Panchen House
Apr 27, 2011
Many years ago I conceived the idea of Dharma Houses, where Dharma students can live together, share and support one another in their practice and Dharma work. It all began when a few students wanted to find a place to stay. So they shared a house together and I started naming these houses so that they would receive blessings from the Buddhas’ names. Now, there’s Tara House, Jamyang House, Vajrayogini House, Heruka House, Drakpa House, Naropa House, Setrap House, and the latest is Panchen House, making it the 8th Dharma House.
A few days ago, I heard that Bryan, Ethan, and Jean Mei are moving in to Panchen house. So I decided to pay a visit to their new home and while I was there, I did a little prayer to bless their home.
I had a wonderful time visiting Panchen House. I was amazed how three young people can be so creative in setting up a place with minimum funds yet make it look so funky, spiritual and extremely comfortable. I wouldn’t mind living there. Their altar was done up with so much love and care… you can see their devotion in this. Their altar is just so beautiful…so simple yet so powerful…I did a serkym while I was there.
I wish for more and more dharma houses to spring up where people on the same path share a space and encourage each other and support each other….I SEND MY LOVE AND PRAYERS TO PANCHEN HOUSE for success, harmony, growth and continuation..I am very proud of these pioneer young people who go all the way with their spiritual work setting a positive trend for many others…what a wonderful example.
I’ve asked Joy to go to Panchen House to take pictures and interview Bryan, Ethan and Jean Mei, and here is the interview below…The interview are candid and genuine. I like smart young people who are spiritual. It is inspiring in many ways when young people can think beyond materialism and be more aware of what really brings happines…
I love this post and I know you will too…do read on…Much care,
Tsem Rinpoche
Heart of their home, Panchen House’s main altar.
Bryan doing Serkym (black tea offering) to Setrap.
A very creative space… very nice…
Cozy living room in Panchen House… these guys are very creative!
Jean Mei’s comfy room…
Cute…
Bryan, Ethan and Jean Mei just hanging out in their new dharma house…
Ethan, Jean Mei and Bryan, three young, fun, creative people doing dharma full-time…
Ethan Chu
Q: What made you decide to join Kechara full-time?
It was H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s teachings that helped me and reading the PEACE book. It made a lot of sense to me, and answered a lot of the ‘whys’ I had in life which no one could answer. If I don’t start now (do Dharma) then when can I start? When I am old and I can’t do much? I can’t even control the 30 years of my life that has already passed, what makes me think I can control the next 30 years? At the beginning I thought I had made a huge sacrifice when I joined the Dharma but I changed the way I think and my way of life has become more fulfilling.
If it makes me happy, why not? If it helps my friends, why not? If I manage to put a smile on a person’s face, why not? If they call me a Buddhist, why not? If they say it is “Dharma”, why not?
Dharma helps and motivates me to change. When I see other people who have been in the Dharma longer AND are the same age as me, they told me that they have changed for the better, so I ask myself: why not me too?
Q: So what made you decide to live in a Dharma house with Dharma friends and do you think it is beneficial?
Yes it is beneficial. It is a place for us to work, take care of each other, and support each other since we’re all in Dharma together. We can also learn from each other. Spiritual support is important and that is different from family support, because we are all working for the same goal – serving others!
Bio: Ethan Chu
For 10 years, Johor native Ethan Chu styled his way to the top of the fashion world. When he was not styling, he was making a name for himself in the public relations industry, working with major lifestyle brands.
Known for his quirky sense of style and gentle demeanour, Ethan’s background in public relations makes him the perfect addition to Kechara Care’s growing team of people. At Kechara Care, Ethan helps to manage the Kechara Care Gallery where he introduces newcomers to the background and history of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, as well as the Kechara organisation. He also manages the Kechara Care Lounge, a place for newcomers to relax and a memorable venue for the organisation’s many celebrations, birthday parties, sharing sessions and Dharma talks.
[E] ethan.chu@kechara.com
[M] +6012 2544 030
Josh Bryan Ho
Q: What made you decide to join Kechara full-time?
I joined Kechara Care in 2010 after going to the GSDP – Grand Setrap and Dzambala Puja 2010 event in KL. I saw it in the newspaper and I really wanted to go – so, I got Ethan to go together with me! From there I started to connect with some senior Kecharians and was nurtured by Liaison Chuah Su Ming. At that time, Kechara Care only had Su Ming, James, May Ong and Nicholas, and so I volunteered to help them. I started to volunteer a lot and I saw Su Ming’s real care towards others. She had no agenda with these people, and from there I saw that she had gotten that quality from Rinpoche. He really cares, real care, for others.
Dharma work is actually being in service to others and Rinpoche mentioned many times “whoever worked in Dharma will always be well taken care” and I witnessed this personally myself . E.g. When someone is sick, Rinpoche will let Su Ming know and make necessary arrangements to ensure that person is taken to the doctors and that nutritious soup and meals are delivered to them. They will also check, to make sure that the sick person is well taken cared of. Another example is when Rinpoche gave an angel figurine to a Christian lady whose husband had just recently passed away.
This showed to me that Rinpoche’s care and compassion extends to everyone without agenda. That act of giving was not to convert the Christian lady or anything. It was perhaps to cheer her up, or give her some hope. No matter what religion you are, it doesn’t matter – these are the type of small gestures of genuine care for others that I see from Rinpoche that really inspired me to join Kechara.
Q: So what made you decide to live in a Dharma house with Dharma friends and do you think it is beneficial? Are you happy to be in a Dharma House?
Yes, I am happy because the 3 of us are in Dharma and we’re living in the same house, sharing the same goal. This makes us closer and it gives spiritual support like what Ethan mentioned. This is very positive as it helps one another on the Dharma path and it’s fun. Dharma to me is actually applying the teachings Rinpoche teach and it’s good to live in a Dharma house because that way we can also motivate or guide each other especially when someone goes on the wrong path.
I am very happy Rinpoche gave us such a cool Dharma house name – Panchen House. I don’t really know why Rinpoche gave that name as it is so high and nothing like us as we are not scholars but I am happy for the simple reasons because it was given by Tsem Rinpoche himself, that to me is most precious. And I feel it is a great blessing and I feel I can do more on my part in serving others fully and better.
Bio: Josh Bryan Ho
Prior to joining the Kechara Care team, Bryan Ho was a highly sought-after make-up artist, traveling all over South-East Asia to work with A-List stars. A visit to the Grand Setrap and Dzambala Puja in 2010 changed his life forever – impressed by the decor and dynamic Kechara environment, Bryan joined the Kechara Care team one year later as a full-time member of staff.
In his new role, Bryan applies his creative energy to caring for others. Together with the Kechara Care team, Bryan manages the Kechara Care Gallery where newcomers are introduced to the background and history of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, as well as the Kechara organisation. Bryan also manages the Kechara Care Lounge, a place for newcomers to relax and a memorable venue for the organisation’s many celebrations, birthday parties, sharing sessions and Dharma talks.
[E] josh.bryan@kechara.com
[M] +6016 7355 133
Khong Jean Mei
Q: What made you decide to join Kechara full-time?
I took refuge with Tsem Tulku Rinpoche at the age of 11 or 12 because my parents was already following Rinpoche. Rinpoche gave me a “stupa” saying that it represented the Buddha’s mind and it’s good to learn the Dharma. Before I joined the Dharma full-time, I always related Dharma with attending classes or teachings. I liked it, but it didn’t excite me like how other things like shopping did! Then when I came back from China for a 2 week holiday, I saw what my mum, Dato’ Ruby Khong, did and how she made KSK (Kechara Soup Kitchen) grow and that inspired me.
I was inspired because my mum was just a house wife for 18 years with no higher education and I saw how much she pushed herself and went all the way to being full-time in Kechara, giving her 100% to Dharma. I saw the results in her personal transformation and KSK growing from giving out 20 packets of food to 1,400 packets of food a week! So I started to volunteer in various departments like Tsem Ladrang, Kechara Care, E-Division, Kechara Soup Kitchen and I kept on extending my stay. What was supposed to be a 2 week holiday became 6 months. I kept on volunteering because I liked how what I was doing, actually meant something to someone.
What triggered me to want to join full-time was the night before my birthday, I had received a card and gift from Rinpoche. In the card, it said that Kechara is my “spiritual home” and that my family and I had a strong bond with Rinpoche. It went on to say that I was always welcomed to be part of any department in Kechara.
At that time I kept thinking to myself: if I was to join Kechara, which department would I join? The next thing I knew Beng Kooi asked if I’d like to be Rinpoche’s blog secretary. I said “Yes!”, although I was actually rather hesitant because I really hate any computer-related work. However, I thought if it would help take any load off and Rinpoche can spread Dharma more, why not? I also remember that Rinpoche had once said that: each and every person has his/her own market to attract to do Dharma; I felt that in that way hopefully whatever I did might perhaps inspire others like me, my age group to learn some Dharma.
Q: So what made you decide to live in a Dharma house with Dharma friends and do you think it is beneficial?
The thought came to me when I heard a Dharma talk by Rinpoche about being independent and to stop “taking” from our parents. How living outside, out of our parents’ house, and being independent was a good way to repay our parents’ kindness. So from then on I decided that when given the opportunity, I’d want to move out. It just so happened that 2 of my best Dharma friends, Bryan and Ethan was also looking for a place to move out too. It was a perfect opportunity. It is good to be in a Dharma house because it’s good to be with people with the same energy, mind set and it’s inspiring one another to do more. I hope this will also inspire others to live in Dharma houses.
Bio: Khong Jean Mei
Khong Jean Mei, may only be 22 but already she is joining Kechara full-time! She is fresh Graduate from an Accounting and Finance degree and studied Chinese at Beijing University.
Jean Mei is part of His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s blog team, where she is the fist blog secretary. Rinpoche has plenty of things to blog about, so Jean Mei will be kept very busy researching and preparing for blog uploads. However, this ever-enthusiastic girl is not daunted by the challenge of spreading Rinpoche’s thoughts and teachings through the web but is keen and enthusiastic to help bring Rinpoche’s teachings out there to cyber world.
You have no idea how much you actually benefited people, unless those who are benefited, like me, says thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart. Bravo!!
I wanted to buy that same bed from Ikea LOL. Very cute
Hi Ethan, Bryan and Jean Mei,
To tell you fankly, I envy you, the threesome, young people working for dharma, and knows that what you are doing is beneficial to others. If i had the clock turn back for me for 10 years, i would have done the same. I have not have the merits to do so when younger, but at my age now I will continue to do as much as i can for Kechara. I rejoice for you and your parents, as their children is working for Dharma, and i pray that my boys will do the same when they are older.
Bryan and Ethan, both of you have always showed yr willingness to help and assist, and very creative and talented duo.
Both of your passion, devotion and energy as always being felt and thank you.
My House My House My House!!!
Okay, I am going to promote my house. Wait, my guru has taught me not to be so selfish to be just about me myself and I, SO i’m gonna promote dharma, hehe…
To be honest, on the superficial level. Renting a house simply just about renting a house. You get a few friends stayed together, you helped one another do house chores, take care of one another well being. Any difference? Nah, just like anyone else would do…
On the other hand, when we are in dharma, staying together; we do whatever is mentioned above. But on a deeper level, we hold dharma very closely to our hearts. We will always confide in one another, clear queries, do our practice consistently with each other’s encouragement.. in that way, it is more on the spiritual growth altogether.
It is such a nice feeling to have people around my age to be able to connect spiritually and teach me whatever I don’t understand. In this way, we bounded very closely from there.
Just like when i see comments from people like adeline, doreen etc… Again, I think to myself. I must have done something right. I sincerely thankyou all for the encouragement and vice versa. You by commenting here and supporting Rinpoche’s teachings and the cause have also inspired many who read this blog if not else where.
I thankyou my guru very much to be able to live in such wonderful dharma house and give us the dharma. No house have I stayed before have so much love, care & wisdom.
Wonderful!
I particularly like your altar – very innovative and creatively put together.
You’ve all done very well! I’ll join Rinpoche in sending prayers for your success.
What a wonderful team: Jean Mei, Ethan and Bryan living together and working to spread Rinpoche’s teaching. Beautiful spaces of love and care! Congratulation and best to you all!
I like this post very much, very inspiring.
Bryan, Ethan and Jean Mei set a very good example to young generation, they are modern and funky yet can be so spiritual. they choose dharma over worldly careers and benefit others. like what Jean Mei highlighted that each and every person has his/her own market to attract to do Dharma; she felt that in that way hopefully whatever she did might perhaps inspire others like their age group to learn some Dharma.
Jean Mei said she really hate any computer-related work. However, she thought if it would help take any load off and Rinpoche can spread Dharma more, why not? This is pure dharma, I remembered in one of Rinpoche’s teaching, he said dharma is not doing something you like or do not like, as long your motivation is to benefit others and do it well…..
These 3 youngsters really representing DHARMA IN ACTION
Again, thank you Rinpoche for this inspiring post!
I love the main altar set up so artistic, simple and cool. Not only they have inspired their age group to do dharma but also the older one simply like me. Being staying with your dharma friends, brothers or sisters and being out of parents’ umbrella is not a easy moved to some kids especially those who has always been protected by their parent. I really admire them for their courage and determination to be aligned with only one goal and vision which do anything to spread dharma and benefit for others. Bravo!!!!!
Love always Lisa
i love their groovy altar sooo muchhhhh….. they are so creative at making up the altar from bricks, and decorated it with so much sincerity and care, so mesmerizing just looking at their altar. It really shows how much Spirituality boils in them, and how sincere they are.
Ethan, Bryan and Jean Mei are a wonderful example of young, energetic, sincere people, they are so comfortable to be around, and are so dedicated to Dharma and Rinpoche.
Yes Panchen House is lovely. I have visited before, it is basic and simple. But when you look carefully,it is not a house BUT a home as it is infused with so much care and love. Among all the dharma houses, this is the youngest; not just that its the latest one set up but if you add the ages of all three occupants its less than 100 years old! Hahaha!
Yes, on the onset it may sound funny. But if we think deeper, they are so young and already in dharma fulltime. Where were we when we were their age? Chasing a partner? Chasing a dream? A dream that NEVER came true???
Like Doreen said, if she had a chance to turn back the clock, she would have done the same. I would too. These three young people also had many options (and still do as they are educated, talented and gorgeous) how they wanted and want to live their lives, but they chose to benefit others. I salute you! It must have been aspirational prayers you made in your previous lives to meet dharma again early in your lives and continue with your spiritual journey.
I am very proud of you three. On a lighter note, I lost Bryan to the Private Office of His Eminence. Sob sob. Bryan was the best makeup artist i ever had and my photos will never be the same again without your work of art on my face
These three young people are a great inspiration to many… they show that Dharma is not only for retirees, or losers, or people who can’t do anything else. These three show that young, intelligent, fun, creative people want Dharma as a career now.
There are so many Dharma houses at Kechara now, which were inspired by Tsem Rinpoche. Each has its own character which comes from its residents. Panchen House is quirky and cute and is a brilliant reflection of Bryan, Ethan and Jean Mei. I always loved visiting Panchen House – at one stage, a group of us was meeting there for a special project and it was such a welcoming, relaxing environment (with a spectacularly creative altar!). Thank you Ethan, Bryan, Jean Mei for all that you do for Rinpoche and Kechara and your very kind hospitality during our marketing project!
I visited Panchen House last year and was really impressed with how it was decorated in minimalist and creative style with quirky little surprise decorations. Am especially in awe of their altar… it is fantastic! Sort of raw grunge look but very clean and… holy? haha don’t know any other word to describe =p
These band of brothers/sisters work hard and always with a smile on their faces. Kudos to them for being a good example and inspiration to others, especially the jaded youths who have everything and nothing. GAMBATTE!!!
It’s beautiful, I thought it’s H.H. Panchen Lama’s house when I 1st read the title. Haha.
This will inspire me with many great ideas to decorate my house and do more Dharma work, haha thank you so much!
Wow, Panchen House so wonderful… Feel to take a visit there to copy more idea for my new house… Hehehe…
Yessss Panchen House rocks! I was in awe with their altar which full of their unique personalities. I was from creative line but u know what, they are way more creative! They can always come out with lots of quirky, fun, witty and innovative ideas. I really love working with these 3 dharma brothers and sisters, their devotion and passion in Dharma has inspired me to do more. The threesome is the real inspiration and has led by examples for the young generation.
I love Penchen House, I have visited 3 times and i love to hangout there with these tree creative monsters hehehehe…. I love their altar, very beautiful and stylish hehehe..yes the word “stylish” on a altar set up
You can see the decoration in the house has their individual personality and its very creative and fun!! I just love the place!!!!
It is quite a common trend that younger generation now like to stay with our parents. When this happens, we the kids usually do not stand on our own because we have others to take care of our laundry, we don’t need to pay for utility bills, etc.
Doing Dharma is all about serving others. If we cannot even stand on our own, how can we serve others? That’s why Rinpoche encourages people to live on their own.
This is not to separate us from the parents. We still go back to visit parents and have dinner with them. From the initial look, people may think we are separated from the parents. Yes, initially it may look like that. However in long run, it brings us even closer. Because we can stand on our own, our parents don’t have to worry about us. Also, we gain respect because we are now handling our stuffs. It gives our parents a sense of security because parents know that we can stand on our own, and they don’t have worry about us.
But why Dharma house? This is because we have ups and downs. With Dharma brothers and sisters living together, we can support each others.
I sincerely wish there are more and more Dharma houses arise in very near future.
p/s: Ethan, Bryan & Jean Mei, your apartment is really nice! Very creative! And of course I like your alar the most!
Metta sutta……This is to be done by one skilled in aims who wants to break through to the state of peace: Be capable, upright, & straightforward, easy to instruct, gentle, & not conceited, content & easy to support, with few duties, living lightly, with peaceful faculties, masterful, modest, & no greed for supporters. Do not do the slightest thing that the wise would later censure. Think: Happy, at rest, may all beings be happy at heart. Whatever beings there may be, weak or strong, without exception, long, large, middling, short, subtle, blatant, seen & unseen, near & far, born & seeking birth: May all beings be happy at heart. Let no one deceive another or despise anyone anywhere, or through anger or irritation wish for another to suffer. As a mother would risk her life to protect her child, her only child, even so should one cultivate a limitless heart with regard to all beings. With good will for the entire cosmos, cultivate a limitless heart: Above, below, & all around, unobstructed, without enmity or hate. Whether standing, walking, sitting, or lying down, as long as one is alert, one should be resolved on this mindfulness. This is called a sublime abiding here & now. Not taken with views, but virtuous & consummate in vision, having subdued desire for sensual pleasures, one never again will lie in the womb….
Dear Jean Mei, Byran and Ethan
I am so very proud and happy for your love and devotion to Rinpoche and to Dharma ! It touches me deeply that you all have the good karma and oppportunity to learn the Dharma and put into good use what you have gained i
and learnt. You are so fortunate to have met Rinpoche at an early age and so blessed to be guided and taught by such an Enlightened Being! I use to say ‘ Youth is wasted on the young ‘ , but as i look around at all the young and beautiful people in Kechara , i admit i am wrong and i stand corrected. Love your new home and love your altar table ! Very cosy , comfy and it’s just lovely !ion
Hey guys, lovely decorations you had. It’s nice to have like-minded friends staying together for a greater purpose on life
Happy for you cheers
Congratulations Bryan, Ethan & Jean Mei on the Gorgeous place which you’ve made your own. May it bring many blessings to all of you and in turn you continue to do so much for Rinpoche & Dharma.
Panchen House was set up when Ethan, Bryan and Jean Mei decided to give up their normal pursuits and join Kechara full time in April 2011.
Now only 11 months from then, the 3 of have become the POs of Rinpoche’s private office. What a climb up the ladder of success.
Congratulations and may all of you, young, intelligent and beautiful people continue to inspire people to live their lives like you do, in contribution to others.
I am inspired by you.
Hey! Panchen House is so beautiful and comfortable, very clean and well organised. Hmmmm…this makes me think…should we have a survey and vote who has the best Dharma house? [ANSWER:-Panchen House!]
Kudos to Bryan, Ethan and Jean Mei for being a good example and inspiration to others. Panchen House is the spiritual home of three young adults who stayed together and shared a common goal – learning and spreading the dharma to benefit others.
You guys are so fortunate to have the good karma and oppportunity to learn the Dharma from Rinpoche at an early age and put into good use what you have learned.
Panchen House looks so cozy and comfortable. I love the altar
I went there once and i love their altar the most!
They really put effort in setting up the wonderful altar
These 3 ‘seniors’ are wonderful Dharma brothers and sister. hehehe.
I love ‘Panchen House’ I think this is not just a house..its a home. A very warm, peaceful and wonderful concept. Most important is the ‘stylish modern’ altar reallyyyyyyy inspire me a lot. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing and thank you Ethan, Bryan and Jean Mei for sharing your thoughts. Wish you guys well and happy _/\_
Yes.. Panchen house is really nice, creative, cozy and warm.. It reflected Jean Mei, Ethan and Bryan personality so much. I love that house! I visited them when they were first moved in.
In future we will have more and more dharma houses. 3 or 4 people sincerely dedicate their life for dharma, staying together, care and encourage each other.. so wonderful!
Jean Mei, Ethan and Bryan you guys have done so much and benefited so many people. Thank you!
A genuine enlightened monk or left home people tasks is normally propagating Buddhadharma to the world while they are help by layman who is supporting their works.A guideline should be drawn so that practitioners of Buddhism or maintaining Buddhist precepts emerge to become a genuine practitioners before engaging in higher practices and initiation.So Layman Buddhist Society Association should be formed to include the public to join in as member even though they are not inside the ‘Buddhist School’ so that many healthy activities will grow to counter the negative influence from society.Layman who is supporting the Buddhadharma is not loser although there is a ‘rippling effect’ cause by some irresponsible people which in turns force them to submit to their thought that layman who is supporting Buddhism is a loser.I have got some people i know in the past claiming this people are loser and it affect the society thinking.I believe Buddhas know what we are doing so they send someone like Rinpoche to defend Buddhism from declining.I wish them success.
Congratulations to Ethan, Bryan and Jean Mei!
It is very inspiring to see all the passion and nice deco in Panchen House.
Iam totally rejoice for Ethan,Bryan and Jean Mei. It was a real blessing when dharma brother and sister are staying under one roof. For beginner in Dharma, the cross support, motivation and sharing will bring tremendous benefits to strengthen and expedite on the learning process. Besides that living with different individual and away from home will also help to build tolerance, respect and independence.
A very nice, comfortable, cosy and artistic describes best the Panchen House. Thanks for the house tour as well. May there always be auspiciousness in the house.
I remember the very first time I was in close proximity with Rinpoche was when I tagged along together with Ethan, Bryan, Shin, Su Ming, Seng Piow and a few other people to Panchen House. It was a lovely experience to be 1.) in such a close group together with Rinpoche and 2.) to see a new Dharma House being set up, and a good friend of mine, Jean Mei, moving in with 2 other amazing people. She really enjoys and loves living with them.
Panchen House has a really good vibe – its’ simple, fresh, has very positive energy, a super creative altar, lots of Vajrayogini posters and pictures hung up everywhere… it’s a really great place to chill and hangout! there has been a few get-togethers held there. I love it when we all meet up and hang out at Panchen House.
Props to Ethan, Jean Mei and Bryan, for creating such a pleasant Dharma House to live in as an example to all. All 3 of them are dedicated, committed, young and intelligent individuals who are an inspiration to many, like myself. They work tirelessly for others. I salute them.
Panchen house brings back memories of my Uni time in Penang when groups of bros and sis in the Dharma staying together. I’m extremely happy to hear that here the working Dharma bro and sis also staying together and supporting one another in spiritual journey too! rejoice!
Bryan, Ethan and Jean Mei, your home is so cosy, simple yet artistic. Most important, it’s full of Dharma. You have set the example and hope more people will follow u all to have more and more Dharma houses.
Very nice work about Dharma Houses and wonderful choice to be a full member to work on help people with Dharma. Really nice!
Nice place and altar! Oh yes, the 3 of them are very kind and helpful people. Am glad we got the chance to see their beautiful place. May they continue to grow in their spiritual paths…
Their story is really inspiring for such young people. I do remember the first time bryan and ethan came into GSDP they were speaking to Eric Choong, they were struck by dharma lightning it seems. Love at first sight.