I was born in Thailand, a Buddhist country, and I grew up thinking that being a Buddhist was as simple as always going to the temple and making offerings to monks.

I heard about Rinpoche and Tibetan Buddhism in 2004 from a Thai friend. I was very interested as it was new to me and I made a wish to meet Rinpoche one day. My wish came true and I met Rinpoche through my husband in 2005 in Malaysia. I observed him and his teaching with my Thai Buddhist background as I had no prior knowledge about Tibetan Buddhism. I only knew that Rinpoche was a very kind person and that the source of Rinpoche’s teachings was from Buddha, presented in a logical and practical yet unconventional way which was very different from what I knew. From there, I started to learn that 2 not only comes from 1+1 but that it could also come from 2+0 or 1.5+0.5 – an open mind.

Rinpoche always thinks about and does things for others. His compassion and love for everyone, irrespective of whether he knows them or not, never ends and that was what inspired me to want to assist Rinpoche in Dharma work to benefit more people.

Rinpoche’s teachings are not for us to just memorise and understand but for us to apply to transform and change ourselves. The main challenge I face is how to overcome myself to benefit others as I have to transform myself first.

Portfolio

• Manager, Kechara Paradise SS2

Background

Wan received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Ramkamhang University, Thailand. She has previously worked as the head of purchasing for a textile company and has also had experience in finance, administration and human resources.

CONTACT

Email: wan.wong@kechara.com