Tour at KFR!
Dear friends,
A lot of work have been going on at Kechara Forest Retreat (KFR) for the past 2 weeks. I have been staying on site and directly overseeing the expansion of our temporary abode, Kechara Village, our main temple and Ladrang. A lot of land clearing is being done on a daily basis, so that we view the landscape better and start building works.
Yesterday, the Liaison Council together with invited guests and Ladrang staff visited the land to view the progress of the work being done. There were more than 70 visitors! There were a few people who flew in from all over the world who came on the tour… from Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Nepal and England!
Liaison JP Thong was the tour guide of the day leading the group to view the various parts of the land where we will be building on. JP gave a clear and detailed explanation to the group on our building and expansion plans. JP has been staying on the land and is on site 80% of the time to oversee the expansion of the current premises and the building of Kechara Village. He is also there on a daily basis to meet the contractors and to help out in any way required.
The group was shown the proposed sites for the main temple called the Shakyamuni World Peace Hall. This hall will be able to accommodate 3000 people. The group were also shown the proposed site for our restaurant, gift shops, 2 new roads, the Ladrang, Kechara Village and expansion of the current premises. A huge parking lot will also be made available to accommodate many cars and buses.
After visiting those sites, everyone made their way to the temporary abode for some delicious Kechara Oasis food! While the guests were eating, JP brought a few people at a time on a tour of the cabin area where I reside with my assistants. We have erected tents to accommodate more people as the current area is not sufficient for the work we do. Do take a look at the pictures below!
After dinner, I met up with everyone to share with them the exciting plans that we have on the land. I was very happy to meet everyone especially all of my foreign friends who flew to Malaysia to be with us. I also shared with everyone that we will have an organic farm on the land very soon. I would very much like to plant our own vegetables. I will invite students and friends to come destress by growing their own vegetables, plucking them, washing them and cooking them on their own. Rejuvenate the body with healthy organic food.
With all if the work going on, we will need a lot of help on a daily basis. Those who wish to help out, please contact Su Ming. She is very good in coordinating. Su Ming and the Ladrang arranged all the logistics yesterday for me to meet everyone comfortably.
She is contactable through (e) su.chuah@gmail.com (hp) +6012 291 1178, or you can contact my office at: privateoffice@tsemtulku.com.
Tsem Rinpoche
Everyone gathering at the entrance… looking good in their yellow boots!
All prepared to climb some hills!
Our Bulgarian guest, Diane Suter
An excavator in action at the entrance of the land
JP looking very stylish with his rubber boots and umbrella hanging from his pouch
Everyone was paying full attention to JP’s explanation
Beautiful Kecharians and friends: (l-r) Wah Ying, Dr Lanse, Kwok Wai, Irene Lim, Mr Cheok Hong Guan, Ron Wong, Antoinette Kass and Diane Suter.
Dato’ Ruby was very happy to be at KFR!
Next destination: Ladrang site!
Look at all the happy faces!
JP giving more explanations as the group walked further into the land
The road leading to the current cabin area (temporary abode), Ladrang site and Kechara Village
Albert carried around the portable speaker so that JP’s voice could be heard!
Everyone taking down notes so that they can explain to others
The road leading up to the proposed Ladrang site
Everyone walking up the hill.
The proposed Ladrang site is up on a hill to the right. The contractors have cleared the land, the road will be built next.
JP showing everyone around the Ladrang site.
Look at the beautiful view at the back! It is an almost 360 view of green forestry.
The front view on top of the Ladrang site. To the left is the temporary abode…
Walking on the land at the back of the current cabin area (temporary abode). More work is being done to expand the area. Robert (left) flew in from Hong Kong just to join in the tour. He is the landscape architect for the KFR project. I was very happy to see him there that day.
JP briefing everyone before entering the Kechara Village site…
The Kechara Village site is very beautiful with lots of greenery around. It is very well shaded.
(l-r) Moh Mei, Pastor Susan and Mr Loo helping to set up a fire place. The smoke helps to prevent insects and mosquitoes from entering the cabin area.
JP showing everyone the tent area set up for the Ladrang staff and volunteers.
We need more space!! The people assisting in the Kechara Forest Retreat are all staying in tents at this time on the land. They are determined to get this place up.
Beautiful Fasting Buddha statue sits behind Shakyamuni Buddha. In front of Shakyamuni is Vajrapani and Tsongkhapa.
(l-r) Beng Kooi, Nadia, Susanna (who came in from Singapore) and Diane.
I shared with everyone gifts that I got from a monk friend of mine… it included a Pabongka Rinpoche statue, Vajrayogini text and a crystal stupa representing Body, Speech and Mind. I found it a very auspicious sign as I had mentioned that we needed to build a 8ft Pabongka statue at KFR… and the very next day, I was presented with a Pabongka Rinpoche statue…
I showed everyone the Pabongka Rinpoche statue that was offered to me…
I gave away our new book to a few people. It’s called “Miracles”… my personal attendant, Pastor Loh Seng Piow, conceptualize the idea to turn a few real stories into comics…
I was happy to see Tuan Wong there that day.
Giving Robert a Kechara Village layout illustration.
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回看这些照片是kfr 当初最早期的时候， 那时的禅修林还是一片泥泞，车只能停在大门口，大家必须步行进入，下雨还会不时跌进泥泞。现在的禅修林设备先进，舒适，一砖一瓦都齐全。心里实在感恩我们现在舒服就是前人的努力。谢谢。
感恩仁波切的分享与教诲
回首看回这个帖子，心中无比感慨，一份难以言语的动容充满着整个心中
在慈爱与尊贵的仁波切无限的祝福与加持下，克切拉禅修林从一片荒山野岭，到一瓦一砖地，发展到现在宏伟庄严的建筑
尊贵的上师，不但不辞劳苦地亲身地参与整个过程，也让我们有机会参与在其中学习，并累积功德，并学习把佛法实践在我们的生活当中
一瓦一砖，一步一脚印的，一切来的不易，但是一切都是为了弘扬与延续佛法，为的是造福一切众生，我们珍惜与感恩我们的上师与所有给予支持的朋友
祈愿克切拉禅修林，无限的扩展下去，一切工程顺利，法喜充满
感恩尊贵的仁波切，祈愿您长驻在世，常转法轮
Seeing these past images of Kechara Forest Retreat is amazing. Although i instinctively refer to them as old photos, these images were taken less than a year ago. Actually, many people…including professionals are surprised by what was accomplished in Kechara Forest Retreat in the past 10 months. I see this as the result of having faith in Rinpoche and Rinpoche’s advise.
I strongly prompt readers to check out the latest on Kechara Forest Retreat here http://retreat.kechara.com/
I rejoice for all those who visited Kechara Forest Retreat, especially those who have travelled so far just to meet Rinpoche and KFR and receive the teachings. JP is an extremely talented and hardworking individual and I admire the fact that he has so much guru devotion and that he took ownership for building Kechara Forest Retreat. AMAZING!
Since the Tour conducted by JP, so much more developments have taken place in a relatively short space of time. Amongst these, a proper cement road is now being built, a lot more living cabins and toilet/shower cabins have been set up to accomodate the swelling number of Kecharians working there, Ajai the caretaker now has a nice home behind the butter lamp house, the tent city has moved to larger premises and given way for developments at The Enchanted Forest where Rinpoche’s Ladrang will be, and soon there will be proper and adequate electricity and water supply. And every day more and more beautiful plants are showing up courtesy of the “Green Team”. There is even a small aviary on the site now.
The driving force behind this is Rinpoche who is not only manifesting KFR before our eyes but in the process have also galvanized the varied strengths of Kecharians and harnessed so many members and friends into a virtuous cause.
For many of us, KFR offers probably the highest opportunity to collect merits in our lifetime.
KFR对我而言简直就是人间天堂，能够让现代人忙碌的生活，可以有个休息站，可以让我们能停下脚步，去思考自己真正想要的是什么？同时，也能让我们的身，心，灵得到成长，谢谢仁波切的用心，让这平凡的人间也有天堂。
Thank you JP, Su Ming, and everyone else who’re involved in this wonderful project. I can’t wait to help out this coming Friday at KFR! Lots of progress has been made since Day 1. So excited to help out and be a part of this legend which will benefit not only us humans but to all sentient beings too! How kind of Rinpoche. 🙂
Will definitely get my friends and family involved! hehe, see you guys there!
Thank you Rinpoche for everything!
I gaze in wonder at this most beautiful of scenes, wondering how many have had this same dream of *Kechara* _()_now seeing it born on *Ladrang Hill*_()_where, ‘Lakes and pools adorned with lotuses, and the beautiful call of wild geese; everything that is unowned throughout all worlds as extensive as space_()_and, ‘when shall i withdraw into the forest and live among the trees with birds and deer who say nothing unpleasant, but are a joy to live with?’OM MANI PADME HUM…….
Kechara Forest Retreat,a place where countless visitors will be beneficial.We are really fortunate to be given this opportunity to volunteer in this meritorious,holy land.
With Rinpoche’s blessings and guidance,KFR will manifest swiftly.
This is what will really change our Life! Like what Rinpoche said, “With this Chamang Headquarters, it gives me something exciting to wake up to. To know what it is for…….. the purpose, the goal and the Liberation, the benefits and the lasting results make me want to be alive to do this.” Therefore, let us one and all, Kecharians, friends, dharma brothers and sisters, and well-wishers, truly get together to get this done, so as to give back to society! As our Guru has further stressed, “buiding a Headquarter for our Dharma Lineage is rejuvenating and has a purpose. Anything else pales, nest to this.”
Thanks Rinpoche for the Sharing and update, woow… KFR is changing a lot, so great that Kechara Village is in progressing..looking forward to visit KFR again.
Rejoice for all visitors to KFR, especially those from Bulgaria,I am excited to see the plan and progress at KFR.I am really glad to see everybody is working hard for this project as it will bring benefits to others for generations.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing all the updates and nice pictures. I am very excited to see all the progress of KFR ^_^ Thank you Rinpoche ,JP,KFR team and everyone whom are make effort on this project.I will sharing this good news to Jb member ans friends,hope that can bring more people to participate in this project !!
Wish KFR project can complete swiftly !!
Rinpoche is ever so kind to share with us his visions and plans. And we do need information so that we can share about KFR to other people. And KFR does need many people’s contribution to get it up. As many people gets involved the greater the benefit KFR will be and impact to the world. Kechara is getting more and more international and prominent visitors.
Thank you Rinpoche,for being so compassionate to present there at KFR to conceptualize and to hasten the development of the project.We are sure every inch of the land there had been blessed by your presence there.
I have been there in the past but WOW ! so much had been done since then.We can not deny that JP have put in a lot of effort for the development of KFR. thank you JP.
May the KFR be completed soon to benefit and bless those who set foot on the land there !
It is exciting to watch the fast pace progress in the building of Kechara Village and KFR. It’s a day-to -day transformation of forest land into a lovely place of retreat. Everyday, as we receive updates , we see how the whole of Kechara is getting involved to shape the vision, and Rinpoche is there in the center of it all, hands on , and inspiring everyone .
Thank you Rinpoche.
Rejoice for everyone that visited KFR. It is very excited, that KFR will gonna finish build up coming soon 🙂 KFR definitely is a very beautiful place. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this post and all the nice pictures.
Wow.. what a wonderful journey to KFR. Rejoice for all of the visitors. I am really glad to see everybody is working hard for KFR to manifest and this will bring benefits to many others.
It is very exciting to see the work in KFR is progressing well and fast since i last visited there with the Melaka sturdy group to offer butter lamps about 4 months ago,and i am looking forward to visit KFR again this Saturday to do some work there.
It was a fun day! I had so much fun there with other Kecharians. JP did an excellent job explaining about the development in KFR. The last time I went there, I had to stand outside looking in. This time, everything changed and the progress was amazing! And everyday we get updates and pictures on this blog. Isn’t it wonderful! Even though we are not there, we can see and be in the know. Thank you everyone who did so much… Keep up the good ‘work’! Can’t wait to be there and help!
Its amazing to see so much progress in KFR In such a short period, like Beng Kooi said
“the moment Rinpoche stepped into his cabin at KFR, a buzz of activity followed. What you see in the picture above is merely the tip of the iceberg that is works in progress at KFR.”
After visits KFR, its time to get together to volunteer, working towards this wonderful project. Its time to come out from our comfort zone and get our hands dirty.
Thank you Rinpoche, KFR team & Ladrang team speed up the manifestation of Kechara Forest Retreat!
A privilege to see Pabongka Rinpoche statue and the auspicious signs manifesting everywhere is heartwarming. Thank you Rinpoche for taking the lead, directing the plans and what needs to be done. A place where everyone can call home when the first phase is completed.
Rinpoche has gone through much hardship and so when he said that the current condition in KFR land is very inconvenient I have no doubt about it. Nevetheless, Rinpoche kindly stays there to ensure that the work will move on fast and accurately.
Rinpoche has only one wish that is to bring up KFR quick, so that more people can benefit from it.
With the energy that Rinpoche brings to KFR land and the dedication of all participants, KFR will manifest surely. We just need to devote ourselves into this project so that it can manifest swiftly. And with this, Rinpoche’s wish will be fulfilled.
What a glorious sight! So many people coming together for a historic purpose, the manifestation of Kechara Forest Retreat and Kechara Village. A holistic retreat for spiritual practitioners and a place where people can find peace and seek blessings from the Buddhas.
A big thank you and huge applause to Rinpoche and those who work so tirelessly towards the development of this wonderful project.
The progress and growth at KFR is remarkable, better than a number of commercial developments. Well done to everyone who chipped in.
Since that day until now, there has been much more work done and so much progress as we can see daily from the photos updated frequently. KFR will benefit many and we should put all our effort to help towards this project, may it be raising funds or volunteering. It will be tremendous benefits for us to collect merits and be a part of KFR
I am very exciting to see the progress of KFR. Thank you Tsem Rinpoche leading all the way to manifest of KFR , Thank you all of kecharians effort , it will really very benefited to many people once it is up.
Thank you JP and team put in effort and make sure volunteers and staffs understand whole KFR development and this make everyone more cleared and I can see everyone was very HAPPY!
Is very fortunate to see the precious Pabongka Rinpoche statue, Vajrayogini text and a crystal stupa. I am very grateful that i have the chances contribute my little effort towards KFR project.
Rejoice for everyone especially guests from oversea.
Wish KFR manifest swiftly!
The hard work, commitment, dedication and every detail that goes into the construction of KFR are shown on the faces of these people in the photographs. With Rinpoche’s blessings and the hard work of Kecharians, may KFR be a landmark that Kecharians are proud of and make an impact on the Malaysia map!
This is really a wonderful trip, JP explains and bring us walk through the whole area to tell us what is the planning next. Kechara Village has decided to move to the KFR Land from the initial place, and guess what? Rinpoche said KFR is the place for others, so he only wanted cabins in KV will be good enough, Rinpoche never wanted anything luxury for himself but he said the Gompa must be very beautifully done because it is for others. He want the public to have a comfortable place to pray and meditate.
Am happy to see the KFR pictures, everything is going very fast. May the works in KFR manifest swiftly. OM Tare Tuttare Ture Soha
How beautiful KFR land is! I love how the green surrounds the entire area. Can’t wait for KFR to be completed and spend my weekends/holidays there doing retreats or attending meditation classes. Whatever it is, I’m certain that I want to be part of it! And i will make sure my family and friends would be there by helping them to create a cause for them.
Without Rinpoche, all these wouldn’t be possible. Thank you very, very much, Rinpoche. Your compassion leaves me speechless as always.
Our KFR tour is fun and exciting by listening Liaison JP Thong explaining to us. Many great plan has been though out at KFR land. The most important is new ladrang will be build at the hill surrounding by a lot of tree.
For pass 2 week, many progress after the earthwork started. Rinpoche, KFR team and ladrang team working very hard oversee the progress and update all the picture at the blog.
Building KFR need a lot of volunteer work to plan the grass and flower, copping wood to burn to repel the insert and mosquito. I was manage stayed over night after the tour and volunteer to help for the next day. It is great experience volunteering at KFR. Join us fast! Don’t me left out.
I am super duper happy with all the progress on KFR up until now.
The first time when i was there till this very blog post with an overall picture of the place looks superbly different. Certain parts are not even recognizable anymore compared to what it was previously.
I thank all who have put in so much help and effort to get this place up and going. May this place continue to grow and be up for the benefits of many.
I am happy and excited to see development in KFR since my last visit. Even much more humbling and inspiring is Rinpoche staying there and directing the work that needs to be done. To know the Buddhas are blessing the development of this project is inspiring for all of us, from the fact that it didnt rain as hard as in the city is a testament to this.
From the pictures, it can be seen that a lot of progress has been made to clear the land for building and landscaping. I’m looking forward to the exciting activities that will be organised there, like meditation, teachings, and pujas complete with long horns etc. Meanwhile, we have to work very hard to raise funds and help with the development of this great project which will bring benefits to many people.
It’s exciting to see the progress of KFR. With the showing of so many auspicious signs, we should work harder to get it up ASAP as it will really very benefited to many people once it is up.
Thanks KIM for recording the video that people who are not around that day also can learn about the plan, the new development and the teachings.
Thank You Rinpoche, JP and Tsem ladrang for arranging the tour to KFR. JP has done a good job, explained very well about the future development of KV and KFR.
It was a wonderful trip, and get together with our Kecharians and visitors.
It is said that wherever the Lama goes, that’s where the Ladrang is. And sure enough, the moment Rinpoche stepped into his cabin at KFR, a buzz of activity followed. What you see in the picture above is merely the tip of the iceberg that is works in progress at KFR.
In just the past 2 days, much gardening and planting has taken place, and a large group of students enthusiastically started building the concrete foundation of our caretaker’s new home.
However, back to the topic – during the tour, what really stuck out for most of the crowd were the auspicious signs that have been happening ever since we found the land that was to be KFR. From a dream of the exact landscape when rinpoche was a child, to auspicious drizzles of rain, to a postcard of the exact landscape from an unknown Mongolian monk at Losar, to birds appear etc, the coincidences that have been happening are all traditional Tibetan signs of something very special that will happen at KFR.
Do raise your hands to volunteer at KFR while there is still opportunity. The merits you will collect are unimaginable.
I can’t thank you enough Tsem Rinpoche to be there personally supervising the progress. It is very exciting to see KFR are slowly coming into place, although there are a lot more work to be done but at least it is moving bit by bit. And also thank you JP for taking ownership of this project which will benefit a lot more people in the near future.
Thank you Rinpoche again and all the volunteers so far. We are very fortunate to have you as our Guru.
It was surprising to see so much work was done on the KFR land in such a short period of time. It was raining for the past few days, but that day was perfect for the tour with no rain, no sun and best of all no mosquitos! The day ended with Rinpoche sharing the plans of KFR and the story of Findhorn Foundation. What is really interesting was the story Rinpoche told about the benefits of breathing and walking meditation. I look forward to doing this in KFR in future. It will help us look deep into ourselves very much.
Rejoice for all visitors to KFR, Thank You to Rinpoche for giving a good chances to everyone of us. ( Including to Build KFR ), Much appreciate Rinpoche care of us in this lifetime and future future lifetime.
with fold hands : Erickksiow
It was an awesome trip to KFR and seeing the land are being flatten and cleared for KFR project. JP was being a great host for explaining to us about the project and tour us around KFR. I rally can’t wait to see KFR manifest 🙂 it will benefit so many and I’m sure lots of Rinpoche’s overseas students and friends will visit KFR and do their retreat here 🙂
I am very excited about the meditations that Rinpoche had mentioned about that night, KFR will have the breathing meditation, sitting meditation, and many more….hehe.
Love to see there are more and more volunteers helping and those happy face.
Thank you to the Tsem ladrang staff for organising the tour. After walking around the site, it is easier to envision what will be built where, though since the tour, the plans have been refined and in future, i am sure they will continue to be refined.. Rinpoche is very passionate and hands on in KFR but KFR is not for Rinpoche but for all those who will gain merits in contributing effort and funds towards this project, and for all those who will benefit from this sanctuary in future. We are very fortunate to be part of this historic development, thank you Rinpoche!
Thank you Rinpoche and JP for taking the time to explain and update us all on Kechara Forest Retreat and Kechara Village. To build this place we need people who are passionate about this project, explain to the public, to spend time doing work and willing to put up with inconveniences in order to make progress. This place will become a place for people destress in future.
Rinpoche has shown so much love and care by explaining clearly what the plans are for KFR. It is indeed very exciting for Malaysia to have our very own Findhorn! Living in the nature, with the nature is the nature of our lives. Don’t wait until it is built and enjoy the facilities, because you might not have the chance to. Come join in and be part of this wonderful project!
What a wonderful tour led by JP and Rinpoche’s explanation to the expansion of KFR adds to the excitement!
I am really glad to see everybody is working hard for this project as it will bring benefits to others for generations.
Kechara is spreading the positive energy out from city to jungle, bring people back to the basic, and find the inner peace. I really like the idea of a place away from the hustle and bustle.
We must work extra extra hard, to get this up!
Rinpoche shared his vision and plans of Kechara Village on KFR land in this video. I like the part when he said there will be monks to teach us how to do the traditional ‘long horn’ in KFR that will sound like elephants in the jungle, even if we don’t have them there (yet).
And this is the link (http://www.findhorn.org/aboutus/ecovillage/education/#.UIzuKNeGU3I) to the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland, of which Rinpoche has plans for in K. Village. This is so exciting to be able to spend a weekend in KFR to learn and share with friends and family members.
Since that day of the KFR land tour, more works have been done and many more will be going on as Kechara Village needs to be up and about ASAP before the torrential monsoon season starts in November.
There has been alot of progress work done on KFR since. Photo updates are put up almost hourly by those at KFR, updating everyone of the progress so that we are kept abreast. Don’t forget to scroll all the way down of this page to KECHARA FOREST RETREAT PROGRESS UPDATES. See for yourself! Or better still, see you at KFR!
I am excited to see the plan and progress at KFR. It was a fantastic tour of KFR and an important evening with Rinpoche. Surely a day to remember forever.
Yes it was very exciting to see the progress and plans on KFR. The plans are still evolving and the hard working team sure is doing a fantastic job. Thank you Irene for providing food daily for all the people in KFR. it’s really a great help and contribution to KFR’s project.
Very impressive, very inspiring. Malaysians are indeed fortunate to have the retreat site on their land. My homage to the Rinpoche, JP and every single worker for the project!
Rejoice for all visitors to KFR, especially those from Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Nepal and England! Thanks JP that take ownership to help Rinpoche to built and committed 80% of his time will be in the forest.
I bow down with fold hands to Rinpoche that lead a example to living in forest and to make sure the things all done in KFR. We will make our efforts as in your instructions in video as much possible to let KFR manifest as soon possible. Thanks Rinpoche for the advises for us in video.
** Thanks JP that take ownership to help Rinpoche to built Kechara Village and committed 80% of his time will be in the forest.
Lim, I think JP already committed 100% of the time there 🙂 I have been going to KFR quite frequently lately and things are really progressing fast, thanks to the Lama who dedicated so much to the Dharma. As a student, I need to work extra hard too.
I know JB is quite far, but I hope to see a HUGE group of people from JB to participate in this very special projects more often. As Rinpoche said , we need a lot of resources (talents, money, etc) to get KFR up, and Rinpoche keep saying, KFR is for all of us!!
And when you are in KFR, don’t forget to take a lot of pictures 🙂