Wan Wong grew up thinking that being a Buddhist involved visiting her local temple and making offerings. She had many questions about Buddhism as she grew older but her involvement in Buddhism remained casual – she only visited the temple when she had free time or during special occasions. After meeting H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche in 2002, Wan is now fully committed to Buddhism as an Apprentice Liaison of the Kechara Paradise Outlets and Kechara Saraswati Arts.

Growing up in a predominantly Buddhist country, what was life like before you came to know about Kechara? What were you doing?

Growing up in a Buddhist country did not mean I was any different from anyone else. Although I made regular trips to the temple and made offerings to the monks, I was still just like everyone else, going through the ‘normal’ cycle of studying and getting a job after graduating.

So did you have any spiritual inclinations? What kind of questions were you asking about your life?

I used to wonder if there was more to life than studying, working to earn money, getting married, having a family and getting old. I also wanted to know what would happen when I died – I asked if there was something that I could pass on, a legacy that I could leave behind.

How did you come to hear about Kechara? When did you start Dharma?

In 2002, a Thai friend told me about H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and Tibetan Buddhism, and I developed the wish to meet Rinpoche one day. My wish came true in 2003 when, through my husband, I met Rinpoche in Malaysia. From my Thai Buddhist background, I observed him and his teachings, and concluded that Rinpoche is a very kind person.

What do you like about Dharma? What about Rinpoche’s teachings struck a chord in you?

I like that the source of Rinpoche’s teachings is authentic and direct from Buddha. He presents it in a logical and practical yet unconventional way, so different from what I knew to be Buddhism. I learnt to have an open mind, that 2 is not just the result of 1+1 but also the result of 2+0 or 1.5+0.5.

What role do you see yourself playing in the manifestation of Kechara World Peace Centre (KWPC)?

Five years ago, Kechara was just a small group of devoted students doing weekly prayers in a rented house. Today, there are 12 departments because people now have more than a casual commitment to Buddhism. Because of this, and with Rinpoche’s blessings, I know that KWPC will manifest. As a Liaison of Kechara Paradise, I will use my position to share and attract people to Rinpoche’s vision for KWPC.