May Woo’s talk at Manjushri Class
Dear Rinpoche,
Today at Manjushri class, Kechara Paradise is giving a talk on their dept. May Woo is representing Kechara Paradise outlets to speak today.
She explains how outlets reach out to the masses by being present at easily accessible locations like Bangsar n popular shopping malls.
Also outlets r a gateway for the general community to make offerings to the sangha.
There r 19 of us here at manjushri class today. Outlet staff like Albert, Wan, girlie n Henry r also present.
Thank u.
Margaret
May Woo in action.
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I got to know May Woo in Kh1 when I was a volunteer there. At that time KH2 as not set up yet nor the other KH premises that is exsting now. It was only KH1 that all KH activities were held. She was the only fulltime staff and administrator for Kechara House. She is a very good administrator and single handedly she managed the centre keeping the place very organised. She is not a very chatty person. She was happy to work quietly in KH1. Then KH2 was formed. One day Rinpoche gave a dharma talk and during the talk Rinpoche ask May whether she can go to work in the outlet. She refused. Rinpoche has a reason for asking her. Later only did she accept. In the outlets she has benefited Kechara a lot by her sales. And she can even give talks to the public confidently.
I am happy for May Woo’s commitment in the Dharma and all that she has been doing all these years. She is one lady, straight, hardworking, result-driven and really passionate about the Dharma work which she is involved in. There has been many instances whereby she has single handedly make some projects within the organization executed without any flaws.
Being in the outlets, one must be very passionate about the Dharma and May Woo is one person who is passionate about it. Rinpoche has mentioned many times that the entire Kechara Organization is like that of a Mandala with KEchara House as the central palace where out Yidam Deity LAma TSongkhapa resides and the outlets are the main gateways to gain access to the palace.
As such, the staff and people representing the entire Organization must be knowledgeable and well studied in order to be able to nurture people from the public into the mandala.
I commend May Woo for her hard work and dedication in the outlets and wish her all success in her Dharma endeavors.
I have worked with people from Kechara Paradise first hand, and I can tell you that they are very rare Dharma practitioners. Fore not only do they know many things, the iconography of the Buddhas, the setting of altars, the signification of ritual objects, the particular ways that different buddhas can help us, the content of every Dharma book, the activities of Kechara House different departments, and much more.
Not only do they know all that, but they know how to communicate about it, training every day with customers from many different backgrounds and divere, or little, knowledge in Dharma and buddhsme.
They are a well of information.
Dear May Woo,
You were the first person I bought something from at Kechara Paradise Bangsar. I think it was a Green Tara chakra. You were very friendly, helpful and warm. You have always played your part as the front runner for Kechara House. Please continue to be the soldier that you are. You gave me a good impression of Kechara house. Many of us had our first encounter of Kechara House with you and the dedicated team of front runners at Kechara Paradise. Please keep your spirits flying high. May sales grow and grow and more outlets pop up everywhere.
With folded hands,
Wee Liang
As one of people who got to know Kechara via the Kechara Paradise outlets, I owe my spiritual awakening to the kindness of my guru who came up with the concept of dharma outlets to spread dharma, the kind sponsors who came up with the necessary means to open up the outlets in shopping malls and the kind staffs and volunteers who are ever so patient to explain what it’s all about.
I’m ashamed that what attracted me to enter the outlet for the first time was the word ‘sale’ on one of the items. It was a beautiful Tibetan singing bowl. One thing led to another, and pretty soon I had my own alter ! Never have I dreamed that I would have my own alter. Even though I had alters while living with my parents, I could never understand what they were about. With the help of the staffs/friends in the kechara outlets, I could finally understand and my faith in Buddhism grew. There’s too many stories relating to the Kechara Paradise outlets, my only regret is that I did not walk into one earlier in my life. Better late than never I guess 🙂
I support the donation boxes. I like putting money in them because I know where they go. Mumu boxes creates the causes for Kechara Animal Sanctuary to grow. Kechara Soup Kitchen boxes creates the causes for more homeless and urban poor to get off the streets and live a better life. I would like to thank Elize, johnny & a vegetarian restaurant owner who are jointly contributing 50 packets of cooked food to ksk weekly and oscar who is contributing 5 packets of food too because they are creating the causes for 55 in total of people to be less hungry. May you all be healthy and may you all live to an old ripe age so that you can benefit people through Kechara House and Kechara Soup Kitchen!
Congradulations to Aunty May Woo for giving a talk on something that could give people more information on a branch related to the Dharma. Dharma outlets should be place in much more open places or more chinese areas. They should not be concealed on a floor above and they should have a big sign. I like that outlets are a gateway for the general community to make offerings to the sangha. It will help people much more as they know that their money does not turn into a pile of profit but becomes sometime meaningfull. Aunty May Woo looks extremely serious in the picture. I can tell that she was very in to the talk.
wow!! I’ve known may woo since she was still serving as the Kechara House admin 3 years ago in 2007. She has come such a long way then. her character has improved so much and she can now give Dharma talks! I feel so excited for her growth and the people thats she has inspired through the outlets so far!
I had the great fortune to volunteer in the outlets for a short period of time and it felt really good to be able to meet so many different people and bring Dharma to them through the outlets. It is a very amazing experience and it accelerates Dharma practice because of the subconscious pressure to represent Kechara and the Dharma well. But the best part is people getting inspired from your experience, and seek the same too from Kechara.
May Woo…..We have quite a few common things to share. First we were both born in the same year,not telling you which year of course. We live opposite across the street from each other. We are both named by Rinpoche as “the Pyramids”…. Don’t know why but I guess something like Ancient Treasures? I hope.
I have come to know May Woo actually through a business deal in 2004 when I was working on a heallth care project. Henry met May Woo in my office as Henry and Angel were introducing their lines of herbal pills medication. Henry got May interested in some of the herbal pills he was marketing, May bought some from Henry. So now you all know why May is working for the outlet
May came to me as a strong lady with much determination. She knows exactly what she wants. May is reliable and if she promises you something, you can be assured that it will be done by hook or by crook. It’s good to see May in action, talking and sharing with passion about Kechara Paradise to the newbies in Manjushri class.
Terima Kasih Rinpoche!
I was at this talk and most of the time, the mike landed on Henry! LOL But it was great to learn more, how KP started off and expanded to be what it is today. Learned a lot from Henry & May’s sharing and tackling of questions.
Made an effort to be in KP Bangsar after the talk, mixed around the staff and did my finale shopping at that outlet…
I guess it’s true.. most people, like myself included, were exposed to Rinpoche & Kechara via the KP Outlets.
Dated back to the year 2000, after hearing from a mutual friend, I visited KP SS2 for 2-3 times and that marked my ‘journey’…
Can’t wait to see and visit the new KP in SS2 & Cheras!
Signs of renewal and growth for Kechara Paradise and the ‘Kecharaian’ family! Sadhu!
Manjushri class is very good for new people who just in dharma. Normally in manjushri class the sharing session is very important for those who attend. They can learn more from sharing and discussion. In kechara house we have English and Chinese manjushri class. English class is on Sunday 2pm afternoon and Chinese manjushri is on every Friday, 8pm.
What you learn in manjushri class?
First, the foundation of dharma knowledge
Second, make friend and sharing
Third, the mission of Kechara Organization
Fourth, the vision of spiritual guide
Some of people like to social, share, make friend, know more dharma, please join our manjushri class immediately. If you feel bored and free like a bird, come to Kechara and join our Manjushri make your life become better!!!( http://www.kechara.com/kechara-house/education/)
Being 2 ½ years working in the outlet, I’ve seen people going downhill and uphill, how Rinpoche attack their ego and to break their ego, how the people around me stand up after they have a great fall, facing through difficulties one after another, and now they are still here doing so good or even better than before.
MAY WOO is definitely ONE of them!!!
My first impression of May Woo is very serious and not easy to get close to, but after knowing her better, oh!!! It is not really, she is friendly erm… sometimes, but still, it is not easy to deal with her sometimes, but being a sincere dharma practitioner, I notice she’s changed a lot; her mind has become more stable as compared to last time, she is not so much into her mood nowadays, her care for others has increased so much, seeing her moving forward and forward in her spiritual practice, it really inspire me, she has set another good example for other people to follow in Kechara Paradise and even outsiders.
Dharma outlet is a gateway for people to enter into their spiritual practice, with May’s knowledge and experience, she has helped and advised a lot of people while during her outlet duty.
She has done a very good presentation that day, she explain very clearly what Kechara Paradise is all about, it is not something that anyone can do it, it really needs a lot of knowledge and experience. I really salute her.
What a great person I’ve met!!!
By the way, her presentation was conducted in Kechara House during Sunday Manjushri class http://www.kechara.com/kechara-house/education/
Kechara Paradise Outlets started from the 1st store in SS2 ten years ago, today we have total 4 stores in Klang velley and 1 store in Penang.
Kechara Paradise was originally Rinpoche’s brainchild and Liaison Henry and Ruby who royal and devoted hand on and made it expand with kindness sponsors who trust in Rinpoche’s vision.
Our statues are hand pick one by one with correct iconography and it will be inserted with mantra and consecrate. We have staffs whom are there to serve you and share with you Dharma knowledge. We also assist you to start your spiritual path with your 1st statue, 1st altar and even a daily prayer.
Latest news : The 1st store which on 2nd floor in ss2 is going to relocate to ground floor at Jalan ss2/67. Catch up for news of soft opening day and pls come visit us.
wan
For me Kechara Paradise is like a oasis in a desert here in Malaysia. What I meant was, it used to be hard to look for statues and praying materials from the Himalayas in Malaysia is very hard. Without Rinpoche’s idea of manifesting Dharma outlet and going out to do roadshows, we would not have spreaded Kechara’s awareness that quick.
I myself had benefitted from this because I came to know about Kechara and Rinpoche through one of their roadshows back in 2007. I wouldn’t have gone through what would be the most meaningful period of my life if Rinpoche had not came out with this brilliant idea.
I wish more and more people will be in Dharma through the outlets.
Kechara Paradise came into existence even before Kechara House , the mother temple of the Kechara organization.
I was told Rinpoche used to give talk in the room behind the main showroom and it was packed with people. From here many new ideas that gave rise to the current 12 departments were conceived .
I remember my first visit to Kechara Paradise way back in 2005. There were many shelves filled with little items , dharma books and statues but what attracted my attention was all the pictures of masters from the different lineages and religions. I thought to myself – Tsem Rinpoche must be a very open minded teacher.
True enough, in his public teachings Rinpoche always praises holy teachers like Gandhi, Mother Teresa etc. He truly rejoices in the deeds of these great beings.
Kechara Paradise now has 5 outlets. The humble, original KP ss2 will move to a ground floor shop soon. Do check out for KP’s latest news at http://www.kechara.com/shopping/
Kechara Paradise located in SS2 (fondly known as KPSS2) had a very humble beginning. Just the other day I was relating how I had received an invitation to visit the store when it first opened its doors. The brainchild of Rinpoche, now we have 4 other outlets in the Klang Valley and 1 in Penang.
And now 10 years on, we are moving – the next few days are going to be hectic as we count, pack, label almost everything in this store as we prepare to “move house” – to the ground floor of a shop lot just one road to the back of this present shop. It was through this very first Dharma outlet that many students and friends become connected and just because we are moving, does not mean that the connection will stop there. In fact, we hope to reach out to many more people, let their lives be touched by Dharma, just as ours have been.
Kechara Paradise SS2 holds many memories. It was not easy back in those days when no one had any experience in running a retail outlet. However though perseverance and hard work by loyal dedicated students of Rinpoche, Kechara Paradise now has 5 outlets with another one on the way. And Kechara Paradise SS2 is moving to a ground floor shoplot.
The outlets not only sell beautiful statues, thangkas, offering items, books and DVDs at reasonable price but acts as a gateway to attract shoppers to connect with dharma. Therefore Kechara Paradise mission is
* To spread Dharma and plant Dharmic seeds to those who are seeking for it
* To encourage people in their Dharma practice by providing all the necessities
* To help the poor, those less fortunate and the needy from all our proceeds
* To serve both the spiritual and non-spiritual customers by providing a retail therapy of beauty and artistry that is authentic to the ethnicity of the Himalayans
* To support the age-old traditional artistry and mastery of the Himalayan artisans by making their creations available to all.
For more info: http://www.kechara.com/shopping/
Patsy
I got to know about Kechara House through Kechara Paradise!
KP outlets truly play an important gateway to bring people to Kechara and to the dharma.
Through Kechara Paradise outlets staffs, public or newbies come for KH activities, to name a few, pujas and manjushri class. Especially our weekly Kids Manjushri Class the most popular, the size of kids growing to more than 50 ! The parents must be experince the benefits of sending their kids to KH MKC.
Not only classes and pujas benefits KH members, KP outlets quality products make Kechara welll known too. Even a small chakra for protection attracts newbies…With the expansion plan of KP outlets, i belief that KP putlets will continue to play the important role of spreading dharma and tsongkhapa doctrines to many many more people in Malaysia
I like manjushri class at Kechara House a lot, there are Manjushri Kids Class (MKC) and Adult class.
In Manjushri class for adult (http://www.kechara.com/kechara-house/education/) different departments also join to share their activities and information to the participants, some of classes talk about Buddha iconography which we gain knowledge from that.
May woo from Kechara Paradise outlet shared the activities of outlet and also explained the functions of Kechara Paradise outlets and how it play the role in Kechara Organization.
Kechara Paradise outlet (http://www.kechara.com/shopping/) also the gateway for people to enter to Kechara House, and many of Kechara members come to know us through Kechara Paradise outlets.
May Woo is making a difference at Manjushri Class. Wow, it is certainly a great way to do dharma work. The class is getting useful information from Kechara Paradise. Members of Kechara House can make an informed decision of what they can buy at kechara Paradise, so they do not need to run around all over the place looking for some religious item. In Kechara Paradise we cater to all your spiritual need at an affordable price.
Manjushri classes are beginner to intermediate Dharma discussion classes which are held every Sunday at 2-4pm at Kechara House 1, moderated by members of the Kechara House Education Committee. Topics range from practical applications of the Dharma to discussion of Rinpoche’s tweets (http://www.twitter.com/tsemtulku) or blog.
Once a month, representatives of one of the 13 departments are invited to share what their department is all about. So far, we’ve had Ruby Khong talk about KSK and this time, May Woo shared about Kechara Paradise.
Do come by and join us one Sunday and if you can’t physically make it, do log in at http://www.justin.tv/kechara and follow the class!
Henry Ooi http://www.kechara.com/about/our-team/whos-who/liaisons/henry-ooi/ is one amazing guy! A mentor and friend everyone wish to have in their lives..Henry, Ruby, May and the Kechara Paradise team is instrumental in connecting with people off the streets,… who may or may not have any inclination to spirituality. Life in the sea of samsara can never be smooth sailing..many have been safely brought to shore via Kechara Paradise which are strategically positioned acting similar to light houses!
You must visit Kechara Paradise. The people who are in Kechara Paradise are very knowledgeable…I am sure you will bring home a treasure or two…if not, you will definitely have made new friendships with the warm and welcoming crew!
Kechara organization started from a small Kechara Paradise outlet on the second floor of a shop lot in SS2 many years ago where it provides members with statues, prayer items, dharma books etc.
Over the years, it had grown to the current 5 outlets today. These outlets are very important as they bring dharma to people at their ‘door steps’. A place where Buddha’s seed is being planted in the consciousness of those who has the merit to walk into the outlets!
This is also where dharma is being imparted to those who are willing to learn. It is also a place where one can seek solace and calm their monkey mind for awhile. The serene and blessed environment exuded in the outlets enables one to walk away being ‘recharged’.
Besides providing top quality statues and offering items, Kechara Paradise is also a place where one can collect merits by volunteering their service in lending a hand to do cleaning, stock take etc.
All these are the brain child of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche and they are being carried out by Rinpoche’s dedicated students. With the blessings of Rinpoche, these outlets will grow and benefit many more in the future.
For more info, you can go to http://www.kechara.com/shopping/ or visit our e-shop http://www.kechara.com/eshop/
My very first visit to Kechara was Kechara Paradise in SS2. I have always liked it a lot because the place exudes warmth, friendship and spirituality at ever corner of the room. Prior to Kechara, I had never seen such exquisite statues before, and all things related to one’s spirituality practice. I did not even know what a mala was, at that time. And that these malas come in such different colours, can be made of pearls or any other materials we like. Most of all, I could not get over the number of different Buddha statues available. That was also the first time I laid eyes on a Tsongkhapa. I dare say Kechara Paradise’s statues are of the highest quality. After getting a statue, then we can bring it to Kechara Saraswati to make it even more beautiful. That to me, opened up a whole new way for me to enjoy my Buddha statues. Also, it was at Kechara Paradise that I first saw a thangka. Kechara Paradise outlets are very much like modern day temples masking as a shop. Rinpoche never stops finding different, creative ways to promote and spread the Dharma. All Kechara Paradise shops are slightly in their decor and personality. From KP SS2, to 1Utama to Sunway Pyramid. And I hear a new outlet is on the way as well. How lovely!
Like David said, Kechara Paradise dharma retail outlets’ humble beginning started in PJ SS2 and the brains behind it was and still is, Rinpoche. Today we have five outlets, four in the Klang Valley and one in Penang.
May Woo came prepared to Sunday Manjushri class and presented to the audience the history and operations of the outlets. Many questions were asked and duly answered by May and me.
The outlets have and are still drawing in many people into the fold of Kechara org and many have signed up as members of Kechara House Buddhist Association.
For readers who have not visited the outlets, visit us soon!
Henry Ooi
It is never a dull moment to be in Kechara Paradise, being the brainchild project of Rinpoche to bring upfront dharma to all who may not like to go to temple. Many only go to temple when they have problems. Many of us like shopping! Yes! Shopping it is. Thus, outlets manifest in various strategic places viz shopping malls and shop lots which I would say that we are more of a dharma convenient stores. It is so convenient for shoppers to connect with or near dharma while shopping! Dharma objects such as statues, books, DVD teachings, posters, thangkas, etc that is of quality and at very reasonable price, easily available to all.
Rinpoche set up the first Kechara Paradise (KP) store in SS2 many years ago, before even Kechara House (KH) was formed. It was an outlet to provide practitioners with Buddha statues, ritual items etc and it also served to be a venue for small impromptu teachings by Rinpoche.
Since, KH was formed, more Kechara Paradise stores were formed and it now served to be an brilliant and excellent gateway for those fresh-of-the-street who are literally ‘Dharma virgins’ to come and be a part of our organisation. These stores also became little places where practical Dharma advice is dispensed to those seeking it.
Over the years, we have heard so many people have gained so much from Kechara Paradise. In fact many of our current members were once curious shoppers of Kechara Paradise. Although it was originally Rinpoche’s brainchild but it was Liaison Henry Ooi and Ruby Khong who made it take off. Kudos to these two senior and loyal liaisons who made it all happened.
Kechara outlets playing an important role to invite people to the centre. To spread dharma to the grass roots in different locations. Even the public walk into the outlets and have a glimpse of the statues there, may also plant a dharma seed to them. How wonderful that May Woo shared with us the objective , mission & vision of the kechara outlets!!
more more more!!! Sacred little beautiful havens right in the heart of the city!! (and more to come – watch this space)
May, I’m sorry I couldn’t be at that teaching – I was visiting the KP outlet in Penang! whoooo! (nice that we were supporting each other – you in Manjushri class, and me in KP!).
Everyone else, visit the KP website for a spot of inspiration (www.kechara.com/paradise) and if you’re far away, go to our online store and SHOP LAH! http://www.kechara.com/eshop
This is a good way to reach out to the masses of people who would otherwise never seek spirituality in their lives. The dharma shops are to spread Dharma and plant karmic seeds and to make the holy dharma available for those who are searching for it.
Kecharians have great passion for dharma. It is undoubtedly the main reason for the organisation to grow and reach out to the masses of people. And of course, Kechara House (and the Southern region) is blessed by the presence of Tsem Tulku Rinpoche who has worked tirelessly to ensure the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni is made available to all who wants. A definite thumbs up to all involved.
Great work!