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10 EASTERN HORIZON | FACE TO FACE

consider the financial aspects. I would not receive any • Sayadaw Dr Sunanda (through Vipassanā retreats
pension from the Government till age 50, but I still and books)
needed to support myself and my family. But somehow • Ajahn Sumedho (through books)
things worked out. I had royalty earnings from some • Ajahn Brahmavamso (through retreats, Dharma talks
academic school books that I had written earlier, and and books)
I won big prizes in some commercial slogan-writing • Venerable Aggacitta (through Dharma talks and
contests. books)
• Venerable Dhammavuddho (through Dharma talks
So I retired from teaching in 1993 when I was only 44 and books)
years old.
Likewise, the Nikāyas from the Pāli Canon have also
Who and what have been your main influence over been a great source of inspiration and help to me.
the years in your study and practice of the Buddha -
Dharma? You are one of the founders of the Lower Perak
Buddhist Association. How did the story of this
I have learnt and benefited much from many Dharma association start, why did it choose to be a non-
teachers over the years. They include the following: sectarian body and what strategies and approaches
• Venerable Dr. K Sri Dhammananda (through books were decided upon?
and talks)
• Ajahn Chah (through books and talks) In the 1980s, some friends and I started the Persatuan
• Venerable Suvanno (through Hokkien Dharma Talks) Buddhist Hilir Perak (PBHP) or Lower Perak Buddhist
• Sayadaw U Pandita (through Vipassanā retreats and Association with the aim to promote Buddhism in the
books) region. Initially, we used some members’ homes for