Liaison of Kechara Media & Publications

I had always been interested in spirituality, having explored Christianity since it was most readily available while I was studying at a Methodist school. However, I found that the questions I had could not be answered, no matter how hard I looked and whomever I asked. I immersed myself in samsara, looking for elusive fulfilment in every indulgence, only to find ‘happiness’ illusive and temporary.

I had met H.E. Tsem Rinpoche very fleetingly in 1997 and was already captivated by him then but due to circumstances, I didn’t have the merits to see him again until 2005. I met His Eminence again through a work assignment as I was engaged as a scriptwriter for a documentary series. Although the project fell through, I was completely enthralled by His Eminence’s teachings and personality, and my questions were finally comprehensively answered. I resolved to learn more and not to let the opportunity pass this time.

Naturally inclined to writing, I became a volunteer in Kechara Media & Publications (KMP), the publishing arm of the Kechara organisation. In 2008, I had the honour of being invited to join the Liaison Council. I immediately accepted because as a Liaison, I would have the precious opportunity to work closely with His Eminence and the Liaisons, to ensure that His Eminence’s vision and Dharma work are carried out. It is also a rare opportunity for accelerated learning.

In carrying out His Eminence’s Dharma work, Liaisons often have to interact with other students and new people who have set ideas in how things should be or are unaware of the protocol. Often, Liaisons are placed in the line of fire when our work challenges the perceptions of those who do not understand or do not seek to understand why we do the things we do. While this is a challenge, it is also an opportunity for us to learn more skilful means to convey the message without disturbing their minds.

On a personal level, Liaisons have to be a role model and immediately improve our behaviour. As a representative of His Eminence, Liaisons have to embody the teachings immediately. This requires increased awareness, patience, kindness, care and generosity etc. – all the qualities which I should have but are usually obscured by my own selfish habituation.

One of the challenges of being a Liaison is that there is much more responsibility and commitment required. A Liaison commits 110% to the Dharma and our Lama’s vision and this commitment is to make Dharma a priority in all aspects of our lives. This commitment is not something to be taken lightly.

Finally, despite the challenges – and there are many – I can truly say that I have a sense of fulfilment which is permanent and my purpose in life is now real.

Portfolio

• Senior Writer of Kechara Media & Publications
• Manjushri Class Speaker, Kechara Education Committee

Background

I graduated from Cambridge University with a BA (Hons) in Land Economy and received an honorary Masters of Arts. I then spent 17 years in the UK, working with the Malaysian Timber Council to oversee their PR exercise in UK, Germany, Belgium, Sweden and the EU. I also worked for the British government in the Department of Education and Science, a music publishing firm and set up my own IT business. On my return to Malaysia in 1997, I joined the Communications Team of the National Economic Action Council (NEAC) in the Prime Minister’s department.

After leaving the NEAC, I became a features writer for World of Feng Shui magazine. I also wrote a series of management articles for the Malay Mail and did scriptwriting and voice-overs for corporate videos, and produced scripts for two movies and one season of the popular TV show, Deal or No Deal. I started volunteering at KMP in 2006 and since 2008, I have been working full time for the Kechara organisation.

I  also hold the following positions in addition to my commitment in Kechara:

• President of Soroptimist International Club of Petaling Jaya
• Editor, Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia newsletter
• Asst. Hon. Secretary of the Oxford & Cambridge Society, Malaysia
• Member of the Federation of Malaysian Unit Trust Managers
• Director, Gergaji Management Sdn Bhd

On a personal level, I have an 11-year-old son, Sean, with whom I try to share the Dharma values as taught by His Eminence. I also try to involve him in Kechara events and bring him to Dharma teachings as much as possible.

Contact

Email: sharon.saw@kechara.com