Professor Choi Kim Yok is a single mother, and highly-respected lecturer and professor. As a member of academia, and with a discerning and critical mind, it comes as no surprise that she was Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics in the University of Malaya. Now a lecturer in French and linguistics, Prof. Choi brings her linguistic skills to the development and maintenance of the Kechara House Dharma Library. There, she is able to use her passion for languages to share Dharma with others.

As a single mother, professor and lecturer, you must be incredibly busy. How did you come to be introduced to Kechara?

In 2006, I stumbled across what used to be Kechara Paradise Lot 10 in KL, where I was introduced to Lama Tsongkhapa. I bought a few small items including a Lama Tsongkhapa chakra. The outlet staff told me about H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and Kechara, and about Rinpoche’s teachings. I started practising very soon after that.

What attracted you to Kechara? Did you have any spiritual inclinations beforehand?

I was born a Buddhist but have never been religious. However, I have always been curious about Buddhism and recently developed a strong wish to die a Buddhist. Although Kechara is the only Dharma centre I have ever known, it attracted me because of the people there. I find them friendly and caring, and I always feel safe with them.

As someone who had little spiritual inclinations but later developed the wish to leave this world as a Buddhist, where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

I have no doubt that in five years’ time, due to the commitment of Kechara members and Rinpoche’s blessings, our retreat centre Kechara World Peace Centre (KWPC) will have manifested. I see myself there with the rest of Kechara, all of us serving in one of the departments and bringing Dharma to people who go there.

Will you be a part of KWPC’s manifestation? What role do you see yourself having in the development of KWPC?

Before Dharma, I lacked any meaningful aspirations. Now, I wish to spend the rest of my life serving others. In my role as Head Librarian of the Kechara House Dharma Library, I want to see the library expand. It will create the causes for a bigger Dharma library in KWPC that will support the preservation of Lama Tsongkhapa’s tradition and teachings.

So are you happy to be involved with the manifestation of KWPC?

Yes, of course! The growth of the Ladrang and the departments will lead to the manifestation of KWPC. I am very happy that everything is progressing well. Kechara members are working hard towards the realisation of our objective which is to make Dharma grow in Malaysia and in the region.