Having graduated with an MA in English Literature from University of York, I came back to Malaysia to work as a journalist with The Star newspaper and freelance writer for magazines and publications around Malaysia.

I first connected with the Kechara organisation and Rinpoche in 2005 through freelance writing projects. Over time, and with much encouragement and learning from Rinpoche and the whole Kechara family, I became much more involved with the centre’s many departments and activities. I am now the Senior Editor of Kechara Media & Publications, which strives to bring Rinpoche’s teachings to the world through publications and diverse media.

It’s taken a while to get here though. Finding my feet in Dharma and the organisation came with its many, many distractions. Prior to joining Kechara, I lived the sort of glamorous lifestyle that I think many could only dream of: as a freelance writer, I had time to do whatever I chose; I had no financial worries and I had youth on my side. The world was at my feet! Why would I need meditation and inner peace?

But after many years of drinking, dancing, partying, playing and shopping, I did start to wonder if that’s all there is. Eventually, glamour gets tiresome. Spiritual, beneficial ways of living began to wink at me, to offer something far more meaningful. Meeting Rinpoche and the many amazing students around him at the time showed me a totally different perspective at exactly the right time. Rinpoche’s message that you can be spiritual without having to give up being who you are or the way you live appealed deeply to me. You can have your cake and eat it too! Be fun, fabulous and deeply beneficial to the many people you meet every day of your life.

It took me three years to get here: from volunteer to KMP writer to KMP senior editor and now, liaison and this has been the most enriching path I’ve stepped onto. When you work in a Dharma organisation, every moment is part of a modern-day spiritual retreat and presents opportunities for learning and happiness. As a member of the liaisons council, I also have the incredible honour of working directly to bring these lessons learnt from Rinpoche to the world.

Every day as a liaison presents itself as a challenge. I’ve found myself put into situations and dealing with things that I would never have done before and I have to learn to deal with it, no matter how much I hate it or find it difficult. This could mean anything from overseeing construction in Nepal to raising funds to cleaning toilets to managing an international book launch in London. Having come from a background where I’ve never had to do anything I didn’t want to do, this presents itself as a huge challenge…. or a chance to grow, depending on how you choose to see it.

Portfolio

• Senior Editor, Kechara Media & Publications
• Manjushri Class Coordinator, Kechara House Education Committee

Background

Education

• MA in English Literature, University of York, United Kingdom

Previous work experience

• The Star newspaper (Education Desk): Journalist
• Tun Mahathir Mohamad’s biography: Researcher and writer

Freelance contributions

• Harper’s Bazaar, Malaysia
• Haven (The Edge group of publications)
• Going Places (Malaysian Airlines magazine)
• HOT magazine
• Hello! magazine, Malaysia
• OK magazine, Malaysia
• Female magazine
• venusbuzz.com
• Continued freelance contributions to The Star

CONTACT

Email: jamie.khoo@kechara.com