Ms Khaw Siew Tuan passed away after a short illness on 2 October 1999 at the age of 44. She was fondly remembered by members and friends. This page is a tribute to Ms Khaw, for her dedication to the school, Society and fellow Dhammafarers.

Ms Khaw was a teacher at St. Xavier's Institution, Penang, and an advisor of Buddhist Students' Society. She was a meditator and an active helper at the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple and the Malaysian Buddhist Meditation Centre in Penang. She was a filial daughter who cared for her invalid mother, brothers and sister, nephews and niece, and relatives. And she was a friend to many, one who has known for her helpful and cheerful nature, her humble and unassuming ways.

Her passing away came as a shock to many. Who would have thought that her brief and what was generally thought of as a minor illness would suddenly lead to massive brain hemorrhage and death? Perhaps this was one of kamma's strange ways of taking us away.

But Ms Khaw if she could have seen the consternation by her bedside as she laid in coma and the funeral that was later accorded her would know that she had not died in vain. Oh, she was so very much loved and missed! At her deathbed her students were crying openly, praying, talking to and even massaging their beloved teacher, appealing to her to come out of her coma and to come back to life. Buddhist monk after Buddhist monk came to her bedside to chant Buddhist suttas and pray for her recovery or, if that was not possible, a good rebirth. Her family members and friends kept vigil around her bed. Many a tear were shed: it was hard to find a face whose eyes were not wet or misty, or which did not bear a pained look or expression.

After her death, her funeral too was no less demonstrative and touching. Students, Buddhist friends, fellow teachers, Buddhist monks and all those whose lives she had touched came to pay their last respects. The students bowed and gave heartfelt testimonies -- one in a cracked voice because in his grief it was difficult to say the words -- to her dedication and love as a teacher. Her friends, too, spoke of her fine qualities, how she went about helping people in her unassuming ways.

Yes, Siew Tuan had touched many people by her kindness and generosity. You might not have realised the extent of the effect her life had on others until you saw with your own eyes the number of people who were affected by her death. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she had touched. We have no doubt that by virtue of her goodness she must have got a good rebirth -- either having become a celestial being in heaven or having obtained an excellent human rebirth. Wherever she is now, we wish her well. May she find much peace, joy, happiness, and contentment. May she continue to tread the Noble Eightfold Path till the journey end in the eternal bliss of Nibbana.

Note:
Article adapted and revised from the memoir page in 'A Simple Guide to Life' by R. Bogoda. This Dhamma book was published for free distribution in honour of Ms Khaw by the Buddhist Students' Society as well as friends and relatives of Ms Khaw.

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We cherish the memory of you, your righteousness and the warmth of your soul, your loving spirit, strong and bold; The memory of your smile still stays, bringing sunshine to brighten our days, your deeds will never be forgotten, your hopes and aspirations, forever golden.

May you find peace, happiness and contentment forever.

~ SXI Buddhist Students' Society