KMP Group is special… Dr Lanse is special…
Kechara Media and Publications is a dept of Kechara House that we affectionately call KMP.
KMP is a dept that I conceptualized a few years back to publish our books, writings, thoughts, & videos to have available for the general public.
In the beginning KMP was working out of a rented house and had a few people that really believed in the work. Of course there were a few who didn’t think it would take off, but it did! It has grown to owning it’s own building filled with plenty of full-time talented staff that I am very proud of. The staff are committed to good work, excellent high-standard products which all of KH are proud of. Each product is literally a work of art when it reaches the public’s hands… and a feast for the eyes and knowledge for the soul.
We have received many feedback from people on how beautiful our books and products are, and how much our videos have touched the lives of many people. Yes, touched the lives of many… that is what we live for! I know KMP feels very happy to enrich other people’s lives. I know I love to enrich others lives. So we go well together. That is the best way to live.
KMP has their books all over the major bookstores in Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia. We are working on getting them global because we will work hard to achieve it. KMP is a fledgeling Publications and unique here in the east. But all great things come from something small and insignificant in the beginning. KMP is not small and not insignificant, but it will grow bigger that is for sure… KMP are very determined…
We have writers, graphic artists, admin ppl, editors, translators, volunteers, etc etc… and they are good people I am proud to say.
In this picture (above) they are celebrating Chinese writer Yek Yee and Chinese Translator Dr Lanse’s birthdays. They have invited Paul from Kechara Discovery Dept to join them..how nice. They are having some great Indian food… I won’t call them a traitor because they didn’t go to Kechara Oasis (KH’s Vegetarian resteraunt) this time around… hehehe.
Dr Lanse is a medical doctor. She is a straightforward and quiet person that thinks, examines and observes alot. It must be because she is intelligent. When you first see her, she has this, DON’T MESS WITH ME LOOK, hehe, but actually she is very nice.
She is a pleasant person to hang around with and although shows a placid exterior, and has her moods (doesn’t everyone?) is really quite soft inside. A very soft-hearted and even person. She joined KMP because she liked dharma work and really likes to touch people’s lives with her translations. She joined in the beginning just to help, but as she stayed a little longer, then longer and then just stayed. Welcome!!
The KMP group are a bunch of very attractive, fun, crazy, very loud, intense, lively, strange (not autistic… hehe), alternative (in all sense of that word), and off the wall group of people who don’t care what society thinks and just lives their lives helping others. They are very colorful and hard to resist… I mean it. They are a very irresistible lot. They have so much fun, I really don’t know how they get so much work done. And I mean it, they get a lot done… you should see their impressive website of books, videos, Buddha boxes, etc!! They are coming out with like 20 something titles this year again!!!
You see when you do any type of NGO work it benefits many people. It’s harder work, longer hours sometimes, less pay, less material indulgements perhaps. But you are not taking on the ‘sacrifice’ for nothing. You are not enduring lesser of what other people have for nothing. You are not simply having less because you are incapable. You are making a conscious, powerful decision to serve others. You are making a powerful statement that you are going to do more with your life. To benefit others. To enrich the lives of many around you and on this planet. You are in fact doing it for many many many people and non-people but living. Whatever you are doing will save a life, change a perspective for the better, give hope to someone, prevent something ugly to happen to another, encourage and empower others. For that noble and selfless work, you willingly and compassionately have less. You are not less from doing this..contrary, you will be more. You will be a beacon, an inspiration. Your name and work will bring smiles and hope…that is beautiful. That is the type of people that does NGO work which is what we really are. By doing this type of work, you feel happier SHORT AND LONG TERM. Because sacrifice is only sacrifice when you selfishly only think of yourself and in the end that will not get you far. Sacrifice has this connotation that you are giving up something really good for less. But you know what? I don’t agree. Sacrifice is labelled sacrifice when it arises from selfish desires and goals… like I didn’t get something. So doing NGO aka Dharma work is not a sacrifice because you lose nothing and GAIN EVERYTHING. THAT IS RIGHT. YOU GAIN EVERYTHING. You gain happiness, respect, and self respect. It is therefore not a sacrifice at all but a great blessing to do work for others.
Dr Lanse was suppose to go and do her medical practice, but she ended up staying in KMP with us!! Some people might think, what?? You don’t do your medical practice to translate instead??? But you see, Dr Lanse is NOT LIKE OTHER PEOPLE… she does what makes her feel enriched and what’s in her heart. What other people think and say, she will politely listen, but ultimately she listens to her heart. And her heart says she likes to manifest her love to help others through books. KMP really respects her and are so happy to work with her. I know, because they tell me so. I am very happy she works with us and is part of our group. Our group will GET VERY FAR AND DR LANSE IS COMING ALONG WITH US.
Dr Lanse made a selfless decision to benefit others in this way. That is her choice and ultimately no one can say she is wrong or right, because she is intelligent enough to know how she wants to live her precious life. She realizes she can’t live her life in other people’s dreams and projections of happiness. That she needs to live her life in a way that makes her feel empowered, blessed, beneficial and enriched. After all life is short and we can’t live our lives doing something that other people say would make us happy and we know it is not true… because serving others is the real cause of happiness whether you believe in Buddha or not.
I must say, she sets a powerful example to the world of materialism, greed, name/position mongering, and to herself that we can choose to do a work that may not be as materialistically ‘up there’ (wherever that is) to everyone, but we have the courage JUST TO DO IT. That we can’t be swayed by materialism and at grasping titles/names and yet we can be happy. Because we can do something really good. Dr Lanse literally at the last minute choosing to work in KMP instead of going to a medical position totally blows away so many fixed conventions of what we should do, how much we should earn and what title I should have TO BE ‘HAPPY’.
I am proud of Dr Lanse for making a statement to the materialistic world that happiness doesn’t just come from money and having a job that most of society thinks ‘wow’ about. We can’t live on a reputation or the approval of it from other people because in the end we will feel empty and alone. Happiness comes from within when we are really proud of what we are doing. Dr Lanse just throws convention to the wind. In fact that is how KMP is like. They have a lot of ‘unusual’ people who just throws conventions to the wind and just be themselves… great group.
I don’t see Dr Lanse everyday, but knowing she is in KMP makes me really happy. I have alot of exciting ‘plans’ for her in the future. Plans for her and everyone in the future. I can see her having a long, happy, career and involvement in Kechara House especially with (Kechara World Peace Centre) KWPC coming up. I can see her in the beautiful mountains and trees of KWPC later on enjoying the environment. I can see her translating some sacred tantric practices for the Chinese world….she will benefit from it tremendously also not to mention the Chinese speaking world will need it so much..Tantra is rare and very life changing when done correctly.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DR LANSE AND I WANT TO TELL HER THAT I TREASURE HER TALENTS AND HER INVOLVEMENT. I really want to work with her until the end of my life. If I can help her in anyway, she must always let me know. My doors are open for this talented and selfless individual.
Not to forget hardworking Yekyee, I also wish her a merry birthday and many more to come.
Anyone who has the merits to work in KMP or any of the depts of KH, you are special people and very lucky to be working towards something big for others/yourselves. You are special is because you are doing something totally other people wouldn’t conceive of. You may be pioneers in working in dharma as a career, but everything in this world was started out that way. There are ups and downs, but concentrate on the ups. Because eventually the ups become more. Be proud you are working in the dharma and send that message to everyone that meets you and sees that glow in you from serving others. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET SERVING OTHERS OR FINDING YOUR SPIRITUALITY. Our work is totally spiritual. By helping others through our work, we find ourselves.
This great photo of Dr Lanse was taken by Paul literally 15 mins ago and he bluetoothed it to me and here it is. Dr Lanse is glowing….And KMP I ask you to continue to love, support and be there for each other. What makes you successful is not having your books on every bookshelf in the world (although that does help) but the genuine human love and care you nurture each other with. Be altruistic with each other and genuinely care for each other always… thank you!
Much care, Tsem Tulku
P.S. KMP just sent me these dishes of Indian food ( I love Indian food) and I had to show you they got me alot… I’m already as big as yacht… hehehehe
Truly enjoyed this post, Rinpoche. Thank you so much. You have given me the perfect words to explain and share with others on how very precious and special Kechara people are. Especially when they consciously gave up seemingly “better job offers” and higher pays to do what they do in Kechara with loving care. Have reposted and re-tweeted. Thank you again and a very lovely evening to you, Rinpoche.
My dear shirley,
You are fast and quick to immediately read. You should win an award for the BIGGEST KECHARA FAN OF THE YEAR!!! hehehe
You know, I haven’t given up on you and I am waiting for you to do dharma work 100% in the future. You are talented and fast and you can benefit alot. You write wonderfully bide a way. I wish i can write as good as you…next life..hehehe
You are like solar energy, we have to ‘harness’ you.
Seriously, I am waiting for you my dear wonderful student, who deep in your heart you are a good person and generous enough to benefit others. I know you can benefit many…and I am waiting for you…
Much care,
Tsem Tulku
Dear Rinpoche,
This is an amazing article!
I’m always moved by your powerful, inspiring and beautiful words. I hope there are more people in this world can hear what you say. May I humbly volunteer myself to assist in translating your blog into Chinese? I wish those Chinese educated people will be benefited from it and being updated as soon as the English version is posted?
Wish you have a good health and long life.
Thanks and regards,
Dino Goh
I always want to thank KMP for the books they published. I enjoy all the books, and they really help me a lot in my spiritual journey. The books are at my top list of gift choice if i want to give something to my friends and family.
My world is “wider” after reading every book from KMP, and I wish my friends and family feel the same way too.
Thanks KMP for the efforts, wish more books especially Chinese books come out and benefits more and more people!! ^^
Dear Rinpoche,
I laughed when I read Rinpoche’s write up about KMP. Yes, the description of KMP and the people in the team is absolutely the whole truth. We are really a bunch of crazy, creative, yes alternative, moody for sure, off the wall, and most accurately VERY LOUD. Me especially!
Love, Li Kim
Dear Dharma Brothers and Sisters,
I am very proud to lead this amazingly lovable team of individuals. They take my spiritual journey to a new level daily. Patience, compassion, humility, care, love, empowerment, encouragement, tenderness, sensitivity – they bring this all out in me. Of course there are the other stuff they bring out too… High speaking volume (my mom calls it screaming but to me it is volume-filled expression, hahaha), quiet self-hair-pulling contemplation, lots of caffeine fixes, and many “Aiyo” moments.
All said and done, one thing they bring out most in me is laughter! Not a day passes that one of us doesn’t crack some stupid remark which cracks everyone up. At times, in fact most of the time, the remark is at the expense of another. So, on top of it all we at KMP are a thick-skinned bunch of creative and dedicated individuals.
Come visit us… please bring your own ear-plugs ok. We do not provide as we do not need them. We are immune to loud sounds…
Enjoy the Chinese Vajrayogini coffee table book! It is our pleasure and honor to have worked with KD to bring all of you this wonderfully insightful book!
With appreciation,
Li Kim
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for giving this crazy, mismatched, strange bunch of people this extremely precious opportunity to be in the Dharma and bring even some small benefit to others through the books. It is never a sacrifice but an HONOUR. I believe this from my heart and there is no where else I would rather be.
Perhaps it is karma, or some very strange prayers we all made together in a previous life but this large, “strange” extended family is more of a family than many of my real family and again, it is an honour to spend every single day with them. Sometimes, if we don’t see each other for one or two days, or when someone travels out of state for a few days, we ring each other and scream down the phone because we miss each other so much.
LiKim is right about the loudness… although I agree with her that it’s because we’re just full of expression and like everyone to know HOW MUCH WE LOVE THEM. When we went to dinner tonight, they put us far away from their other customers in a table OUTSIDE so we wouldn’t tear down the house hehe. it’s just cos there’s so much love.
PS Paul of KD is our automatic honorary member of KMP. We love you too xxx
Paris,
That is super super super funny….that the place you all went to dinner put you guys FAR AWAY FROM THE OTHER TABLES…hehehehe.
They weren’t sure if this group would be good or bad for business…
Tsem Tulku
Dr Lanse did amazing work and we/I am so proud to have her as our member of KMP. She did tremendous translating work for the Vajrayogini book. Happy Birthday to her, if she is reading this and hope to see her do much, much more translation work and other writings as well. It is such a fun and diverse family this KMP is and not to mention how fun, strange and wonderful leader we have in Li Kim- CEO of KMP. She brought much care, stability and a whole lot of work and laughter along the way….
Dear Rinpoche
You are the greatest writer I’ve known because Rinpoche writes from the heart!
I’d like to add on to what Rinpoche has shared about KMP. When we’re not working but hanging out with each other, we mostly joke, eat together (yes, we eat constantly in KMP) or debate on Dharma topics.
Since it’s Dr Lanse’s birthday, I’d like to share a little about her. Dr Lanse is always thinking of different ways to share Dharma skillfully with her friends. From the questions she ask, it is obvious she cares for her friends very much. Dr Lanse is intelligent and insightful and is very pleasant to be with. Happy Birthday Dr Lanse!
A little about Yek Yee…she’s an amazingly tough gal who goes through challenges and difficulties with a smile. We have gone through alot together and have built a very strong bond of care and support for each other’s growth. She’s shared a little of her childhood stories and it blows my mind what she has gone through. I can’t wait for her biography as it will for sure inspire many, many people.
I remember Yek Yee’s first audience with Rinpoche as a journalist about 4 years back. Since then, Yek Yee has translated so many teachings into books, quarterly Kechara newsletters, website translations, conduct Chinese Dharma classes, nurture the many chinese speakers who comes through Kechara’s door… I am very proud of Yek Yee and rejoice in her efforts. Happy Birthday Yek Yee!!
love
susan
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful post with us. I enjoy reading every post that Rinpoche posted. It’s so motivated and inspiring. Everyone in the pictures are wonderful people that dedicate their lives to dharma. They work day and night to bring Rinpoche’s teaching to the world. Look at the oven hot Vajra Yogini book in CHINESE!!! It is stunning, loud and sacred. It’s not just a book with beutiful VY pictures but tons of tons of love from Rinpoche that make this book shine!!
Congratulations KMP. Please continue to be VERY LOUD and CRAZY cause we love it! It wakes people up and says: Hey!! It’s time to join us!! Kechara World Peace Centre is coming up!! Hurry!! look at you guys, tremendous merits and happiness following you everywhere you go. You bring this energy to whoever comes near you.
Dr. Lanse and Yek Yee happy birthday!! Thank you for being there for the Chinese speaking group. 加油，我会为你们打气！
Shirley, hurry up!! Rinpoche’s waiting!!!!
With folded hands, Julia
Dear Rinpoche,
) and i will be doing the 2 hours setrap puja too.. hehe!
Good Day! i am too new to comment too much in here cause there are lots of things that i need to learn and understand. haha! wait for me.. i am trying everyday.. since the day we met at Ladrang coincidentally, Your words and teachings are very valuable to me and thanks for making me CRY!! haha!
i am so excited as tomorrow would be my very first day for distributing food to the homeless…
LONG LIVE …. RINPOCHE! i need more of your teaching and blessings!!
xoxo
KMP/ Kechara Media & Publications! You guys are truly crazy, mad, fun and nutty ( some of you love to munch groundnuts like me, hee hee). You know, when I went back to KMP 2 days ago to finally clear my stuff, I felt so at home as though I have never left. KMP is full of great energy. Keep it up and produce more and more great books. I will do my best to promote KMP products at the outlets.
Happy Birthday Yek Yee and Dr Lanse !!!!!
Love,
Sio Chian
Dear Rinpoche,
Wish you best of health. Was laughing so hard when I read your blog about KMP. KMP is truly an amazing place to be in. Though I am only here less than a month, but I feel that I’m here like forever…. Days pass by as if it is Friday almost instantly. There is not a single day that pass without a burst of laughter. It is truly amazing!!! I really love every moment and everyone in KMP. They make me feel like I’m in a centre of happiness. Though we are all so busy with our works, but we always laugh it out and then we continue responsibilities. As for Dr Lanse, she is totally a great person and so easy to get along with… Hope she can quit smoking soon…hahaz…..
Love,
Allan
This is just an amazing blog and Rinpoche is incredible with all his students and the love and care he shares with everyone regardless of race creed or age reverberates through the whole orgnisation and this is the ‘ripple’ effect that we are seeing in Rinpoche’s students who are always looking for ways to help people. And Rinpoche’s fluency in english is a tremendous benefit to the western/english speaking population.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, DR LANSE & YEK YEE!
The Benefits of NGO Work
I was checking through Rinpoche’s blog for any problems with hyperlinks with the new kechara.com website and I came across this blog post on why we do NGO work. I found it so inspirational that I am re-posting an extract. The original is here. When you…
Rinpoche’s words hit right on bull’s eye.
Most people think if you go 100% into spiritual work , something must have gone wrong with your life otherwise why would “normal” people do that?
Well, in Kechara if you care to mingle around and talk with some of the full time people you’ll find that we are ALL very normal . We are normal with a belief that we can do more meaningful things in life.
Since I joined KH 5 years ago, more and more young and highly qualified people come on board of the Kechara battleship. They are inspired by Rinpoche and the Organization’s growth.
Welcome to all the new people in Kechara !
Terima Kasih Rinpoche!
KMP is a truly one Dept that always had my curiosity like the cat peeping at the door….
Always wondering what goes on in their cave that makes them the highlight of the party….
Li Kim…a memorable woman to me…when I made tears flow from her eyes when she was answering a question during one Sunday Manjusri Dharma class in KH1 that I posed on Rinpoche and next thing I knew, some other ladies started too and next thing I new, it was kleenex time…whew!
Dr Lanse, met her during the training class for the Tibetan Medicine Buddha Puja…she was fascinated by one story I told…(never mind, it’s between us *wink*) she exudes confidence and capability..
“Be altruistic with each other and genuinely care for each other always…”
Rinpoche has the heart of a father and beyond. Sadhu!
KMP is a power team of the entire Kechara Organization. KMP has got the most youngsters there, and the dynamics is very very strong and lively. With the sacred blessings of Rinpoche, KMP is empowered to rule the entire world with the power of compassion, wisdom and skillful means through the incomparable teachings of the sage and master Je Tsongkhapa.
Through Rinpoche’s blessings KMP’s new CEO, Liaison Phng Li Kim now heads this group of dynamic people through trials in fine tuning the entire publishing team. This is notably successful with the many publications that has been produced and made known to the entire world.
As Paris and Davd takes on the role to promote Kechara on its successful upfront, behind the scenes are very powerful people such as Dr. Lanse whom by just joining KMP full time creates a strong wave of inspiration for many more people to quit their mundane life in order to join Dharma full time.
Way to go KMP! I love u guys!
It is 4 months already that I know Lanse. She is such a great person with great personality. Never hesitate to help anyone in need of her help. She will put aside her own interest just to help the person out. How great this is and honestly it is something rare to find in most people in the modern day. She is mostly quiet inside the editor’s room typing away diligently on her works and sometimes she is so engrossed in her work until she do not realise that someone in walking pass her. Sometimes I see her walk pass my room full of thoughts without realising me sitting in my room and when she walk back again she will look very surprised seeing me inside my room. haha…that is Lanse. She is a great friend to me as well as everyone else in KMP, we do not work in an office. We work really work in a dharma house like a family. I am really glad to be part of KMP. Love you guys!
It’s a KMP day today, so many things to say about my fellow colleagues and comrades. I love Dr Lanse!, If I was alternative and single, she’ll be so stalked. Ha!Ha! She is a wonderful human being with a heart of gold. Never angry, never spiteful, never anything negative. She’s always so calm, handling any curve balls thrown at her with the best intentions and the sincerest outcome. She’s also someone who is there to listen to you, your nagging and counsel you till you feel better. Always concerned with the welfare of her colleagues, she’s always there to lend a helping hand. Above all she rises to the challenge of KMP’s Chinese editorial department together with Ms Kok Yek Yee our very own John Wayne (as certain quarters put it) whom we equally love and adore. Together they are coming out with great Chinese language books. So look out for the new titles!
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a lone character standing in the shadows. She was quite a distance away… pacing back and forth, engrossed in her conversation over the phone. Once in a while, she would stop on her track and take a long, hard drag from the cigarette in her other hand. That was the first impression I have of Dr Lanse on my first day at KMP. Over my 11 months in KMP, we hardly ever had time to sit down together and chat until recently. I have found her to be very considerate and sincere. She is one who hardly ever expresses her emotions outwardly, she has her own ways of showing that she cares – usually through little gestures and her “hey, want to eat lunch arh?”. It is a pleasure to have her as a friend, and colleague.
ps – I am so very happy announce that she has finally moved on from her Aaron Kwok haircut! Our Dr.Lanse is now sporting a much up-dated do! Very nice!
Wow! Kechara House is really full of amazing people! People who have left their high pay jobs to take part in dharma works FULL TIME with the selfless motivation to benefit all sentient beings. This is very, very inspiring! It takes a lot of guts and courage to defy the social norms to do something that is “alternative” and yet beneficial to many other living beings, at the expense of oneself.
I do hope that one day I too have the opportunity and privilege to contribute to such a wonderful organisation.
Kudos to KMP, which has produced so many wonderful publications that helps to disseminate H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s dharma teaching and words of wisdom to wider group of people, including me myself.
Ribuan terima kasih.
Dr. Lanse I won’t say Happy Birthday to you. Its been a few months already since your birthday. But I want to say CONGRATULATIONS! You have joined KMP fulltime. I am sorry to say that I didn’t know you until I spoke to you for the 1st time in KH2 after the Setrap Puja last week. I still don’t know Dr Lanse that well yet. After talking to her I found she is a very simple and humble person. My comment is although she is a Medical Doctor by profession she will be collecting the same merit and will not loose the merits that she will accumulate by joining Dharma. I think this would be the same as both are doing same virtuous work.