The class is conducted with lively discussions and plenty of opportunity for everyone to share and learn. With emphasis on integrating Dharma into our daily lives, it will lead us to a more harmonious, peaceful and beneficial way of living. These classes are specifically customised for beginners to Buddhism. No previous knowledge is required to join these classes.

On-going discussion

Relevant topics are presented in each class which is of duration of 2 hours. Selected video clips are also shown to aid learning. The Chinese Manjushri Class Sub-committee is led by Liaison Kok Yek Yee.

Day: Every Friday
Time: 8pm to 10pm
Venue: Kechara House (Sunshine Room)

For more information, please contact Liaison Kok Yek Yee on yekyee.kok@kechara.com or call +6012 673 1981.

We invite you to join the Kechara Sunday Talks, a program designed to introduce the basics of Dharma to people who are new to Buddhism. Covering a broad range of topics, these talks give a good foundation in the basics of Dharma philosophy and practice, in line with the traditions and lineage of Kechara. The talks also prepare students for further study with the other structured Lamrim classes offered by Kechara House.

Class in progress

At each session, one of our knowledgeable senior students offer a talk about one of the topics listed below and then open up to the floor for questions and discussions. No previous experience is necessary to attend these talks and everyone is welcome to join any or all of the talks. These Sunday afternoons are also a great way to learn more about Kechara in general and the many other departments, activities and events of the centre.

Kechara Sunday Talks
Every Sunday
2pm
Kechara House Multipurpose Hall

Get smart like His Holiness the Dalai Lama!

The schedule of topics from 15 January to 25 March 2012 is out now! Check it out here and join us this Sunday to start your path to wisdom! For more information, please contact Susan Lim on education@kechara.com or on +6012 405 5564.

We hope to see you there soon!

The reference text used in Kechara House is ‘Liberation in the Palm of your Hand’ by H.H. Kyabje Pabongkha Rinpoche. This class will also study other essential Mahayana texts such as Shantideva’s ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ and Geshe Langri Tangpa’s ‘Eight Verses of Mind Transformation’.

Day: Friday
Time: 8pm – 10:30pm
Venue: Kechara House (multipurpose hall)

The Lamrim Class Sub-committee is headed by Liaison Ngeow Voon Chin and moderators include Kim Ng, Lim Han Nee, Tan Gim Lee, Thierry Janssens, Wan Wai Meng and Prof Choi.

Click on the links below to read personal accounts and sharings about the Lamrim class from regular participants:

• Elaine Cheah
• Lim Han Nee
• Roselyn Lim
• Loo Leat Thium
• Ash Ng

Kechara House also conducts the Simplified Lamrim class held on alternate Sundays.

For more information, please contact Liaison Ngeow at voonchin.ngeow@kechara.com or call +6016 605 2996.

The Wheel of Life as interpreted by our Lamrimpa, Thierry Janssens from Belgium (click to enlarge)

Day: Sundays
Time: 11am – 1pm
Venue: Kechara House (Multi-purpose hall)
Commencement date: 1 May 2011

Course Programme

• Reliance on our spiritual guide
• Death and impermanence
• Dangers of the lower realms
• Refuge
• Actions and their effects (karma)

Course Fees

RM 100 for members /  RM 200 for non-Kechara members

To sign up for the class, please register with Jeffrey Gan (+6012 387 5689) by 1 May 2011. For for more information, please contact Liaison Ngeow at +6016 605 2996 or email voonchin.ngeow@kechara.com.

Join now to get a head start on your Graded Path to Enlightenment!

Mr Ngeow conducts the Simplified Lamrim Class

Day: Tuesdays
Time: 8:30pm – 10:30pm
Venue: Kechara House (multipurpose hall)

NOTE: This course has recently ended. Dates for the new programme to resume will be announced in the near future.

To sign up for the class or for more information, please contact Liaison Ngeow at +6016 605 2996 or email voonchin.ngeow@kechara.com.

Join now to get a head start on your Graded Path to Enlightenment!

Held in English, MKC had its first class in March 2008. From a small group of kids, membership has since grown to more than twenty children between the ages of 4 – 15 years. The class is immensely popular with parents who want something more age-appropriate for their children while they themselves attend the Manjushri classes for grown-ups.

MKC class in session

At the moment, there are three Dharma classes conducted based on the different age groups. The programme is very interactive and designed to instil discipline, knowledge and good attitudes in children in a fun and creative way guided by Buddhist principles and ethics.

From left to right: Han Ling, Wee Liang, Alex Tan, Gim Lee

Programmes

Always fun and interactive, a typical session aims to instil in the children daily Dharma practice and includes the following activities:

• Prostrations
• Daily prayer with mantra recitation (to Lord Manjushri, Buddha of Wisdom)
• Dharma lessons on Buddha’s life story with a moral teaching
• Art including colouring of Buddha pictures, etc.
• Making offerings to Buddha with candles, flowers, incense and food to create merit

Sticky fingers makes for fun learning!

Special activities include:

• Making gifts in appreciation of our mothers on Mother’s Day
• Making handicraft and mantra singing performances at Grand Setrap and Dzambala Puja
• Wesak Fair performances
• Making of special lanterns for Lantern Festival
• Kechara Dharma Camp for Kids

The class for teenagers

Syllabus

The MKC syllabus can be divided into the following three parts:

BEC 101: Buddhist Education for Children I

In this course, the students are introduced to Kechara House and our Spiritual Guide, His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. The course also includes topics like the Jataka Tales, eight auspicious signs, the Gelug lineage, Buddhas, and basic Buddhist values. The teachings are conducted in a visual and interactive manner, according to the level of the students to create interest whilst imparting some basic knowledge.

BEC 201: Buddhist Education for Children II

In this course, the students are taught the significance and benefits of making offerings to the Three Jewels and the importance of having the guidance of a qualified guru from an authentic lineage. Contents of the course include aspects of Tibetan Buddhism, the Gelug lineage, Rinpoche’s biography, the Jataka Tales, Tibetan culture and Buddhist values.

BEC 301: Buddhist Education for Children III

In this course, the students will be taught the Four Noble Truths in a simple and enjoyable way through videos and discussion. Videos from Rinpoche’s YouTube channel and Rinpoche’s blog will be used to illustrate the meaning of suffering etc. This course also teaches students how to apply positive values which will be useful when they encounter difficulties in daily life.

Classes are held every Sunday from 2pm – 4pm at Kechara House, and incorporate art classes led by Teacher Ling.

Art class at Kechara Saraswati Arts!

Fees

Kechara House charges a minimal fee, which goes towards covering the cost of educational materials, and towards the operational expenses of the Dharma centre.

• RM50 per child per term (KH members)
• RM100 per child per term (non-members)

As parents, other than fulfilling their basic material needs for food, shelter, education and clothing, Dharma is the best gift we can provide to our children so that they receive benefits that extend beyond this lifetime. May our children grow up to become good people; may they develop kindness and compassion for others, and be a shining light to benefit many.

For more information regarding the MKC, to volunteer as a teacher or to sponsor any of the activities, please contact Yap Yoke Fui at yokefui.yap@kechara.com.

They're loving it!

Vision

The Education Committee was formed with a two-fold vision: to support the growth of Buddhism in Malaysia in general, and the spread the doctrine of Lama Je Tsongkhapa and H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s teachings in particular.

Objectives

Lama Tsongkhapa’s lineage emphasizes attainments through the practice and understanding of the Dharma, as achieved through learning, debate, discussion and meditation. The Kechara Education Committee wishes to:

• Create a Dharma-literate community within and outside our organisation
• Organise and conduct dharma classes / programs
• Encourage and train local students and practitioners to become Dharma teachers / pastors
• Establish an accredited Institute of Learning in Kechara World Peace Centre.

History

Established in 2007, the Education Committee and senior students of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche conduct classes in English or Mandarin, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The classes cater to all levels of participants and there are no prerequisites for attendance. Anyone interested in acquiring Dharma knowledge, learning and practice regardless of their background, is welcome to join at any time.

Classes

Lamrim Class (English)

Multi-purpose hall
Fridays from 8pm to 10:30pm

This study class is suitable for those who can attend the program on regular basis. It covers teachings from standard Lamrim texts such as Liberation in the Palm of your Hand by Lama Je Pabongka, Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacaryavatara and H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s teachings.

Click here for more information about Kechara’s Lamrim Classes in English.

Kechara Sunday Talks

Main prayer hall
Sundays from 2pm to 4pm

This class is suitable for beginners and for those who wish to brush up on general Buddhist subjects. Every week guest speakers from various departments in the Kechara organisation give interesting presentations in their area of specialty.

Click here for more information about Kechara’s Manjushri Classes in English.

Simplified Lamrim Class (English)

Multi-purpose hall
Sundays from 11am to 1pm

These classes are open to all and cater especially to people who are not able to attend the full Lamrim program.

Click here for more information about Kechara’s Simplified Lamrim Classes in English.

Manjushri Kids Class (English)

Sunshine Room, Library, Main prayer hall
Sundays from 2pm to 4pm

There are 3 classes being conducted presently based on different age groups ranging from 4-15 years old. The program is very interactive and designed to instill discipline, knowledge and good attitudes in children in a fun and creative way guided by Buddhist principles and ethics.

Click here for more information about Kechara’s Manjushri Kids Class.

Manjushri Class (Chinese)

Sunshine Room
Fridays from 8pm to 10pm

This class is suitable for beginners and for those who wish to brush up on general Buddhist subjects. Conducted in Mandarin Chinese for the benefit of our Chinese-speaking students.

Click here for more information about Kechara’s Manjushri Classes in Chinese

Simplified Lamrim Class (Chinese)

Multi-purpose hall
Tuesdays from 8:30pm to 10:30pm

These classes are open to all and cater especially to people who are not able to attend the full Lamrim program. Conducted in Mandarin Chinese for the benefit of our Chinese-speaking students.

Click here for more information about Kechara’s Simplified Lamrim classes in Chinese.

Organisational Structure

The Education committee is headed by the Liaison for Education, Mr. V.C. Ngeow. The sub committees are headed by main committee members as follows:

For more information about the Education Committee and their classes, please contact Liaison Ngeow Voon Chin at education@kechara.com or call +6016 605 2996.

For more information about the Education Committee and their classes, please contact Liaison Ngeow Voon Chin at +6016 605 2996 or education@kechara.com.

Ngeow Voon Chin

Liaison and Head of Education

I am a Chartered Civil Engineer who has been semi-retired since 1990. I am now committed to devoting the rest of my life on the spiritual path.

Under the guidance of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, the Spiritual Guide of Kechara House, my main responsibilities are to help develop a dharma literate community, establish Study Groups all over the country, as well as conduct classes as a Dharma teacher.

My passion is to share and spread our lineage teachings, the Lamrim or Stages of the Path to Enllightenment  and H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s talks, so that many will receive benefit from them.

At one of my first meetings with Rinpoche, he had asked if I believed in Karma. Of course I replied, “YES!” Which Buddhist worth his salt wouldn’t say the same. Next  he asked, with genuine concern, why I am still not enlightened yet. With these two questions I instantly realised my ignorance and had no doubt whatsoever that I had found my Guru.

Jamie Khoo

Kechara Sunday Talk Speaker

It is still sometimes a bit of a surprise to me that I ended up becoming the coordinator for the Manjushri Dharma Classes at Kechara, considering I was never the type of person to attend Dharma talks!

By a strange and unexpected arrangement of the stars and a bit of help from my karma, I took on this portfolio and have enjoyed it tremendously ever since. Having joined Kechara in 2005, I have learnt a lot of Dharma from H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche over the years and with my current portfolio as one of the Senior Editors of Kechara Media & Publications, it seemed only fitting, and a natural progression, to share this wealth of information with others via the weekly Manjushri Classes.

The teachings have benefited me so much since I met the Dharma and I wish that everyone might enjoy even a fraction of the huge peace and happiness that can be gained from the teachings.

It is my hope that by introducing many different aspects of Buddhism to others and by making the classes diverse and varied, many more people will be inspired to put the teachings into practice and make Dharma a part of their everyday lives.

David Lai

Kechara Sunday Talk Speaker

I was fortunate enough to have met H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche as a friend while I was still going to church in 2003. At that time, I found him to be a remarkable spiritual teacher because he never tried to convert me or ever ask me to be his disciple. I remember one of his first teachings to me was to take what the Buddha taught and apply it into my life and not just believe in it blindly. That statement blew my mind – it was Rinpoche’s logic and reasoning that “converted” me.

However, my real faith in Rinpoche didn’t appear overnight; it took years. Rinpoche’s first advice to me was to write because he felt that I had great potential to develop myself in that field. It took me many years while I worked in Kechara Paradise outlets and even in the Ladrang before I found myself in Kechara Media & Publications. Eventually, I decided to just trust Rinpoche and start my Dharma career by writing my very first book. It has been quite a journey for me!

On the other hand, I found that I had a passion for sharing the Dharma with others while I was working in the Kechara Paradise stores. I loved Rinpoche’s teachings so I would share them with people who came into the stores. I don’t think I affected everybody but I do still occasionally receive feedback that what I had shared with them was beneficial. From there, I try to absorb as many Dharma teachings as I can through Rinpoche’s teachings, Manjushri class and other activities so I can share it with those who I meet.

Thierry Janssens

Kechara Sunday Talk, Simplified Lamrim and Lamrim Speaker

Originally from Belgium, I arrived in Malaysia in 1996, filling in for a job offer that was supposed to last two weeks. Almost 15 years later, I still wonder what happened!

Since then, and as an architect, I have travelled to many places on the globe, tasted many cuisines, met many people and experienced all types of weather under the sky.

In 2006, I got an iPod and started downloading podcasts (that is, talk-shows, educating or humorous radio programmes, etc.). By the magic of iTunes (and karma) some Buddhist talks “appeared” as well so I started listening to them while I was travelling or working.

I grew fond of a few speakers, one of which was Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. Yet, I had no idea he was just next door. I had assumed that he was somewhere in the USA as his American English was unmistakable. One day however, I was in an airplane listening to a talk by Rinpoche when he mentioned that he took students out to “Jalan Alor”” I even woke up my incredulous neighbour to tell him that I just found a great teacher and that he actually lives next door to me! I was ecstatic and furiously impatient to find out more and meet him.

Upon my return in KL, I immediately ventured into this deeply mysterious and frightening part of the city which I had managed to avoid all these years (Petaling Jaya and its surroundings). After many wrong turns, I finally arrived at Kechara House. There, I met Mama Jenny (now Anila) who was “holding the fort” while other members were in Nepal on a pilgrimage with Rinpoche.

Very soon after, I joined the recently started Lamrim Classes which I literally “devoured” like I did the most delicious food after years of tasteless and sickening junk. The knowledge I managed to gather in studying the Lamrim got me started on my journey of sharing and giving. And voila! Lah! This is how I began and am continuing in Dharma.

Sharon Saw

Kechara Sunday Talk Speaker

After 17 years in the UK, I finally returned to Malaysia and continued enjoying life to the full, with what I thought were great jobs, working in the Prime Minister’s Department during the Asian economic crisis, then changing to writing for a popular magazine, scriptwriting, corporate videos and movies and TV shows.

In 2005, I was invited to be a scriptwriter for a documentary series for HE Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and the first time I met him, I was completely enthralled. I had always been spiritually curious and finally, I met someone who could answer all my questions about God, the universe and the meaning of life… and then some.

I began volunteering at Kechara Media & Publications and soon found that samsaric jobs were not as fulfilling (nor fun!) as Dharma work and it was a no-brainer to join KMP full-time. The rest, as they say, is history.

When Jamie, my fellow KMPian, asked if I’d like to join her team to facilitate the Manjushri class, I readily agreed – it is really a privilege to share Rinpoche’s teachings with others. Under Jamie’s creative direction and the team’s enthusiasm, the Manjushri classes have evolved to become interactive, varied and fabulously fun sessions.

To reach more people, especially those who are far away, I’ve recently started live streaming the fun Sunday Manjushri sessions live on www.livestream.com/kechara. We have been having a great response and growing. Dharma friends from all over the world log in – from US, UK, Netherlands, Thailand, Singapore and Australia – and participate actively in online discussions. So now you can join the class in person or online – what excuse have you got not to attend!

Susan Lim

Kechara Sunday Talk, Simplified Lamrim, Lamrim Speaker, Head of Educational Research, Program Development

I grew up with a fascination and curiosity of the existence of extra-terrestrial lifeforms, near-death experiences and meditations, filling my head with books about such topics as well as Nostradamus, the Bible, and one Tibetan Buddhist book. I also lived my life as a Christian and a missionary for countless years.

However, four years ago, I met H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and the Dharma. It was through the Dharma, that I finally found the answers to many of the questions I had.

While I am still on my journey of learning and discovery, I am glad to be given the opportunity to share the little Dharma I have learnt and experienced through the Education Committee of Kechara House. I am grateful to H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and my Dharma brothers and sisters who have taught me what it is like to experience living in Dharma.

Kok Yek Yee

Manjushri Class (Chinese) Speaker
Chinese Committee

In recognition of the large Chinese-speaking population in this region, many events and activities at KECHARA are held in Chinese (Mandarin), and most publications by Kechara Media & Publications are bilingual. Thus, although H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche speaks English, great benefit has been predicted for this region, including China, through Rinpoche’s Dharma activities.

For more information about Chinese-language events and activities at Kechara, please contact Liaison Kok Yek Yee at yekyee.kok@kechara.com or call +6012 388 3390.

Not until I attend this Lamrim class conducted by Mr Ngeow at Kechara House under the Spiritual direction of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. The questions posed were mind-boggling as most of the time I couldn’t find the answers from text.  Aaarrghh… tough! But if you like things out-of-the-norm, then trust me, you will like this class.

Trying to act smart, I used to “cut and paste” answers from the web or quote words from great Lamas. I soon realised how silly I was in the way I studied. Later, Mr Ngeow told me that it would be best if the answers came from my own experience and contemplation from reading – only then I can see how my mind changes over the years.

I don’t mind “re-learning” the way I learn all over again because I am starting to taste its sweetness. Just by realising how lucky I am to have all the freedom and conditions in this lifetime to meet and be guided by an unmistaken Spiritual Guide, Tsem Rinpoche, and how my life can be used for a higher purpose has already given me great meaning in life. In a nutshell, I feel happier.

Thanks to technology and the great initiative of our Dharma friend Kennie Wong, my friends and I from the Singapore Kechara Study Group are able to attend this Lamrim class virtually, via the Internet, every Friday evening at Roland’s place.  Notes are emailed to students prior to the class and questions are discussed during lessons, with Mr Ngeow as the facilitator.  Best of all, there are no right and wrong answers; just add-ons to improve our understanding.

The word “BORING” is now not in my Dharma dictionary. Come by and sit in for a trial and perhaps you’ll see why.

When Mr Ngeow, Liaison of Kechara’s Education Committee, received the blessings of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche to start this Lamrim class, I began to get in touch with Dharma knowledge; many topics which I had heard of before began to resurface in my mind. Engaging in many of the virtuous activities in Kechara over the last few years has further helped me to accumulate merits to understand the Lamrim better. The Lamrim offers many benefits – it helps us to understand clearer who we really are, why we have so many dissatisfactions in life and how we can help ourselves and our loved ones.

This class is suitable for beginners like me and those interested to know more about Buddhism. It offers a concise discourse on the study of the Buddhadharma. Mr Ngeow is very wise and skilful in explaining to us the Dharma of an unbroken lineage, which goes all way the back to Lord Buddha Shakyamuni.

Mr Ngeow also sets questions for us to contemplate and to reflect on each topic discussed. Many times, I can’t really answer them as many of these questions have no right or wrong answers.  Instead, we voice our views and discuss our answers as a group then later in class. For overseas students like me, I would read the notes given, then attempt to answer the questions.

This course is very well-structured because it begins with an introduction of the Lamrim and preparatory practices like setting up an altar or relying on a spiritual guide and guides us all the way to understanding the cause of individual suffering, how to stop it and how to attain Buddhahood.

Attending the class has helped me to look into my own life and think about the many things that are happening around me. One thing for sure is that I will continue to attend this class to find my inner peace and bring happiness to my loved ones.