(From left) Gooi, Khong, Chew and other guests releasing birds as a sign of compassion during the opening of Kechara House.
MEMBERS of the Kechara Organisation in Penang now have a place to call their own, a place for them to pray and for dharma sharing.
Located in Tingkat Mahsuri 3, Bayan Lepas, the dharma centre is called the Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia (Penang Branch) or Kechara House in short.
Its was opened by Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.
“The Kechara Organisation started out in 2002 with just one department, a small dharma outlet in Petaling Jaya.
“It has now grown to 13 departments along with a 30-acre retreat centre in Bentong, Pahang,” she said.
“This truly reflects on the spiritual leader Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s enthusiastic compassionate involvement with his ever-growing number of students and friends.
“I would like to congratulate Kechara for their noble work in helping the unfortunate and the needy. Besides pursuing the study on sacred teachings, they have also translated their spiritual pursuit into practice by helping others regardless of their race or faith,” she said.
She said this before the ribbon-cutting gimmick for the launching ceremony.
She added that Malaysia is a blessed country which is tolerant to all races and religion.
Chew also released some 100 birds with Kechara Soup Kitchen president Datuk Ruby Khong, pastor Patsy Gooi and guests as a mark of compassion.
Gooi said well-wishers and diligent members managed to raise funds within two months for the renovation of the dharma centre.
“With the blessing of our spiritual guide Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, we have now expanded the Kechara House to Penang.
“In line with the universal wisdom of Buddha’s teachings, we will organise activities that teach people practical methods of developing inner peace, love, wisdom and happiness to help them improve their quality of life,” Gooi said.