What a pasta dish inspired me to share
Pastor Jean Ai cooked delicious pasta and salad for all of us tonight
Kechara’s Pastor Jean Ai is an inspiration to young people, spiritual seekers, women and educated people all around the world. She is young, compassionate woman, educated and a Buddhist Pastor. She is all that she inspires.
She is extremely bright, open, intelligent, simple, hard working, loyal, devoted, generous, spiritual, genuine, loving and soft hearted. She can be direct and it seems like she is brash, but those who know her like I do, understand it’s just she is no-nonsense and no mind games. Great to have her give a true opinion. We need the truth in our lives without beating around the bush. She has a heart of gold and from a young age she has been very spiritual. She is no ordinary young lady with a degree in Psychology from Warwick University in the UK. Since she has been young, she has been volunteering with me and Kechara and does her work really well. She’s a perfectionist and I like that. Even while pursuing a degree in Warwick she would do wonderful works online for me and Kechara for example transcribing among many other things. Her schoolwork never stopped her from dharma work. She never made excuses for not doing dharma work ever. Even when she was in school in UK, she kept up correspondences and her spiritual practice with me and family consistently. I was amazed because a young person on their own in London can be dizzying and extremely fun seeking orientated to say the least. She is not someone into samsara false promises or only sensory ‘delights’ nor is she a stuffy old biddy either. She is not self righteous at all but very real in her spirituality. She loves fun just like anyone, but her focus is much bigger than just fun. She doesn’t sacrifice her spirituality for seeking fun.
Does she have her down days like the rest of us? Of course, but there is no drama, no attention seeking antics or self pity. She bounces back and she does not blame. She even laughs at most of my unfunny jokes! She is a great audience and listener as her many close friends will attest. She has contributed beyond what I can measure to my stay in the USA so far and prior to this in Malaysia. She has done so much to make my works easier. She truly has. I fold my hands to her from my heart.
Pastor Jean Ai and her sister Jean Mei. Believe me please, they are fine…..
She can joke, she can listen, she can understand, offer solutions, find solutions and works SUPER HARD. She is not greedy or have an agenda or ever try to get something from anyone. I’ve known her like for 20 years or more. On the contrary she always gives. She gives what she has, her heart and her care. Anyone is lucky to be her friend and I mean that. Never take Pastor Jean Ai for granted, because she is diamond solitaire to the core. In fact people should give her gifts, card and love because she deserves our reciprocations.
Pastor Jean Ai modelled for our Kechara cards and in a very appropriate tagline.
She is one of the brightest most spiritual young persons I have ever met in my time. Whatever advice I have given her in the past no matter how I say it in all seriousness or just in passing, she records and remembers it and applies it to the best of her abilities. She has VERY SOFT heart and if you tell her a genuine ‘poor me’ story she will drop tears and feel your pain and try her best to really help you. But don’t take advantage of her because she can sniff you out fast. She will never reek revenge but the adage hell has no fury than a woman scorned does not apply to her as she is very forgiving. Just be yourself and real with her and that’s it! She is super fast and thinks fast too. If you criticize her, of course it hurts her like the rest of us, but she holds no grudges, will go back and think about it and change. By now you may think she is a Wonder Woman, but you know what? She is real, where Wonder Woman is a comic book fiction. Pastor Jean Ai is the real Wonder Woman with guts, intelligence, strength (she can lift real heavy things), inner strength, compassion, care, ethics and deep spirituality and she has deep concern for animals too.
Pastor Jean Ai is very serious about her spiritual practice and since she was much younger, she would do one Manjushri retreat per year. She happily became a vegetarian without complaints. She dearly loves her parents and she should because they are great parents. Pastor Jean Ai’s mom is the famous Dato’ Ruby Khong of Kechara Soup Kitchen who is so well known in Malaysia and appeared in Forbes among scores of other magazines. When you see Pastor Jean Ai, you realize she was really raised very well like her siblings. Pastor Jean Ai loves her sister Jean Mei and her brother Clifford to bits and pieces. These three siblings really have a wonderful, close and beautiful relationship I have observed. Her sister Jean Mei works very much in the Dharma with Kechara and very devoted lovely young lady. The brother is kind, hardworking and says he will work to sponsor his two beautiful and spiritual sisters to do dharma work always.
The family. Sister Jean Mei, mother Dato’ Ruby Khong, Pastor Jean Ai and brother Clifford.
If I give any dharma discourse, she will be focused and listening, taking notes and carefully thinking how to apply it to herself. Whatever she agrees to do, she will do it and she is good for her word. She has great integrity. I personally enjoy having Pastor Jean Ai along with me. I am honored and it gives me some comfort that she wishes to help and assist me always because it is not easy to find solid gold-hearted people committed to dharma. I don’t deserve such great people around me as I am not much, but by due to the power of karma and perhaps previous life connections, Pastor Jean Ai blesses us with her presence, her genuine care and deep spirituality. Anyone who becomes her friend will feel genuine love, care and a sense of loyalty. Yes, loyal friends are hard to come by for sure. Don’t ever lose someone like Pastor Jean Ai.
What I am writing here is not even slightly close to all the good qualities this young lady has as well as my deepest respects for her, but it is what is coming out now from my heart. I have many people in Kechara like this I am lucky to say. I really do and I appreciate them so much.
Pastor Jean Ai holds her official Buddhist Pastor’s certificate from Kechara on the day she took her vows.
At an age where so many want travel, money, fun, food, sun, romance, indulgences, et al, Pastor Jean Ai can take vows of a Buddhist Pastor putting to rest all the the people who say they can’t give away any selfish indulgences to work for the benefit others. I am not judging people here but trying to point out Pastor Jean Ai’s deep spirituality and wisdom beyond her years and her ability to ‘sacrifice’ personal ‘pleasures’ to benefit others arising from this inner fountain of compassion. Amazing! She didn’t enter dharma and become a Pastor when she is matured, had kids and is looking for more, but now when she is young!
I am not writing this to compliment Pastor Jean Ai but it’s the truth. I was inspired to write this when the pasta and salad (pictured) came into my room cooked by Pastor Jean Ai tonight. Yes, a plate of pasta can inspire so much in me. Because the pasta comes with love, friendship, spirituality and genuine care from this young lady. May I say I love Pastor Jean Ai and her family very much as they have been immensely beneficial to my works in so many ways I cannot even begin to mention. My appreciation for them is really immense. I love many people in Kechara, but I wanted to specially mention Pastor Jean Ai and her family because of the pasta!
While I write this, the pasta gets cold and may I add, even cold, it is still sumptuous and delicious! Thanks for everything Pastor Jean Ai and may I work with you and your family to benefit other for the rest of my life. And thanks for the pasta too!
Much respects, love and gratitude,
Tsem Rinpoche
Pastor Jean Ai’s goal is to become a fully fledged Buddhist Nun and continue to benefit others.
Pastor Jean Ai has been doing Manjushri retreats nearly yearly since very young.
Pastor Jean Ai’s mom, Dato’ Ruby Khong
Pastor Jean Ai’s brother Clifford who is a qualified Pilot and a sincere young man.
Pastor Jean Ai’s equally kind and a wonderful human being of a sister Jean Mei.
More family: 2nd Cousin Beatrix, Aunt Angel, Pastor Jean Ai, Uncle Pastor Henry, 2nd Cousin Edward, Clifford and Jean Mei at Kechara Forest Retreat. Her family really support her spiritual journey.
Pastor Jean Ai’s aunt Patsy who runs a Kechara Soup Kitchen feeding the homeless in Penang, North Malaysia.
Unlike many people Pastor Jean Ai’s age, she aspires to bring many to dharma. Pastor Jean Ai loves Vajra Yogini clearly showing where the level of her mind is. Our likes sometimes define who and what we are…May she practice and become Vajra Yogini as I wish this for her. May she be a powerful Vajra Yogini lineage holder! And bring Vajra Yogini to many.. Let it be…
Pastor Jean Ai is someone who I definitely happy to be surrounded by.
Karma is on her mind as reflective of her taking her Pastor’s vows..
Spirituality is deep in this girl’s mind. At a very young age she already asked me if she can be a nun. I asked her to finish her education and see how she feels afterwards. She took my advice.
Pastor Jean Ai, Pastor Loh Seng Piow and myself at our Tsem Rinpoche Foundation, Inc in Los Angeles, USA. They both give dharma teachings to our visitors and guests. I am so proud of them.
She is a very good friend to have and we should always let her know that. Good people sometimes need to know we love them. We need to do that for people who care about us.
Wonder Woman is great, but she is just a comic book fictional hero. Whereas Pastor Jean Ai is really a wonder and wonderful inspiration to many on many levels.
Myself with Pastor Jean Ai in Los Angeles 2014. She is a blessing to have in anyone’s life because she is the real deal and very genuine, kind and caring. Treasure her if you she is in your life..if you’ve lost contact, then contact her as the real value in our lives are the people who know how to love and they love us back. She will love us back.
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A poem inspired by seeing a picture of my teacher, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche…
In the sport of correct views,
all that is correct is just a view,
without permanence or substance.
As long as we hold onto views,
our sufferings are gathered
to be experienced without end.
Without the strong methods of emptiness
and compassion, bereft of merit,
we sink deeper without respite.
To arise from this samsara is but
a dreamscape on the deluded mind.
Therefore seek the guru, who confers the yidam,
hold your vows and fixate on liberation
free of new creations. Free of new experiences as
there are none.
~ Tsem Rinpoche
Composed in Tsem Ladrang, Kuala Lumpur on July 7, 2014
A poem by Tsem Rinpoche
I was walking past a second hand shop on Western Ave selling old things. They had a Japanese-style clay Buddha which was beige in colour on the floor, holding the door open. I thought the shopkeeper would collect a lot of negative karma without knowing if he kept such a holy item on the floor as a doorstop. So I went in to talk to him, but he didn’t look like he wanted to talk or that he even cared. So I asked him the price and he said US$5. I purchased it so he did not collect more negative karma. I was 17 years old and that was in 1982.
I escorted my new Buddha home and washed it lightly and wiped it. I placed it on my altar and was happy with the Buddha. I would do my meditations, prayers, sadhanas, mantras and prostrations in front of this shrine daily. When I left for India in 1987, I could not bring this Buddha along and gave it to a friend. It was a nice size and I made offerings to this Buddha for many years in Los Angeles. In front of the Buddha I placed His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s photo. I remember I was so relieved that the price was affordable. But US$5 that time was still expensive for me but worth it I thought. But I was happy to have brought the Buddha home. Tsem Rinpoche
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com
Tsem Rinpoche at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong, Malaysia
Pastor Jean Ai is definitely a nice and helpful person from my own experience. Although we have never met but I remember two occasions that she gave me advice and help. I’m very thankful for that.I noticed she is a very cheerful,bubbly and chatty person. Must be a great person to work with. Hope we have the chance to meet up in the future 🙂
This is a very lovely and heart warming post. Display of love and care from a Guru to disciple and vice versa. I hope Pastor Jean Ai never ceases to give great joy and pride to her guru from her advancements in the spiritual journey.
My short time with working with Pastor Jean Ai she is a no nonsense dharma practitioner. She is very meticulous like BOD Beng Kooi and has been called ‘Grammar Nazi’ on more than one occasion. And well it is not a great feeling to have ur grammar corrected but, it is never personal. At some point I think the kind of attitude Pastor Jean Ai is the very ingredient that a spiritual practitioner needs to have have spiritual success.
Dear Rinpoche, thanks for this article. Pastor Jean Ai is truly a diamond that is difficult to find. Especially she took very serious on her Dharma work, have great guru Devotion and a kind heart. To me, she is very fast, very intelligent and strong.
I truly admire and rejoice on her level of dharma practices
Thanks for Rinpoche’s sharing. Even though I never meet Pastor Jean Ai before, but it really inspired me for her good quality and determination toward Dharma from this blog. She really work very hard in helping set up Tsem Rinpoche Foundation and USA chapel.
Pastor Jean Ai is truly an inspiration. She is very matured for her age, while others are chasing for success in career, relationship, etc, she has a higher aspiration to use her life to benefits others. She is fast, her work is always done very well and she has a lot of knowledge in Dharma. She also writes blog, do visit her blog site for her well written articles, her experience in her spiritual journey. http://www.elenakhong.com
Pastor Jean Ai really is a Wonder Woman. She is truly a great inspiration to many people out there, especially for youngsters. At just a very young age, Pastor Jean Ai has decided and chosen to commit herself fully to Dharma and benefiting others. Not to mention, to become a nun at this age! How many of us would let go of everything we perceive as fun, exciting etc.. Thank You Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring post on Pastor Jean Ai.
Pastor Jean Ai is an inspiration to me and all. I respect her a lot for her kindness and determination. Most of all her devotion to Rinpoche and the Dharma. Most of the time, a jovial person, she is fun to hang out with. She is witty and funny at times. When she is serious, she means business. Don’t play play.
Thank you Pastor for serving Rinpoche in the USA.
Pastor Jean Ai is a wonderful young lady. As a little girl, I remember her to be extremely kind too and very righteous. When she was (I think) 7 years old, she stopped eating tuna (tuna sandwich was one of her favourite food) because the tuna fishermen were using nets that traps dolphins too and kills the dolphins.
Then she refused to wear NIKE (one of her favourite brands too) as she read somewhere that they use child labour in Cambodia in their factories. None of her family members influenced her to do so but she was firm in what she stood for. Very admirable character.
When she got older, she became a vegetarian , at one time a vegan too but due to health reasons she had to reluctantly remain just a vegetarian now.
Advancing to another level of her spiritual path was also her own choice. When she was still studying in UK, she expressed her wish to become a nun. She did that twice. We advised her to complete her studies first and if she still aspires to be one later, she should pursue it.
I can write a book about Pastor Jean Ai’s good qualities.And go on and on here. Many of you will also think that being her mother it is only natural to see no fault in one’s child. She is a young lady with a privileged background and liberal parents. She has choices. In fact, more than most young people her age. Yes she chose to be on this spiritual path while most of us at her age were self indulged and wasted our time away.
She may be my daughter, but I want everyone to know that I respect her very much and wish her the best in her spiritual journey. I am truly blessed to be a part of her life.
I think that Pastor Jean Ai is an exceptional inspiration to all people of all ages who want to further their progresses in Dharma practices. She is a perfect example of how a devoted student should be and I aspire to be like her.
As described by Rinpoche, Pastor Jean Ai is intelligent, hard working and generous. When I do not know her deep, would think she is brash, which she is not.
She is straight forward, will tell you what she likes, what she does not like. But she is soft hearted. I remembered once she immediately take some food she does not like/order, when the mamak restaurant cooks some food the person dining together (who is pregnant), is not suitable to eat.
She is a gem to have for us all in Kechara and her family. Thank you, Pastor Jean Ai. 🙂
Pastor Jean Ai is so kind, giving and very humorous too! She has given a lot of time to Buddhism and she is an inspiration to all of us showing her dedication and giving up a “normal” life to embrace this spiritual one. I hope the pasta was good!
Agree with Rinpoche, Pastor Jean Ai is a true Wonder Woman in real life… Her dedicated hard works hence putting all her attachments beside at such young age is so amazing…
In spite blessing of Rinpoche, i think Pastor Jean Ai have a strong imprints from previous life time hence able to serve Rinpoche and help Rinpoche all the way, all the different types of works without agenda…
Rejoice Pastor Jean Ai with folded hands…
Pastor Jean Ai must indeed have much merits and wise to commit to the path of Dharma all the way, at such a young age. Although I am not close to her, whatever contact I had of her had impressed me of her intelligence, no nonsense attitude, boisterous personality and kindness. Her whole family is so dharmic and supportive of each other…such a good example for others to emulate. May she indeed be blessed to achieve Buddha Vajrayogini’s mind. _/\_
Pastor Jean Ai, I am very happy and deeply honored to know you.
Dear Rinpoche,
Pastor Jean Ai is blessed to be able to stay by Rinpoche’s side and serve Rinpoche. I am happy Rinpoche is well taken care of.
Personally I am not very close with PJA, but when she receives instructions from Rinpoche to fill me up with information, she does so readily and more. I admire her knowledge of the Dharma at such young age. She has wonderful family to support her and I am sure her family cherishes her and adores her.
Dharma at young age and Dharma within family really forge good harmonious ties.
Thank you.
Dear Rinpoche, Jean Ai is really a nice person! When I was still a kid, she would bring me out along with my sister for shopping and sometimes Dharma work. Although I’ve known her for more than 10years, I didn’t know that she can cook until this very day when I read this post. And when I was also still a kid, she would scold whenever I try to swear. Back then, I would be angry at her for doing that but now, I finally understand her meaning for doing that and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring post about Pastor Jean Ai. I think a young girl like her should be an very good example for the youngster to learn from how many young people like her willing to go all the way for spiritual practices most of them will be enjoying themselves with all the samsaric enjoyment . I rejoice for all her hard work thank you Pastor Jean Ai for continue serving Rinpoche.
Thank you, Rinpoche for sharing and thank you, Pastor Jean Ai for being a shiny example to young and old alike, what it means to devote yourself to the Guru and Buddhist practice. Most times we read commentaries and about other great Buddhist personage we forget that it is more than reading and studies. It is a path in our daily lives, it is a practice.. Thank you.
I have met Pastor Jean Ai out here in LA and she is actually a person who really understands people deeply and is not just some front. She actually can really empathize and give sound advice. She is a true example of a real Dharma practitioner in action. She is awesome and her family is so sweet.
Pastor Jean Ai is very helpful and full of dharma knowledge. This is a very inspiring post, thank you Rinpoche for sharing.
Pastor Jean Ai is always kind, funny, and intelligent when you speak with her. She will adapt to your language and mindset, listen with care, and answer any questions with great insight. She is certainly no customer service “robot” for dharma though, she will carry on genuine conversations with her mind fully invested and give her opinions. Whenever I speak with her she is always apologizing for being busy (as if it requires an apology, spending 24/7 on dharma and talking to countless people), and then entertains me with updates which she probably gives to hundreds of other people.
I will often notice on Facebook that she has left a long comment explaining basic Buddhist principles to someone who has left a rude message, or who isn’t Buddhist, or is starting dharma. She takes the time to explain even though she could just share a link to a dharma talk or recommend a text. Sometimes it exhausts me just thinking about it. She is very witty, but when she offers these explanations she doesn’t act clever, sarcastic, even mildly condescending, or anything. Her progress for a young person in dharma is unfathomable and inspiring.
I know Pastor Jean Ai quite well and I know that all the things that Rinpoche has said above are true. She is an amazing person and yes indeed very kind. She is always helpful with anything and enjoys her work with the dharma 🙂
The way Rinpoche value others inspires me to think, contemplate and analyse others’ good qualities in similar detailed manner. Very often, we only want to see the bad traits of others due to our negative minds. If we focus on the good qualities, we will see more and appreciate them. I am a strong believer that someone like Pastor Jean Ai is the result of being connected to dharma and Rinpoche at a young age. With this, I’ve always used Pastor Jean Ai (and siblings) as an example to encourage parents to take the similar path. Pastor Jean Ai is truly a good friend who knows how to keep her friends in mind wherever she is … even if it’s as simple as posting a link on one’s facebook wall. 🙂
Dear Rinpoche, I love this post about Pastor Jean Ai. She is genuine from what I observes and always takes care of people. I remember once when I was attending a talk by Rinpoche and it was late. Pastor Jean Ai actually served me coffee out of the blue during the talk and I was surprised as I was they only that got served the coffee. LOL. It was from her heart. Maybe I look tired and sleepy but it shows she is very aware and caring. That was my standout experience with her and it is like what Rinpoche say.
I fold my hands to Rinpoche and Pastor Jean Ai.
Dear Rinpoche and KH Ng,
I had the same experience with Jean Ai too, i mean being served a cup of coffee while i was volunteering on one of the occasion at Gompa, it got me very surprised and touched. Her vibes of sincerity and dedication is very apparent to me. Initially when i first met her when she was still studying, i has the perception of her outlook that she was very unfriendly, proud and direct. After that i realise that she is being sincere and that is why she is direct to the point. She gave me a teaching from that too. My envy and respect goes to Dato’ Ruby, being a role model of dharma, a walking example of dharma being practice in action and the result is her children. I had the opportunity to understand that even though when Jean Ai, Jean Mei and Clifford was young, Dato’ Ruby was very busy with dharma work and did not have much time for her kids, and misses a lot of golden moment with her kids, but when they have grown up and see the result of her mom work, which is benefiting and helping others (KSK) the siblings have the most admiration for their mom. If it is vice versa, if Dato’ Ruby is on a rat race, the situation will be adverse.
Being young and doing dharma full time, a pastor then a buddhist nun, a roadmap of spirituality that i hope they will teach in school.
Thank you Pastor Jean Ai, for taking care, giving love, working hard to assist our Guru in USA, and it is someone like you that will make our Guru stays and continue to spin the wheel of dharma. Thank you also for giving inspiration to young people and also mature people like me. (Lol).
KH Ng and Doreen, both of you were lucky enough. She served you guys coffee but I was fed by her ‘words’ only! Hers words are inspirational to say the least. She is like… Ven. Roger Kunsang. I hope she can always update on Rinpoche. You see, I am not the person who can instantly develop Guru Devotion by just hearing upon H.E’s name only, let alone to meet him in person (due to lack of merit). Thus, her story helps to create and paint some qualities of H.E that I can meditate on. I do hope other Pastors will have time to share too such as Pastor Adeline who shared about her Mother recently. Thank you Pastor Jean Ai…by the way, it is not easy to renunciate since you have a fabulous family and wealth ( like Ajahn Siripano). Thank you for benefiting others by using your body and thoughts!
Heartfelt gratitude to Tsem Rinpoche for this posting which is really inspiring to me who is very new to Buddhism and Kechara. I am really moved. Much respect to Pastor Jean Ai who is indeed a rare Dharma Gem. Pastor Jean Ai, thank you for everything you do for dharma and please continue your amazing effort, the world is very much in need for a Gem like you, genuine and compassionate soul. Thank you..
Pastor Jean Ai is a wonderful young woman, passionate about the Dharma, deeply loyal and committed to Rinpoche and the principles of Kechara. She is Rinpoche’s ‘right hand woman’ and whatever she tells me I treat her advice as if it comes from Rinpoche himself, because it does. She is most kind and patient and very helpful when it comes to my stumbling attempts to transcribe. I am very happy to call her a friend and it is my great hope that we can meet face to face someday.
Pastor Jean Ai has admirable qualities as mentioned by Tsem Rinpoche and as a young person who can inspire others to be the same. She embodies a true Buddhist practitioner even from young. Truly an inspiration.
Pastor Jean Ai is indeed truly a wonderful being. Her posts on facebook are often meaningful and funny. I deeply respect her commitment to dharma.
Love what Rinpoche wrote as it moved me to see such spirituality in such a young person. The qualities that Pastor Jean Ai possess is way beyond many of us. A truly beautiful and inspiring soul! Thank you for yet another brilliant post! This would inspire many of us to step up and emulate her shining example.
I definitely agree. Pastor Jean Ai is a great inspiration for people of all ages wanting to progress in their practices. So much effort and dedication along with consistency and being able to sacrifice the “default” idea of a normal life to become a nun at such a young age. I learn a lot from her through the example of actions but also through knowledge. I ask her questions and she takes the time out of her busy schedule to answer them to the best of her ability. Being super reliable and full of wisdom she is the type of person I aspire to become in the (hopefully near) future.