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Siow Ching was interviewed by a Buddhist Association on vegetarianism, Siow Ching was sharing to university students on the practice of
and she also demonstrated the preparation of vegetarian dishes. concentration and mindfulness.

Siow Ching: I am a big fan of spicy food. Nasi Lemak situations, so that I could maintain my sense of balance
Rendang has always been my favorite since its launch. and perspective, even during tough times. Buddhist
This dish was introduced into our menu two years ago practices have provided me with valuable tools for
to commemorate Merdeka Day, and it quickly became personal growth, and vice versa, this business has also
one of our bestsellers. Our team took great care in given me a lot of opportunities to practise the Dharma,
experimenting with different recipes over ten times to because it is easier to find your shortcomings in
get the right taste. challenging situations.

I believe that vegetarian dishes should be as good as, Zhi Yi: Do you think it is possible to use
if not more delicious than, the meat dishes. I am very vegetarianism as a skillful mean to attract more
impressed that the rendang is extremely flavourful and people into Buddhism? If so, how do you think we
satisfying despite not containing any meat products. can achieve it?
Our chef truly went above and beyond, he even
consulted a Malay colleague in the market to perfect the Siow Ching: Yes, of course! However, it has to be done in
recipe, and I am so impressed with the result. skillful ways. People are starting to see vegetarianism
as a healthy lifestyle, a way to save the environment and
Zhi Yi: How has your Dharma practice helped you in protect the animals. We do not want to scare people off
your vegetarian business? by being too religious.

Siow Ching: Buddhism has had a positive impact on I suggest we can start by including some secular
my life and my journey as an entrepreneur. It helps teachings such as loving kindness, compassion and
me in facing the challenges and pressure that I have patience. It is important to emphasise the values and
experienced during the journey of entrepreneurship. principles behind vegetarianism, such as compassion
By practicing mindfulness and meditation, I am able for all living beings, rather than just the dietary
to develop inner strength and resilience. By taking restrictions. Using social media and other platforms to
the time to reflect on my emotions and thoughts, I share these ideas and messages can be an effective way
have learned to transcend and transform them, which to reach a wider audience and engage with people who
is crucial when navigating the ups and downs of may not be familiar with Buddhism or its teachings.
entrepreneurship. By framing vegetarianism as a compassionate and
mindful choice, we can help people see it as a practice
In addition, the teaching of impermanence has helped of Buddhist principles rather than just a dietary
me to view challenges and hardships as temporary preference. EH