36 Responses to Some go all the way!

1. 

   Samfoonheei on Aug 3, 2024 at 1:19 pm

   It’s wondrous . There is so much we don’t know about the workings of our beautiful planet. Imaging a world where we could better in farming as to nature. But making Kechara Forest Retreat a spiritual sanctuary for all is amazing as mother Nature brings a sense of calmness and brings a greater sense of appreciation for life. All thanks to our Guru Tsem Rinpoche and many faithful students goes all the way up to where its today. Pastor Chia, Ms Julia Tan and Ms Li Kheng were the few who have done a fantastic job increasing yields and providing more healthy food.

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2. 

   Hee TS on Dec 2, 2014 at 7:28 pm

   真的感謝他們的用心及幸勞。他們合作無间和他們的故事激勵著我。請繼續和激勵他人來KFR，心灵接受大自然的洗礼，平和自在。

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3. 

   Pee Bee Chong on Sep 8, 2014 at 10:59 pm

   Thank you Rinpoche. Thank you Green Team for the videos. We rejoice and congratulate Green Team and the volunteers for their hard work and dedication.

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4. 

   Casteven Lim (KH JB) on Aug 13, 2014 at 2:38 am

   Amazing super Green team for taking good care of plants, flowers, herbs, fruits ect in Kechara Forest Retreat tirelessly…

   The maintenance of the green work in a big land is not a easy assignment, but the Green team still committed and make it happen. Rejoice Green team with folded hands…

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5. 

   Edwin Tan on Aug 12, 2014 at 2:02 pm

   I am glad I was given a choice in Dharma many years ago, raised in a family of Buddhists who supports our Guru whole heartedly.

   I rejoice for Li Kheng, Julia and Pastor Chia, whom Rinpoche gave them such noble mission to green up KFR. They had without fail, work hard, actively seeking volunteers, donations to provide more green to KFR. Their love for Kechara and Rinpoche is passionate and undying.

   They are true embodiment of Rinpoche’s teachings and embarking on a spiritual journey to green KFR. 🙂

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6. 

   Wan Wai Meng on May 7, 2014 at 3:19 am

   So much work and knowledge had been acquired by these lovely people who had to learn a lot of thing to be able to handle so much. Rejoice for their effort that brings them to their next level, 35 acres is not an easy amount of land to handle

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7. 

   wansan on Mar 2, 2014 at 2:53 pm

   I love the video of the Green Team very much as it’s simple and heartwarming, hearing those words from the bottom of their (Julia, Li Kheng and Pastor Chia) heart. I have had the opportunity to volunteer in the Green Team with Li Kheng. She is really someone that’s very in tune with nature and love the nature very very much.
   Doing green work is indeed a hard work which involves sweat, energy, effort and patience. The Green Team work continuously and tirelessly under this scorching hot sun, and never once complain a single bit. They came in with almost zero knowledge of green work or how nature works and now they have all become experts in it.
   Thank you the Green Team in beatifying Kechara Forest Retreat with all these colourful flowers and plants.

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8. 

   MITRA MITRA on Feb 28, 2014 at 5:24 pm

   I love what the Green team .Congratulations to the Green team. they work realy hard.

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9. 

   Grace Leong on Feb 26, 2014 at 12:32 am

   In Kechara there are many dynamic personalities. They are very talented but above all their love and commitment to their Guru and to their spiritual path is impeccable.These people though few are most inspiring to those around.
   Through the wisdom and compassion of Rinpoche, many of the students have “grown” and achieved milestones which they never thought possible. A great example is of course the 3 heros in the Green Team.
   Through their hard work and consistent commitment they have produced beautiful harvests and a very conducive environment. Rinpoche has given them the direction and his blessings and they have followed through all the way and hence, the results are clearly positive and beneficial to all. Another great example to many of us. Thank you Rinpoche.

   p.s love the video !

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10. 

    June Tang(KH JB) on Feb 24, 2014 at 9:49 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche sharing this beautiful video.The heroes behind Kechara Forest Retreat Green Project are Li Keng,Julia,Pastor Chia and Max.They all working hard to building a greener Kechara Forest Retreat.Kudos for them !!!

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11. 

    sweekeong on Feb 24, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    Amazing video! Very well made! What is more amazing is the three of them Julia, Li Kheng, and Pastor Chia day in and day out always on the ground managing and taking care of the flowers, plants and vegetables at Kechara Forest Retreat. They have tremendous momentum to keep going in maintaining and beautifying the greenery here which to me is very inspiring.

    Many of us here, Malaysian included, in this generation work and live in the cities. We spend our free times indoors for entertainment and leisure from the heat. Or those who enjoy outdoors would be traveling abroad, sporting, or even loitering in city parks. I believe Kechara Forest Retreat is very different compare to common recreational activities as it is a spiritual sanctuary created for everyone to participate in its making. Planting flowers, trees and vegetables is a naturally good activity for the human body and psyche. We are relying more on ourselves doing greening and planting compare to relying on equipments and machines in the urban areas we are so used. As mentioned in the video our bodies came from the earth therefore working with mother earth can be very enriching and healing for our spirit.

    I hope this is the start of many good things to come for this generation here in Malaysia.

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12. 

    Uncle Eddie on Feb 24, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    The work is done and mission duly accomplished! Congratualations to the Green Team! Thank you for showing us the Way. Many needs such example with Guru’s prompting, guidance and advice. The satisfaction expressed by Rinpoche is really a display of how Guru Devotion should be achieved! This would serve as a real great inspiration for many to remember and follow, a truly wonderful lesson for all which deserves a standing ovation!

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13. 

    KYC on Feb 23, 2014 at 9:30 pm

    Thanks to the Green Team, Kechara Forest Retreat looks beautiful and is eco-friendly. People love to come here to stay and enjoy the clean environment. They look forward to the completion of the various projects so that they can enjoy the facilities and take part in the activities. Obviously the green project is one of the big attractions. Please keep up the good work.

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14. 

    sockwan on Feb 22, 2014 at 5:53 pm

    It is such a beautiful video, none from the Green Team has a lot of experience with plants at all. But they learn and improve over time, they were not scare of this task that was given to them. With their determination and perseverance, they built the organic farm, they become the experts!

    Well Done Green Team!!!!

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15. 

    Julia Tan on Feb 22, 2014 at 4:24 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the video. Thanks to everyone for giving your kind words and encouragement. 3 of us started form nothing but through our guru’s blessings and and encouragement all the time, we manage to get some green out for Kechara Forest Retreat. Beside 3 of us, we have the support from the whole KFR team like Henry, Max, Antoinette, Pam, Nicholas, Khoo and Pastor Moh Mei. We also have volunteers like Kien and Jennifer who offered their time to manage the garden every weekend. We thank everyone for giving your support to make our green work easier. Thanks to all our sponsors who made this green happened KFR. We will continue to hang around in KFR for awhile to continue to green KFR, to plant veggies, to the nurture the plants and trees, to make compost and enzyme.

    Thank you Rinpoche for creating Green Team and assigning us to take up this tasks. We are very blessed to be in the team. This is our retreat, this is our platform of our practice and this is where we gain transformation.

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16. 

    Li Kim on Feb 22, 2014 at 4:28 am

    I still remember when the Green Girls first started…there was also crazy Joy. The 3 were so blur but they just kept researching and learning…and today, Joy resumed her work at Ladrang, they have Pastor Chia. They worked so well together that they are a Team. And their passion attracts many volunteers and also many visitors. They are now planning new activities for creating conscious communities. For this they have also pulled in Pastor Moh Mei. There is so much potential with this team… so much more awareness to create and I love witnessing the growth and potential of this team at KFR.

    I still remember Li Kheng got so dark that Nicholas always teased her that he could not tell her from the other workers on the land. They went back and forth about who was darker. The 2 “princesses” – Li Kheng and Julia – worked through rain and shine. They had “awesome” fashion sense. Julia wore so many sun hat designs to prevent her freckles but they showed up nonetheless. Li Kheng wore many layers of shirts to prevent getting dark but she did anyway. All this “discomforts” did not stop them. They were driven and committed. They found resources and funds to keep planting. Li Kheng bought up probably all the RM 5 to RM 15 clothes in Bentong.

    I cannot express how much I admire the tenacity of this Green Team. From the bottom of my heart (and not because Li Kheng is my sister) I am grateful to Li Kheng, Julia and Pastor Chia. Great Job!!!!

    As for the video… it is simply refreshing and inviting. I love it!

    Lastly, thank you Rinpoche for having KFR and for the talk with my little sister. In more ways than one Rinpoche saved my sister…mostly spiritually. She has developed so much more inside which has made her truly a woman of substance. Thank you Rinpoche…. for saving so many of us from ourselves.

    Keep Going Green…. Green is the NEW Black!

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17. 

    Li Kheng on Feb 22, 2014 at 2:31 am

    Wow, it is overwhelming to read this beautiful summary of the conceptualization and growth of Kechara Forest Retreat and the Green Project. I am humbled by Rinpoche’s kind words as well as the generous encouragement from fellow Kecharians.

    I do remember clearly Rinpoche’s conversation with me about building a green haven for my mum and all mothers to make their home so that they can grow old in peace. Like many children, I wondered what can I do for my parents that is truly of value? Something that they cannot buy themselves…something that I believe will truly benefits them. The opportunity to create a nurturing and healing green space was such a perfect answer. Thank you Rinpoche for this chance!

    As the green adventure unfolded, so did my personal journey into self awareness and growth. I witness the compassion and wisdom of Mother Nature who unceasingly gives us despite our negligence and recklessness towards natural resources.

    I also experienced the abundance of hope within the embrace of nature. From fearing the discomfort of being out in the heat amongst “overly friendly” mosquitoes and sandflies, green work opened up my senses to the serenity of the sunrise as the golden rays alight the gardens…the graciousness of earthlings living in harmony together….the wisdom to forgive in the tenacity of nature.

    Rinpoche has been so kind to give me the priceless opportunity to a new consciousness through the Green Project. As a gesture of appreciation, the Green Team hopes to share this kindness with more volunteers by welcoming you to contribute to the Conscious Community at Kechara Forest Retreat. The consistent support and contribution by each and everyone will cause the growth of Rinpoche’s vision to build a Conscious Community for environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment.

    Again, I cannot thank Rinpoche enough for Rinpoche’s love, care and patience.

    If we wish to succeed and be contented, there is only one way and that is going all the way.

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18. 

    Pastor Shin on Feb 22, 2014 at 12:50 am

    Li Kheng, Julia and Pastor Chia are hardworking people who are the earliest to start their day in the beautiful Kechara Forest Retreat (KFR).

    Compared to the work of building the Meditation Hall, Ladrang, Manjushri Hill, guest quarters, etc, green work is comparatively not so visible/identified from the first sight. However, all the beautiful trees from replanting effort, the beautiful landscape and gardens, the fresh produce and the flowers that greet the visitors on the land are all from the hard work of these 3 people.

    I rejoiced that their hard work has blossomed into such beautiful results. More than the physical beauty and green of Kechara Forest Retreat, Julia and Li Kheng who had zero knowledge of green work researched, went through many trial-and-errors in their gardening, consistently sponsored and worked on the farm and surroundings, as well as promoting KFR and our vision to many of their friends.

    I am also very happy to have our own herbalist, Pastor Chia who got the Herb Garden up and running with so much passion, ever ready to explain about these beneficial herbs always with a big smile.

    It is indeed an honour to have an inspiring team like them in KFR, and there is much more to be inspired and learned from them. Come visit and meet them personally, they are always ready to share and we are always in need of an extra pair of hand on the farm!

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19. 

    Pastor Han Nee on Feb 21, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche.

    The Green Team – Li Kheng, Julia and Pastor Chia – deserve all the accolades and the applause for their perseverance, determined effort and hard work. When they first started, they themselves were ‘green’ to the whole idea of gardening and planting.

    Today they have progressed far . Indeed they are creating a conscious community, bringing to the fore, a consciousness and awareness of the environment that mother nature has gifted man. Kechara Forest Retreat is benefiting tremendously from their greening efforts. Pastor Chia has started a herbal garden, with all its healing elements.

    We rejoice at their monumental efforts.

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20. 

    Datuk May on Feb 21, 2014 at 3:44 pm

    I am awed by the work done by LiKheng, Julia and Pastor Chai with the help of so many volunteers. Thank you all.

    As LiKheng’s mother, I never dreamt that it is possible for my daughter, who lived 8 years in urban Shanghai working within the comforts of the Coffee Bean Environment, an office with a staff of 300 people was able to take on the sweating in the sun and the seclusion of the forest. I am proud that she has done it and with the blessings of Rinpoche she will continue to green KFR. This venture has created a huge change to Li-kheng’s relationship to people and Mother Nature. For this I am more than proud, I am humbly grateful for Rinpoche to have given this opportunity for Li-Kheng to learn and progress in her life to be a better person in more ways than one.

    As to Julia and Pastor Chia, such fair skinned individuals, they are now tanned and healthy with happiness shining through.

    With deep appreciation.

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21. 

    Grace Leu (KHJB) on Feb 21, 2014 at 3:33 pm

    Thank’s for Rinpoche’s sharing. i like the quote :”Giving is not a sacrifice but a gain”. Indeed Green team really put in a lot of effort to maintain the green environment of KFR, they are working hard under the sun,overcome a lot of challenge such as funds, manpower shortage …it was nice experience to join the volunteer work under Green Team! May more people join the activities and re-connected with mother of nature.

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22. 

    Shelly tai on Feb 20, 2014 at 4:25 pm

    Good job the green team! The organic vegetable that plant in KFR taste delicious I think is because no pesticide in order to get good harvest I guess we have to work hard .

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23. 

    June Kang on Feb 20, 2014 at 10:58 am

    Rejoice for Li Kheng, Julia ,Pastor Chia and Max. Li Kheng has put lots of effort on this project. One of the days, I went to her house, and I saw books on the table and is all about planting and green works, and a note book is besides the books, she made notes on what she read. Three of them know nothing about green works, however they find way to do it.

    The vegetable planting in Kechara Forest Retreat is use organic fertilizer. And I witnessed that the vegetables can be keep for three days still green and nice, surprise, and it’s really taste good even uncooked.

    Whatever the landscape, plants, vegetables, trees and beautiful flowers you see in Kechara Forest Retreat is from the persons who do not have much knowledge about planting. The green team set an example to us that nothing is impossible; there are ways that lead to everything, and if we had sufficient will we should always have sufficient means.

    Thank you green team.

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24. 

    henry ooi on Feb 20, 2014 at 7:57 am

    Kechara Green Team is doing a great job planting grass, vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, forest trees, flowering and non flowering shrubs in Kechara Forest Retreat. With the help of fulltime staff and volunteers it is backbreaking to weed and fertilize the greens. Kechara does not use pesticide and chemical based fertilizers but use organic enzymes and compost.
    There will be more areas in Kechara Forest Retreat to be greened to replace old dying trees and trees felled for building as part of our expansion program to serve the public.

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25. 

    Aw on Feb 20, 2014 at 4:43 am

    Congrats to green team and the volunteers that green up kechara forest retreat. They really show good example of go all the way . The green team been facing lots of difficulties since the beginning but they never give up and continue with the challenges and overcome the obstacle .

    Thank you Rinpoche for always cares about others and build such a wonderful place for everyone to go and enjoy the beautiful scenery, relax and spiritual growth .

    Also thanks to green team and volunteers for all the effort to make kechara forest retreat green ~

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26. 

    William on Feb 19, 2014 at 6:47 pm

    Bravo to the Green Team!!! They have worked hard to toil the land and make it beautiful, fresh and inspiring for all who visits. Most of all, they have taken Rinpoche’s advice to heart and put into actions. They have also put aside their ego and got their hands dirty even though they have high paying jobs and businesses.

    I have full respect for them and KFR is greening up by the day all because of their efforts.

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27. 

    jp on Feb 19, 2014 at 6:07 pm

    This video of the Green Team and their work in Kechara Forest Retreat is very moving and inspiring. I have personally seen how the team began during construction of KFR and how they have learnt along the way, grown and further developed the greening program and even themselves.

    Focusing out, in this case, on Mother Nature helped their personal development in becoming more aware, loving, selfless, grounded and at peace. The video did a great job in promoting the benefits of doing green work and connecting back to Mother Nature. The Green program is a wonderful opportunity not to be missed.

    Congratulations Green Team for all your hard work and dedication. Many people will benefit from it!

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28. 

    Sharon Ong on Feb 19, 2014 at 5:41 pm

    The Green Team has done an amazing job considering that the difficulties with the hilly terrain and soil profile. Having the privilege to volunteer with the Green Team , I have the greatest respect for Li Kheng, Julia and Pastor Chia for their sheer grit and commitment to go all the way to make things work. I sincerely hope that when Rinpoche comes back to KFR, you will be happy to see a lot of new beautiful trees, plants and flowers decorating KFR’s landscape.

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29. 

    Jacinta Goh on Feb 19, 2014 at 12:39 pm

    Thank you so much for putting effort in it, Green team. I am very sure the compliments should not just stop here. Just like what Pastor Jean Ai has mentioned~It’s been a long and sometimes, it might be frustrating for them. Thank you for letting me know how perseverance, especially the joyful efforts in carrying out the projects/promises that we have made brings benefits to others. The end result is tremendous. Kudos!

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30. 

    David Lai on Feb 19, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    I love what the Green team which consists of Pastor Chia, Li Kheng, Julia and scores of volunteers had done to KFR. They worked well together and their story inspires me. Please continue and inspire others to come to KFR please. Your work has enduring positive effect on KFR as more and more people will one day come to KFR.

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31. 

    freon on Feb 19, 2014 at 12:06 pm

    Congratulations to the Green team. They work really hard on making KFR green.

    Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing.

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32. 

    Jim Yeh on Feb 19, 2014 at 8:45 am

    I’ve had the honour and pleasure of volunteering with the Green Team. it was an awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience. I have great respect for them.

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33. 

    Patsy on Feb 19, 2014 at 7:54 am

    The Green Team sets a good example that nothing is impossible if we set our heart in doing it. Because of their trust in following Rinpoche’s advice to accept this Green project and overcoming their fears; their hard work, effort and the many hours under the sun paid off and the result is that we now have a beautiful green sanctuary that we are proud of!

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34. 

    Ruby Khong on Feb 19, 2014 at 6:56 am

    When I read this article, the one thing that comes to mind is this proverb: When there is a will, there is a way.

    All of the key members of Green Team come from diverse backgroundscompany. Not a single one of them is a horticulturist . None of them had any knowledge about planting. But if you have seen the landscape of KFR when construction started 17 months ago, and how lush and beautiful it is today, you would be in awe how much love, care, sweat, hardwork, money, etc has been invested by this team of young and able Kecharians. They have transformed it through their dedication and trust in Rinpoche’s instruction into a sanctuary and preserving our natural ecosystem.

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35. 

    Pastor Jean Ai on Feb 19, 2014 at 6:51 am

    I remember the first days of the green team when they were just beginning. Li Kheng and Julia had absolutely no idea what the job entailed. They thought it would be a few weeks at the most, involve some bushes here and there, maybe some grass and some pretty flowers to beautify Rinpoche’s cabin area. Then the work began to grow and instead of putting their hands up in surrender, the team grew with it – sometimes in size as the number of volunteers swelled, but mostly inside, as they grew spiritually and mentally.

    It’s been a long, sometimes frustrating journey for the green team. Plants and trees would be planted, and grass would be laid only to be uprooted a few weeks later because of ongoing construction, bad weather, heavy rains, careless workers, etc. Did the team let such setbacks deter them? No, they just changed the way they worked, communicated with the other parts of the KFR project, to achieve the end result which is a green KFR.

    If you look at the old photos of KFR when we first began, you will see just how much the green team has accomplished. From a muddy wasteland so soaked with water it squished out of our land with every step (it was so muddy, Rinpoche got stuck in it!), to a lovely green oasis with emerald green grass and leaves, KFR is a real Shambhala for Malaysians and practitioners the world over.

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36. 

    Cliff on Feb 19, 2014 at 5:19 am

    From my time in Kechara Forest Retreat I got to know Li Kheng and Max quite a bit, from day to day as I wake up to the fresh air of Kechara Forest Retreat, the first few people I would always see consistently awake before others are Julia, Li Kheng, Pastor Chia and Max already working to grow Kechara Forest Retreat greenery. They have done such an impeccable job learning, experimenting and growing all the trees, plants and vegetables. I look forward to their continuous dedication and hard work to building a greener Kechara Forest Retreat. 🙂

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