To celebrate the official launch of If Not Now, When? The Peace Edition, Kechara Media & Publications (KMP) invited their friends in the media and in Kechara, to join them in MPH 1Utama for a press conference and light lunch.

One of KMP's absolute must-haves, If Not Now, When?, launches!

If Not Now, When? (INNW) has actually been available online, and in the Kechara Paradise outlets and all good bookstores since May 2009… so why only release it now? Because, as Phng Li Kim (CEO of KMP) noted, it is all about the timing; and the message of INNW is timeless. It is a book that transcends all boundaries of age, lifestyle, background and creed. It is a book that gives us the tools for introspection. It is a book that gives us the conviction to effect inner transformation, both so crucial to making and keeping our New Year’s resolutions.

Li Kim believes that INNW is “not about becoming enlightened, but about being the best human being we can be, right here, right now“. The book’s quotes help us look at life from another perspective, using themes that run throughout our lives, for example joy and sadness. When compiling INNW, KMP gave near-total artistic freedom to their photographers who were asked to interpret what they felt a quote meant. This method resulted in what Li Kim feels is a personal book. By exhibiting local and international photography talent, INNW has a very contemporary take on the Dharma.

Senior Editor Jamie Khoo introduces KMP's CEO Phng Li Kim

When asked whether the contemporary nature of INNW oversimplified the Dharma, Senior Editor Sharon Saw disagreed saying, “Although the quotes appear to be simple, they are actually difficult to apply.” In fact, although they may be just a few lines each, every time she picks up the book, Sharon still gains new meaning from each quote, demonstrating the multi-layered approach of His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s teachings.

Left: Li Kim, together with her Senior Editors Sharon Saw and Jamie Khoo, take questions from the media Right: Proudly showing off their book!

Speaking about the book’s origins, Senior Editor Jamie Khoo said that INNW was compiled from text messages sent by Rinpoche to his students. These short messages were designed to prompt thinking and understanding; the fact that the teachings were sent via text message indicated the urgency of watching how you react right NOW… hence the title If Not Now, When?.

Available at the book launch were 50 copies of INNW which had been blesssed and signed with a message and autograph by Rinpoche. This was in addition to the promotion they are currently running – throughout the month of January, all purchases of If Now Now, When? will come with a t-shirt featuring a quote from the book! So don’t miss out! Grab your copy today, and get a free t-shirt! This is one book you want to be seen around town with!