Ooi and Ruby Khong who spent a lot of time explaining basic Buddhism to me. As I got to know the many diverse characters in Kechara, I felt very comfortable and at home.

Now that you have learnt more about Buddhism, why do you like Dharma? Why did you choose to have a career in Dharma?

Dharma teaches me to be a better person – how to be more patient, more caring, less angry – using methods which are logical and easy to apply. Because I liked the teachings I heard and because I was passionate about writing, I automatically gravitated towards Kechara Media & Publications. I enjoy transcribing and proofreading as it allows me to work directly with Rinpoche’s teachings.

Did you have any spiritual inclinations before you came to Kechara? Were you asking questions about your life?

I was spiritually curious but having attended a Methodist school in UK, I knew more about Christianity than Buddhism. I always wanted to know why we are here. I wanted to know why there is inequality in life, and why people are born blind, sick or handicapped, why some babies are stillborn, why some people are born rich and others are born poor.

Has Rinpoche been able to answer those questions for you? What do you like about Rinpoche?

Rinpoche amazes me with his consistent care for others without any agenda. Always thinking of how to alleviate others’ suffering and problems through any means possible, Rinpoche wants nothing in return except our happiness. He also never gives up on anyone; he says everyone is indispensable. That is how we should see everyone around us too.