All About Kechara
Some of the ideals that Kechara stands for
Many new people who visit Kechara for the first time or who come across Kechara can get quite confused about how many departments there are…or where they can contribute and volunteer! There are many projects and initiatives within the Kechara Organisation, and all of them are extensions of my interests and passion to benefit others in different ways. Over the past decade, I have seen these projects being established, usually on a small scale, and they often grow tremendously over time.
Some of my students have written a very good summary about the various projects within Kechara, why they exist, what they do and they have included some photos as well… Have fun reading!
Tsem Rinpoche
Kechara: A Tsem Rinpoche Organisation
Kechara is a progressive spiritual organisation that seeks to create a conscious community that comes together in service of others. Founded in 2000 by H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche, Kechara began with a small handful of spiritual practitioners who were motivated solely by the wish to make a difference and bring a new message of peace to their community.
H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche, the founder and spiritual guide of Kechara. Click on image to enlarge.
From humble beginnings, Kechara has since evolved to meet the varying needs, interests and aptitudes of the modern spiritual seeker, and now includes Dharma centres, soup kitchens, charitable foundations, comprehensive meditation and education programmes, an art studio, publishing and production houses, vegetarian restaurants and cafes, and a Buddhist retreat centre, among many other initiatives. Every aspect of Kechara has been inspired by the life and works of Tsem Rinpoche, who has brought comfort, solace and relief to many.
With a spiritual community comprising of people from diverse backgrounds, varying age groups and different parts of the world, Kechara’s programmes can empower you to find your own inner strength and peace so that you can truly transform your life, fulfil your potential, and discover for yourself and others a limitless capacity for love, peace and happiness.
Tsem Rinpoche is the inspiration behind all of Kechara’s projects and initiatives. Rinpoche’s dynamic and contemporary teaching style continues to draw spiritual seekers from around the world. Click on image to enlarge.
Read on to get a taste of what Kechara offers, and do reach out to us if you have any questions about our projects or Kechara in general. We would love to hear from you.
Click to jump to the section you’re interested in
- How It All Began: A Brief History
- The Spiritual Community: Dharma centres and study groups
- Serving the Buddhist Community: Kechara’s Buddhist pastors
- The Power of Prayer: Authentic puja services
- Where Knowledge is Power: Dharma classes and education courses
- Broadcasting Peace to a Borderless World: Disseminating Buddhism globally
- Spirituality through Art: Preserving Himalayan artistic traditions
- Creating Sacred Images: Contemporary Buddhist retail
- Advocating Compassionate Dining: Vegetarian restaurants and cafes
- Feeding Hunger, Giving Hope: Soup kitchen and food bank
- Speaking Up For Those With No Voice: Animal welfare projects
- Respecting the Planet: Recycling and green initiatives
- Creating Conscious Communities: Kechara Forest Retreat
How It All Began: A Brief History
The first link between Tsem Rinpoche and Malaysia was made in 1992 when Rinpoche was sent to Malaysia by his monastery, Gaden Shartse in South India, to raise funds for sorely needed monk housing. During that initial short visit, Rinpoche had already gathered a group of students in this region who were drawn to his dynamic and contemporary style of sharing Buddha’s timeless wisdom, and his practical advice, accurate divinations and inspiring teachings which appeal to the modern spiritual seeker.
After Rinpoche returned to Gaden Shartse Monastery, his Malaysian students began writing to him and visiting him in South India, always requesting him to return to Malaysia to continue turning the wheel of Dharma. Out of his great kindness and with the encouragement of his teachers, H.E. Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche, Tsem Rinpoche began travelling back and forth between Malaysia and India, teaching small groups in his students’ houses and apartments.
In 2000, these visits eventually culminated in the opening of a humble retail store in SS2, Petaling Jaya which served as an informal gathering place for teachings as well as an avenue to bring in a small amount of funds to pay the bills and keep the place open. Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia was registered in 2002, and the first proper Dharma centre, Kechara House 1 opened its doors in 2004. That, as we say, was just the beginning.
Dharma gatherings in Kechara House 1, located on the first floor of a shoplot in Sunwaymas Commercial Centre, Petaling Jaya. Click on image to enlarge.
The logo of Kechara is the sacred ‘BAM’ seed syllable of Buddha Vajrayogini. Rinpoche envisions the Kechara Organisation to be a portal through which we can take the first steps to eventually achieve the actual Kechara Paradise through deeper spiritual practice. Click on image to enlarge.
P.S.: In case the name piques your curiosity, ‘KECHARA’ is named after the pure celestial heaven of the highest female tantric Buddha Vajra Yogini. Rinpoche envisions the Kechara Organisation to be a portal through which we can take the first steps to eventually achieve the actual Kechara Paradise through deeper spiritual practice.
The Spiritual Community: Dharma centres and study groups
Throughout history, monastic communities have dedicated their lives to the service of others, upholding the teachings and practices taught by the Buddha. This is all the more necessary today, in a world where there are now more distractions and anxieties that take us away from ourselves.
At Kechara, spiritual practice is lived out on a daily basis through a range of activities and direct service, with volunteers and members lending their talents and skills while developing the valuable spiritual qualities of teamwork, patience, commitment, responsibility, care and compassion.
Inspired by our vision of conscious communities, Dharma centres and study groups have arisen throughout Malaysia, each offering a varied programme of pujas (prayer sessions), teachings on Buddhist philosophy, spiritual retreats and more, thus enabling the development of compassion, wisdom and clarity that will bring lasting happiness and peace of mind.
Kechara House, our main Dharma centre in the city. Click on image to enlarge.
Established in 2004, Kechara House in the township of Sunwaymas, Petaling Jaya is our main Dharma centre in the city. From a single floor in a shoplot, it has grown to four double-storey shoplots with a seating capacity of 700. A simple guest house is available nearby for visiting students from out of town and for the purposes of solitary retreat.
Kechara House offers weekly public prayer sessions (known as pujas), as well as larger scale grand pujas on special festive occasions. Anyone is welcome to attend, and to learn the sacred, traditional methods for making a profound connection with the enlightened beings, receive blessings and engage in spiritual practices with a supportive, loving community.
For those interested in the study of Buddhist philosophy, Kechara House offers a range of Sunday Dharma classes suited to different levels of learning, some of which are streamed live for those who are overseas or unable to physically attend. As knowledge forms the basis of all Buddhist practice, we encourage people of all levels, ages and interests to join in the classes, where there is always debate and discussion to foster more interactive learning. Our children’s classes are tailored for different age groups and are supplemented with a colourful variety of activities to assist in learning.
Regular pujas are conducted in the main prayer hall of Kechara House. Click on image to enlarge.
For those living outside the Klang Valley, study groups have been established in Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bahru and Kuantan, where groups of students gather to learn Dharma according to Rinpoche’s teachings and to engage in pujas. Our Buddhist pastors and senior students visit regularly to share new teachings, to perform pujas together, and to stay connected with Dharma brothers and sisters.
Kechara House follows the sacred Gelugpa tradition of Gaden, which has an unbroken lineage from Buddha Shakyamuni (624-540 BC) to the Indian pandit, Atisha (982-1054 AD) and to the renowned Tibetan scholar, Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419 AD).
Read on to discover the many activities organised by Kechara House and its study groups for both individuals and families to participate in.
Kechara House
Sunwaymas, Petaling Jaya
Address:
No. 7, Jalan PJU 1/3G,
Sunwaymas Commercial Centre,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia
Phone/Email:
+603 7803 3908 | care@kechara.com
Opening Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 1pm to 10pm
Thursday – Friday: 1pm to 6pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 9am to 1pm
Lama Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug tradition, welcomes visitors to Kechara House in the reception area. Click on image to enlarge.
The main prayer hall in Kechara House is graced by three larger-than-life statues of Lama Tsongkhapa (10-ft, centre), Vajrayogini (7-ft, left ) and Setrap (7-ft, right). Click on image to enlarge.
Kechara House
Penang Study Group
Address:
2-G-19, Tingkat Mahsuri 3,
11950 Bayan Lepas,
Penang, Malaysia.
Kechara House
Ipoh Study Group
Address:
No. 73 A (First Floor) Jalan Dato Lau Pak Khuan,
Ipoh Garden, 31400 Ipoh,
Perak, Malaysia.
Kechara House
Johor Bahru Study Group
Address:
62, Jalan Nakhoda 7,
Taman Ungku Tun Aminah,
Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
Kechara House
Kuantan Study Group
Address:
No B-6, Tingkat Satu,
Lorong Seri Kuantan 80,
Kuantan Star City 1,
25300 Kuantan,
Pahang, Malaysia.
Serving the Buddhist Community: Kechara’s Buddhist pastors
Combining the responsibilities of the ordained and the appearance of a layperson, Kechara’s Buddhist Pastors are selfless, committed individuals who have taken an extraordinary step in dedicating their lives towards sharing the Buddhist tradition and serving the Buddhist community.
The pastorship role was conceptualised by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche to preserve the Dharma and to make Buddha’s teachings more accessible to the public. Pastors bridge the gap between the ordained sangha and the everyday practitioner, dispensing advice and counselling, performing blessings and rituals, and sharing their knowledge with the many who come to seek spiritual help and relief. The services offered by Kechara’s Buddhist pastors include:
- Puja (prayer) services
- Children’s baptism
- House blessings
- Vehicle blessings
- Hospital visits
- Bereavement services
- Counseling
- Marriage registration and solemnisation
- Public teachings and Dharma classes
- Vow giving (refuge vows, vegetarian vows, Eight Precepts, etc)
- Answering questions from the public via the Ask A Pastor section on tsemrinpoche.com
Kechara’s Buddhist Pastors receive their ordination from H.E. Tsem Rinpoche, whose vows stem from an unbroken lineage of Indian and Tibetan Buddhist masters going all the way back to Lord Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha.
There are two types of Buddhist pastor within Kechara:
- Lay Pastors: Individuals who are committed to their spiritual practice but have pre-existing obligations to family and other commitments.
- Sangha-to-be: Individuals who aspire to become fully ordained members of the Sangha (monastic community) in the near future
The selection and training of a new pastor is a rigorous process, and the appointment is only made with Rinpoche’s blessings. The first Buddhist pastors were ordained on 24th October 2011 and every year since then, more have made this commitment to bring the Buddha’s teachings to people in our modern era.
The Power of Prayer: Authentic puja services
Life sometimes brings problems and difficulties that can appear insurmountable. Within Buddhism however, pujas and prayers are a proven solution for life’s challenges. In fact, pujas are the direction of positive energy towards a positive aspiration, expressed in a series of rituals and prayers. Such group prayers generate stronger energies than when performed by just one person alone, and can be done for oneself or for someone who is far away. The benefit of pujas is manyfold and encompasses healing, long life, protection, wealth, wisdom, peace and the quick fulfillment of our wishes.
Kechara’s puja house offers a wide range of pujas for every life situation. Our dedicated team has been trained by qualified monks from the illustrious Gaden Monastery and everything they do – from the prayers and rituals to the altar set-up and offerings – is done exactly as it has been for hundreds of years in the greatest monastic institutions of Tibet. To view the full range of pujas, visit VajraSecrets.com.
It is a testament to the dedication, diligence, commitment and sincerity of Kechara’s puja team that the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden took trance via the Venerable 7th Panglung Oracle at Kechara Forest Retreat in 2015. It was the first time in history that the invocation of Dorje Shugden into a qualified Tibetan oracle was performed purely by lay practitioners and without the involvement of Tibetan monks.
Kechara Puja House
Address:
18, Jalan Ah Peng,
28700 Bentong,
Pahang, Malaysia.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10am to 6pm daily
Where Knowledge is Power: Dharma classes and education courses
There are books that make us laugh. There are books that make us think, and there are books that inspire us. However the most valuable books are those that move us to look within and help us change for the better. They shape our lives and give us meaning. This is the kind of literature that Kechara produces.
The many titles published by Kechara offer readers the opportunity to heal and grow through knowledge and reading. Authored by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche and senior students, these books offer diverse, new perspectives to deal with the challenges of modern daily life, combining the ancient wisdom of Buddha with modern insights, practical relatable examples and personal life experiences.
Our books are sold in major and independent bookstores across Malaysia, as well as online on VajraSecrets.com, Amazon, etc. To date, we have published over 25 books in both English and Chinese, and in a variety of formats (stunning coffee table books, traditional prayer texts, collections of Rinpoche’s teachings, comic books for children and adults) which are written for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
At Kechara, we firmly believe that knowledge is the first step towards finding happiness and peace. With knowledge, we develop wisdom; with wisdom comes the clarity and ability to face any situation in the most positive and beneficial way.
To this end, we also offer Dharma talks and comprehensive education programmes for all levels of learning, including children, beginners and those interested in advanced, serious study. All programmes are based on ancient, authentic teachings and developed to suit modern lifestyles, aptitudes, attitudes and concerns.
Broadcasting Peace to a Borderless World: Disseminating Buddhism globally
Everyone loves a story. And there’s no better way to promote positive human attributes and qualities for social change than through the mastery of storytelling. Kechara’s production team actively produces original content using various creative channels to bring H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s message of peace to the global audience. After all, it is only through engaging the audience that actual learning can be shared with all.
Kechara’s production team is also a vital arm in documenting Rinpoche’s precious teachings and everything that happens within Kechara, and preserving it for posterity. The content ranges from Rinpoche’s private and public teachings, to Dharma-related videos such as spiritual practices, interviews with senior students, travel documentaries, the personal spiritual journeys of Kechara’s members, and special events within the Kechara family. Many of these videos can be viewed for free on Rinpoche’s YouTube channel, which has garnered over 12.5 million views!
Rinpoche has also connected millions around the world to the sacred essence of Dharma through the Internet, via diverse topics that range from Madonna to paranormal stories, amazing animal tales and inspiring, pick-me-up teachings. With a strong presence on popular social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, and with countless teachings freely available through YouTube and on TsemRinpoche.com, Rinpoche has transcended all borders to bring the teachings of peace to spiritual seekers everywhere, no matter where they are in the world.
In particular, TsemRinpoche.com has played a pivotal role in bringing the Buddha’s teachings and the lineage of Dorje Shugden to millions of people from all walks of life and from different cultures and backgrounds, with content available in English, Chinese, Nepali, Tibetan and Tamil. Keeping up with the times, Rinpoche has also taken to doing occasional live videos to engage directly with his global following.
Spirituality through Art: Preserving Himalayan artistic traditions
Art has long been known for its therapeutic qualities. Through our Himalayan arts studio, which specialises in the creation and adornment of Buddhist images, Kechara invites all who are interested in the arts to find peace, healing and relaxation through creative expression. Traditional art forms learnt directly from the skilled artisans of Nepal, India and Tibet are combined with new-age artistic influences, thus marrying ancient Buddhist art with contemporary living.
Inspired by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s passion and belief in collecting merit through making offerings to the Buddhas, Kechara’s art studio offers a variety of Buddhist-related arts services including:
- Mantra rolling and statue insertion
- Creation of brocade clothing for Buddha statues
- Adornment of Buddha statues with precious stones or beaded ornaments
- Beautification and painting of Buddha statues in various styles
- Repair and restoration of damaged Buddha statues and thangkas
- Traditional thangka painting
- Brocading of thangkas
- Tailoring of monk robes and traditional ritual items made from fabric and brocade
Creating Sacred Images: Contemporary Buddhist retail
Cultures the world over recognise the familiar, serene image of the Buddha and the instant energies of peace, harmony and happiness he brings to any environment. Even as a child, H.E. Tsem Rinpoche would draw little paper Buddha pendants and photocopy rare Buddha pictures that he found in books to give away to people, to bless and protect them.
In this spirit, Kechara creates and distributes its own Buddha images, from statues as large as 24 feet to pendants as small as one inch, to introduce the blessings of the Buddha and his holy teachings to the lives of as many beings as possible, and to make authentic Tibetan Buddhist items accessible and plentiful for people everywhere, especially for the purposes of spiritual practice.
This goal is made possible through VajraSecrets, a chain of Buddhist retail stores with a strong online arm that offers a wide range of Buddhist services, holy objects and practice supplies, catering for both practising Buddhists and those with a more general interest in meditation and spirituality.
Many of the products offered are made under the auspices of Tsem Rinpoche, carefully sourced from monasteries or crafted by skilled Himalayan artisans, and each is handpicked to support and benefit spiritual aspirants along their spiritual journey. Our knowledgeable staff are well versed in Buddhist knowledge and practices in accordance with Rinpoche’s teachings and the Gelug lineage, and can personally advise each and every customer on how best to set up an altar or get started on the spiritual path.
The retail team consciously adheres to the Buddhist principle that profits should not be made from the sale of Dharma items. Thus, the proceeds from our retail stores are channeled towards furthering the growth of the Dharma and to support Rinpoche’s work and the charitable projects of Kechara such as Kechara Forest Retreat and Kechara Soup Kitchen.
Further, in line with Rinpoche’s wish to help everyone invite a little piece of Buddha’s wisdom into their lives, many items from Rinpoche’s personal collection of Buddhist objects have been made available as pre-loved goods at our Flea Market in Kechara Forest Retreat, for visitors to bring home.
More recently, two affiliated retail stores known as The Dorje Shugden Shop and Bigfoot Universe have been established in the heart of Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur, and on Jalan Ah Peng in Bentong town respectively, selling basic Buddhist items, Dorje Shugden and Bigfoot-themed merchandise and local souvenirs.
Online Store
VajraSecrets.com
VajraSecrets @ Kechara House
Address:
No 7, Jalan PJU 1/3G,
Sunwaymas Commercial Centre,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia.
VajraSecrets @ Sunwaymas
Address:
23-1, Jalan PJU 1/3G,
Sunwaymas Commercial Centre,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia.
VajraSecrets & Flea Market
@ Kechara Forest Retreat
Address:
Lot 3189, Jalan Chamang
28700 Bentong,
Pahang, Malaysia.
The Dorje Shugden Shop
Address:
Unit 37, No 79, 81 & 83,
Jalan Petaling,
50000 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.
Bigfoot Universe
Address:
No. 84 Jalan Ah Peng,
28700 Bentong,
Pahang, Malaysia.
Advocating Compassionate Dining: Vegetarian restaurants and cafes
Buddhism is often described as a religion of peace and nonviolence. At Kechara, we try to incorporate these qualities in all our daily actions, beginning first, and most easily, with our meals. Kechara Oasis, our vegetarian restaurant in Jaya One, Petaling Jaya promotes a dining lifestyle built upon a foundation of love, respect and compassion for all beings, as kind to the heart as it is to the planet.
When you choose to dine in style at Kechara Oasis, you can eat with peace of mind, knowing that no animal has suffered in order to satisfy your appetite. This is fine dining in every sense of the word.
Kechara Oasis, Jaya One
Address:
19, Jalan Universiti,
Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia
Feeding Hunger, Giving Hope: Soup kitchen and food bank
Having experienced homelessness in his youth, H.E. Tsem Rinpoche always looks out for the welfare of the less fortunate, finding every possible opportunity to give them food and care. Inspired by Rinpoche’s example, small groups of students started going out to distribute packets of warm food once a week to the homeless people living on the streets in central Kuala Lumpur. This has since grown in leaps and bounds.
Today, Kechara Soup Kitchen distributes over 10,000 packets of food every month and our initiatives have grown to encompass serving hot meals from all our soup kitchen premises, street food distribution in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru, an active food bank programme in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kelantan, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Sarawak, medical aid and mobile clinic services, counselling and rehoming services, equipping the underprivileged community with new skills to help them gain meaningful employment, and many other initiatives.
Kechara Soup Kitchen has worked closely with Malaysia’s National Welfare Foundation to establish Pusat Transit Gelandangan Kuala Lumpur, a halfway house for the homeless that can facilitate 150 people at any one time. The team has also established working partnerships with corporations such as Tesco, Sunway Hotels, Munchy’s, SegiFresh and Komugi to collect and redistribute over 200 tonnes of surplus food to 93 NGO partners nationwide, serving over 16,000 underprivileged individuals. All our projects are supported by kind volunteers of all ages, coming from all walks of life, faiths, cultures and backgrounds.
Since our inception in 2008, permanent soup kitchens have been established in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Penang, and we have been granted tax-exempt status by Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance since 2013. Kechara Soup Kitchen has also been a member of the Association of Asia Food Banks since 2015.
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of Kechara Soup Kitchen’s work is the hope and dignity it offers to those who are so often forgotten by society. Our good works have not gone unnoticed, and Kechara Soup Kitchen has won awards including:
- World CSR Leadership Award 2018 – Excellence & Leadership in Poverty Alleviation
- Iskandar Malaysia Social Heroes Awards 2014 – Poverty and Hunger Relief
- Malaysia NGO Awards 2012 – Big Idea, Small Budget Category
- EUROPA Sustainability Award 2012 – Welfare Category by European Union-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry
On 18th February 2018, Kechara Soup Kitchen was conferred the World CSR Leadership Award for ‘Excellence & Leadership in Poverty Alleviation’, in recognition of its many years of service to the underprivileged community of Malaysia, and its contribution towards alleviating homelessness, hunger and poverty in partnership with the Malaysian government. Mr Justin Cheah, Kechara Soup Kitchen’s Operations Director was present in Mumbai, India to receive the award on behalf of Kechara Soup Kitchen.
To stay up to date on Kechara Soup Kitchen’s activities, follow us on Facebook.
Kechara Soup Kitchen Kuala Lumpur (HQ)
Address:
17, Jalan Barat, Off Jalan Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Kechara Soup Kitchen Penang
Address:
6, Halaman Ariffin, Off Jalan Burmah,
10400 Penang, Malaysia.
Kechara Soup Kitchen Johor
Address:
80-01, Jalan Molek 2/1, Taman Molek,
81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Speaking Up For Those With No Voice: Animal welfare projects
As Buddhists, we believe that every being – big or small – deserves a life free of pain and suffering. Kechara’s animal welfare projects strive to create safe, beautiful havens for all animals to live out their lives freely, with love, care and the best possible living conditions, as every being deserves.
Kechara Forest Retreat is home to a variety of furry and feathered friends rescued over the years by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche, whose passion and love for animals is legendary. From abandoned koi fish to unwanted cockatoos suffering in neglect, animals such as these have found a new lease of life and a caring home in this forest sanctuary. If you’d like to support our animal welfare initiatives, please click here.
Respecting the Planet: Recycling and green initiatives
Understanding the close relationship we have with our environment, Kechara extends its love to this planet we call home. Recycling initiatives, held throughout the year, aim to make people more aware of what they use from Mother Earth, and encourages them to do their bit to save the world we live in for many future generation.
Creating Conscious Communities: Kechara Forest Retreat
Reimagine a world lived better … compassionately.
“Since I was a young child, I wanted to create a place where people come together to live as one with nature, one with the earth; a place for healing, detoxification, contemplation, relaxation, and retreat. An international centre for meditation courses not based on religion but tapping into ourselves and our potential. A place for eco-living modelled on sustainability and growth. This project is Kechara Forest Retreat and it will be a space to inspire the world to do the same in their own communities.”
— H.E. TSEM RINPOCHE —
In line with Rinpoche’s vision, Kechara Forest Retreat (KFR) primarily serves as a Tibetan Buddhist Retreat and Wellness centre that heals, nourishes and enlightens life naturally and spiritually. Since the completion of Phase 1 within a year of its conception in early 2012, KFR has been gradually channeling eons of Buddhist wisdom through pragmatic teachings that are a source of peace to a world in search of spiritual empowerment, education and restoration of inner balance.
Rediscover Life at Kechara Forest Retreat
Explore Tibetan Spiritual Traditions
KFR is a sacred land, home to a pantheon of Tibetan deities presiding peacefully within its grounds, each catering to the different karmic propensities of visitors from all walks of life who step into our mandala. A visit here will have you feeling blessed, renewed and rejuvenated. And, even if you are not spiritually inclined, KFR presents the opportunity to experience the distinctively rich culture, history and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
Spend a few hours, a day or more as our guest, take a walk through our gardens, offer candles to the Buddhas, make a prayer in our meditation hall, or just sit and listen to the calming sounds of the forest.
Kechara Forest Retreat: Take Time for Important Things
The best way to explore KFR is to embark on a self-guided Holy Walk covering the following sacred sites within our beautifully manicured grounds.
- World’s Largest Dorje Shugden Statue
- Buddha Shakyamuni
- Lama Tsongkhapa
- Vajrayogini Stupa
- Outdoor Dorje Shugden Grotto
- Buddha Nageshvaraja
- Medicine Buddha Healing Fountain
- Tsem Rinpoche’s Cabin
- Four-Armed Manjushri
- Loma Gyonma
- Green Tara
- Manjushri Nagaraksha
- Gyenze Chapel
You are welcome to wander these sacred abodes and immerse yourself in the holy energies of the enlightened beings. You can also pay homage or show your respect in traditional Tibetan fashion via mantra recitation, hand-held prayer wheel spinning, circumambulation, prostration, meditation and making offerings of Mantra Stones, Candles, Incense, Flowers, Fruits, Food (vegetarian), Beverages and more. And, if you’re seeking ways to deepen your spiritual practice, consider speaking to one of our Buddhist pastors to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism, rituals and pujas, or to receive advice and a blessing.
Escape into the Heart of Nature
Located in an exurban forest within the quaint town of Bentong, Pahang, KFR also advocates unconditional love for the entire environment. Hence, you may want to peruse our list of initiatives and activities that cultivate conscious communities with the concept of sustainable living.
The inner workings of ancient Buddhist teachings come to life daily amidst the natural setting of Kechara Forest Retreat.
Spiritual Living at its Best
Enveloped by the beauty of the pristine forestscape, our fully furnished accommodations exude positive feels that are tranquil and therapeutic. Both ‘Manjushri Guest House’ & ‘Dukkar Apartments’ have all the makings of a perfect abode for retreats, suited for individuals, families and groups. Here, the need to escape life and have a quiet moment to contemplate, meditate and rejuvenate the mind, body and being is fully captured in essence and spirit.
Help Us Build a Better Future
If you’re interested to support Kechara Forest Retreat and lend us a hand, please click here to find out how you can contribute, or click here to explore our flexible volunteering projects that can fit your skill sets and personal interests. Every form of contribution is greatly appreciated – no matter how big or small.
For more interesting information:
- For those who seek spirituality
- Welcome to Kechara Forest Retreat – New Pictures! | 欢迎来到克切拉禅修林（新照片）！
- Auspicious Mongolian Omen
- How to Purify Your Karma in Kechara Forest Retreat
- Bigger and more Buddha statues makes a difference | 为何佛像越大、越多越好
- Manjushri Mantra Stones
- Underwater Blessings
- Sunrise Dorje Shugden Puja in Kechara Forest Retreat
- In the presence of Manjushri | 恩师甘露法雨
- Support the Kechara Pastors
- 700 Meet A Buddha (七百人幸睹佛现)
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
This post came to my mind and I’m glad it really came up!?It’s very nice and easy for everyone to read about Kechara all in one place!?Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for this great idea and fun and easy to read post on Kechara???????
Thank you for such interesting information, it is lovely to see all these wonderful departments and the beautiful work you all do to benefit all beings. I would like to get in touch with Paul Yap from KSA regarding painting, it would be so helpful if you could pass on his email. Many thanks,
Wen Lhan Skye
(UK)
[…] Kechara’s 13 Departments Part 1 (https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-soup-kitchen-ksk/kecharas-13-departments-par…) […]
[…] Kechara’s 13 departments […]
i’m mongolian. i like to listening renbochy
I would like to pay a visit to Kechara Centre but do not have the adress,please let me know where it is located possibly near any known buildings.I am very impressed with Tsem Rinpoche’s Video Clips thru my cousin’s facebook(Yeap Min Siang) from Penang.Tq
[…] Kechara’s 13 departments […]
[…] Kechara’s 13 departments […]
[…] Kechara’s 13 departments […]
All the departments at Kechara House benefited me in different ways. To my opinion, we should try to volunteer and experience each and every department to see how they teach us different attributes. This is also an opportunity to meet all the great ppl at the different departments.
It is inspiring that the various Kechara Departments are headed and represented by “normal” people who have pursued and achieved corporate success and have daily livelihood responsibilities. They have willingly and eagerly chosen this “new” path in their lives as a result of the value they witness in the Dharma. They have chosen to dedicate their lives to benefiting others through their skills, abilities and knowledge…thereby leaving being a true legacy. A big “Thank you” to Kecharians for giving us the opportunity to meet pure Dharma and the profound teachings of Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
Additionally, this write up clearly reveals the vision and dream behind the 6 departments under Kechara. With deeper understanding in what these departments intend to achieve, volunteers and visitors will also make educated choices on ways to participate and contribute effectively.
As always, Rinpoche’s blog provide empowering information for us to make progressive and sustainable efforts in our spiritual journey.
[…] picture has a brief description. For more extensive description you can go to http://www.kechara.com or Kechara’s 13 Departments (Part 1) and Kechara’s 13 Departments (Part […]
If Kechara is stunning seen from within the organisation. I can only imagine the impression it gives from outside!
And there is much more to come, look forward to and take part of.
Back in 2000, Rinpoche started kechara with its first shop Kechara Paradise in SS2. That was our Dharma shop as well as our center then. As Rinpoche has mentioned many times that teaching Dharma in a foreign country to lay people is not easy at all,but he follows the advice from his Guru deligently and no matter how many obstacles he faced during the past 10 years and how many times he wanted to leave and went for retreats, he persisted and with some loyal and steadfast students, now kechara has grown heaps and bounds!
Rinpoche has shown all his students that nothing is impossible. His motivation is simple, to bring Dharma to all walks of life through the many departments offering different interests and needs to everyone.
Kechara will continue to grow……..that is for sure!
I am so lucky to be part of Kechara family. Through the guidance of Rinpoche, Kechara has expanded and grew so big. However, it will not stop from here but will go even bigger with Menara Kechara and Kechara World Peace Center manifesting in the near future.
I am so proud to be part of this organisation. The multi-faceted Kechara Organisation is not just like any other corporate organisation where people can go and learn and improve skills but one that helps improve ones inner being which ultimately leads to less anguish and anxiety in this modern hustling and bustling society
Here are part of Rinpoche’s 13 departments in Kechara Organisation which is a small animal Sanctuary in Tsem Ladrang which at the moment has an aviary with birds and a small part of the garden with two giant tortoises. Then there are Kechara Discovery headed by Paul which deals in the finding of manufacturers of statues and designing pendants for sale in the outlets. KSA also is another section headed by Paul which sews Thankas and paint statues, roll mantras to be inserted in to the statues which people invited. KMP helps Rinpoche to promote his books and publications to generate more funds for Rinpoche to produce more dharma books. KIM which is Kechara in Motion is a dept to help promote Rinpoche’s teachings by Video n film.
Dear Rinpoche,
I’m proud to see the growth of so many departments. Each of them attracts different quality people to join and help and make it a safe space for body, speech and mind. Many don’t feel lonely anymore because of what they did make a difference in other people’s life. Just like what you did. Thanks for creating all this wonderful and beautiful departments.
Dino