The Dharma is the only teaching that addresses the issues of heart and mind. It has to be understood and be put into practice. Kechara is the place and venue for us to do this. Kechara also shows me how to naturally integrate Dharma into my life.
Loo Leat Thium, 47
Facility Manager
Kechara House Management Committee
After coming across the Kechara stand at a book fair held in the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC), Loo Leat Thium has been a regular participant in Kechara’s Lamrim classes. Describing himself as a very technically-inclined person, this father of two was previously based in mainland China where he worked for twelve years as a service engineer for a German manufacturing company. These days, he is based in Malaysia where he works as a freelance industrial automation service and solution provider.
What was life like before you started taking part in Kechara activities? How were you introduced to Kechara?
Before Kechara, I spent my free time reading technical or Dharma books. I discovered Kechara when I attended a book fair at MIECC. This was back in 2007 and during my visit, I met Kok Yek Yee – she was taking care of the Kechara Media & Publications booth along with a few other Kechara friends and volunteers.
What do you understand about spirituality?
Spirituality, especially Dharma, is food for the heart. For many people like myself, spirituality is an area that is often neglected. Neglecting it is like the slow poisoning of ourselves and one day, it is going to take a toll.
Before you came to Kechara, were you asking any questions about your life? What were they?
As a teenager, I always asked myself and other people, “Why does everyone I meet seem to have a mask on? Why is there a difference between what people say and do, and what’s actually inside them?” It is within Dharma that I have found my answers.
So did you have any spiritual inclinations before you came to Kechara?
Yes, I did. I used to read Dharma books which were mainly Theravadan-based because I had negative views about the other two vehicles (Mahayana and Vajrayana). However, I kept an open mind – I joined Kechara because I knew that I should investigate my negative perceptions. I wanted to see the teaching and training methods of other Dharma vehicles for myself.
Has Kechara been able to change your mind and perception? Why do you like Dharma?
The Dharma is the only teaching that addresses the issues of heart and mind. However, Dharma has to be understood and be put into practice. Kechara is the place and venue for us to do this – for example, in the Lamrim classes we can gain understanding. Kechara also shows me how to naturally integrate Dharma into my life.
