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38 EASTERN HORIZON | FACE TO FACE

A trip to Seoul, South Korea. Meditation class of University of Putra Malaysia Buddhist Society at Nalanda Buddhist Society.

conducted in English back then, around 2000–2002. kept me going. As a lecturer, I had some flexibility in my
Later, when I became president of the society, we schedule, and even when I had to rush back to teach the
gradually transitioned the classes to Mandarin, a next morning after a late Sunday session, I never saw it
practice that continues today. as a burden. Instead, it was something I continued doing
with joy and gratitude.
Despite your busy schedule as a UTAR lecturer in
Kampar, you’ve always said yes to our Dharma class In today’s fast-paced world, many struggle with
invitations. How did you manage the travel and mental fragility and stress. How can Buddhism help
maintain your passion over the years? us cope in daily life?

It all goes back to the four years of intensive learning One powerful method in Buddhism—though not
and experience I had in the Buddhist Society—first as exclusive to Buddhists—is meditation and the practice
a participant and later as a committee member. During of mindfulness. There are many ways to ease the body
that time, we received great guidance from our Dharma and mind: spending time with friends, enjoying a meal,
teachers, seniors, and kalyāṇa-mittas from nearby watching a movie, getting sufficient rest, or engaging in
universities like UPM and UKM, which had more well- regular exercise can all help reduce physical tension.
established Buddhist societies.
But when it comes to cultivating inner peace and
Their blessings and support left a deep impact on me, mental resilience, meditation, mindfulness, and
and I’ve always hoped to offer the same to juniors, Dharma learning are essential. Meditation relaxes
so they too could benefit as we once did. I realized us from within, while the Dharma broadens our
that Dharma learning becomes more fulfilling and perspective, helping us break free from narrow or
comprehensive when guided by supportive seniors, and habitual ways of thinking.
I wished to be one of them.
I often recommend mettā meditation, as taught by
Through the Dharma, I also gained clarity about my Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh. A simple practice is to place
path. I knew I wanted to support the propagation of your right palm over your heart, feel your breath and
Buddhism, and that required people who could share heartbeat, and silently wish yourself well. Gradually,
the teachings. So, during my Master’s studies, I made extend that loving-kindness to others. This generates
the decision to become an educator. After graduation, I warmth and joy.
began teaching at UTAR Kampar.
For instance, when invigilating exams, I treat them as a
Though frequent travel between Selangor and Kampar wonderful opportunity to practice mettā meditation. As
was physically tiring, it never drained my passion. The I walk past the students, I quietly wish them well. This
joy and meaning students found in Dharma sharing too is a form of mindfulness in action.