KECHARA HISTORY

16 March 2012

Contents

1. Personal history of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
2. Tsem Ladrang 
3. Kechara Blooms
4. Kechara Discovery
5. Kechara House
6. Kechara Care 
7. Kechara Earth Project
8. Kechara Pastors Program
9. Kechara InMotion
10. Kechara Media & Publications 
11. Kechara Oasis
12. Kechara Paradise
13. Kechara Saraswati Arts
14. Kechara Soup Kitchen
15. Kechara Southern Jewel Chapel
16. Kechara World Peace Centre

PERSONAL HISTORY OF H.E. TSEM TULKU RINPOCHE

(24 February 2012)

Recognized Previous Lives of Tsem Rinpoche

Gedun Nyedrak (19^th Century)

• He was born in northern Kham to the Selsha household of Tsem Monastery. Tsem is honorific word for tooth as the monastery is a custodian of a tooth relic of Lama Tsongkhapa.
• He excelled in his monastic examinations and was awarded the highest Geshe Lharampa degree.
• Due to his pure conduct, knowledge and wisdom, he arose in the monastery and became the 72^nd Abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery.
• His tenureship was spent restoring the monastery damaged by civil war.
• Upon retirement of his abbotship, he entered into an extended retreat focusing on the Buddha White Tara in dedication to the long life of the 13^th Dalai Lama. He entered clear light and passed away during retreat.

Kentrul Thubten Lamsang (20^th Century)

• Recognised incarnation of Gedun Nyedrak and widely believed by the people of Phari to be the incarnation of Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo (14^th Century).
• He was also the student of the powerful Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and they held a close relationship as well.
• Heart disciple of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and entered Dhokang Khangtsen of Gaden Shartse Monastery (same as Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche).
• He took his final monastic examination in front of the great 13^th Dalai Lama and his eminent tutors and was awarded the highest Geshe Lharampa Degree.
• Entered Gyuto Tantric College to study the Tantras and mastered it.
• Kyabje Trijang sent Kentrul Rinpoche to distant Phari, where he revitalized Dadokang and Sampocheling monasteries and the Dharma of the region.
• He was also sent to rebuild Rizong Butok monastery in Dromo Phari. He made these monasteries into prestigious monastic institutions of learning and practice.
• Most of the people of Phari were the students of Kentrul Rinpoche and they respected him tremendously. Many travelers passing through the region would come to him for divination and advice, thereby bringing his fame all over Tibet, India, Bhutan and China.
• Kentrul Rinpoche foresaw the Chinese takeover and was greatly disheartened. So, he entered into a retreat and quickly passed away.

H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche (present incarnation)

Birth and Childhood of H.E Tsem Tulku Rinpoche [1965 – 1972]

• Rinpoche was born in Taipei, Taiwan, on 24^th October 1965.
• Rinpoche’s mother, Dewa Nimbo is of royal Mongolian lineage as her bloodline can be traced back to the legendary Genghis Khan.
• Rinpoche’s father Lobsang Gyatso is a great disciple of H.H. the 10^th Panchen Lama and a supporter of H.H. The 14^th Dalai Lama, who was managing a Tibetan school for refugees in Taiwan during the 1960s.
• During pregnancy, his mother experienced pleasant dreams of a baby elephant wondering into her garden.
• She would tie the elephant to a tree and this symbolism of the elephant is similar to the dream that Buddha Shakyamuni’s mother had just before the Buddha was born.
• Just before birth, she dreamt of a white elephant entering her side and of many high Lamas performing a puja in her home. Delivering her son was painless and easy, a sign that he is a great Being (Mahasattva).
• Monks recognised him as an incarnate Lama and requested him to be brought to the monastery. However, the mother declined and said that if he was a real high Lama, he will find his own way to become one…
• Rinpoche’s parents separated ways when his mother found out that his father was already married with a family back in Tibet.
• Rinpoche lived under the care of a foster mother, Shi Mama, who had three sons of her own and subsequently neglected him.
• Rinpoche’s mother requested her classmate, Kwan Mama, to look out for her son and Kwan Mama would take the young boy out to the countryside with her brother. These trips were very previous to Rinpoche.

Tsem Rinpoche Growing up in America [1972 – 1980]

• Rinpoche’s grandmother realized how badly neglected her young grandson was and so she took him to America before his 7^th birthday.
• In America, Rinpoche’s grandmother placed him under the care of a Kalmyk-Mongolian family living in New Jersey. His new parents were Dana and Boris Bugayeff.
• Rinpoche would sit on his bed and visualised himself as a high Lama giving teachings to many or he would be composing sacred texts on long strips of paper, or he would be drawing and painting various Buddha images.
• He would draw many Buddha images like Buddha Shakyamuni and craft out paper pendants of Green Tara to be given away to friends.
• His early passion for the Buddhas would result in the establishment of Kechara Paradise stores, Kechara Saraswati Arts and Kechara Discovery.
• Many times, Rinpoche would miss the school bus because he had spent the previousnight secretly reading Dharma books under the covers.
• Reluctant to walk to school in the rain he would pray to Medicine Buddha while reciting the only mantra he knew, Om Mani Peme Hung and the rain would miraculously stop and continue when he arrive at school.
• Rinpoche loved animals since he was a young child and worked in a pet store during the summer holidays to earn pocket money.
• At home, he kept 13 cockatiels, fish, hamsters, a dog and even turtles, training and nurturing them.
• Today, this lifelong love for animals has manifested in his dream for an animal shelter called Kechara Animal Sanctuary to arise.
• Rinpoche met his first Guru, H.E. Kensur Lobsang Tharchin, at Rashi Gempil Ling, a Mongolian temple 10 minutes from his home in Howell, New Jersey.
• From that point onwards, he would find every free moment to help out at the centre by mowing the lawn, washing the dishes and cleaning up.
• At the centre, he met H.H. the Dalai Lama for the first time and received the oral transmission of Om Mani Peme Hung and the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation.
• Despite his parents’ opposition to his Dharma practice, Rinpoche would continue to read voraciously and he also called up Michael Roach, another student of Kensur Rinpoche, to clarify Dharma questions.
• Rinpoche would often cycle to Turkey Swamp with his friends during the holidays and while they played, he would sit alone by the lake, meditate and chant mantra.
• He would visualise Avalokiteshvara emerging from the water. The lotus would open and Avalokiteshvara would appear in the middle while emitting thousands of brilliant light rays.
• He would recite 30,000-40,000 mantras of Om Mani Peme Hung and he would be moved to tears. When he got up to leave the lake, long trails of ducks would line up and follow after him as he walked away.
• When he was about 14 years old, Rinpoche endured much hardship and anxiety so he could make it for Vajrayogini initiation.
• At first his parents said yes but he was called back home on the third day of the Vajrayogini initiation. He had to wait for the next initiation the following year.
• So he prepared meticulously and finally succeeded against all odds to receive the highest Tantric initiation of Vajrayogini the following year.
• Today, Rinpoche recommends Vajrayogini practice for all and has named his organization Kechara, after Vajrayogini’s pureland and abode.
• Rinpoche will always remember his mother as a very kind person who is always helping someone in need.
• However, she was suffering from abnormal mood swings that were diagnosed later as Schizophrenia. She would go into bouts of violent beating for the smallest reasons but in actuality she was venting out her frustration for all that went wrong with her marriage.
• Although he was so young, his parents made him do daily hours of housework and gardening in an attempt to stifle his thirst for the Dharma.
• Despite all the physical and psychological trauma of growing up with so much pain, he never retaliated and has never harboured any resentment.

Tsem Rinpoche Comes of Age [1981 – 1985]

• Studying, getting a career and getting married was not what Rinpoche really wanted in life.
• He wanted to study and practice the Dharma with his Guru but he was constantly being denied and so he attempted to run away to meditate in the mountains, and even attempted suicide a few times but failed.
• Rinpoche’s involvement in the Dharma centre sparked many arguments and it culminated with his father telling him to leave, which he did with two bags.
• He had just US$50 in his pocket when he left New Jersey for good. He hitchhiked along the highway all the way across America to Los Angeles, California.
• He had to live on the streets and deal with riff-raff who threatened him with violence, guns, offers of porn and prostitution. This period of his life became the inspiration for Kechara Soup Kitchen, the department responsible for feeding the homeless.
• When Rinpoche finally arrived in the city of Los Angeles, he stayed with his step-cousin, Bob Gugajew, for three months in Monterey Park while he completed his GED exams and could legally quit school to work.
• He discovered Thubten Dhargye Ling by chance. While he was at the centre, he met his second Guru, Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen.
• The centre had a small room rented to him for a modest rent of US$150 a month, which improved his situation.
• In February 1983, Rinpoche moved into the centre and his situation began to look promising. In order to make a living, the young man held three jobs while spending the rest of his time helping out at TDL.
• In between his jobs and helping out at the centre, he managed to do two to three hours of meditation during the week and up to eight hours during weekends.
• He received many teachings at TDL and even received Yamantaka’s initiation that would be the foundation for him to receive many other practices later.
• Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen advised him to contact his foster mother, Dana and apologize for “hurting” her by running away.
• He was crying profusely when he did so and although she hung up on him, he managed to let go of the pain and the negative karma.

Tsem Rinpoche Meets His Root Guru (Spiritual Guide that changes his life) [1985 – 1986]

• Rinpoche never felt too tired to serve or felt that it took too much time or ever felt that he wanted to do something else. He thought of it as collecting merits with his Guru who is without fault and everything he did was to accelerate his Dharma practice in order to gain spiritual attainments.
• While Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was visiting Thubten Dhargye Ling, Rinpoche was elected to be his assistant despite the protests of several sponsors who thought he would misrepresent their Guru.
• This served to inspire him to serve his Guru to the best of his abilities. Thus, he silenced all criticisms with his actions.
• Every day, Rinpoche would start early in the morning by preparing lunch and dinner for Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, his entourage and Geshe-la.
• He would always serve Zong Rinpoche’s food first and then, he would make there prostrations to collect as much merit as he could.
• Besides that, he also washed the dishes, cleaned the kitchen, tidied his room and assisted him during private audiences and Dharma teachings daily from 6 pm to midnight or sometimes until 2 am.
• After the teachings, he would give his Guru a massage or he would clean the teaching hall to ensure it was worthy for his Guru and the Dharma.
• Kyabje Zong Rinpoche saw the young man’s qualities and his pure devotion. They also shared many tender moments of playful laughter with each other.
• Zong Rinpoche was the first person to tell the red-haired teenager that he was a ‘Rinpoche’ – the incarnation of a highly attained Dharma Master.
• One day, the young Rinpoche asked Kyabje Zong Rinpoche the famous question of whether he should be an actor or a monk.
• His Guru replied that he would be successful in front of the camera but he would be more beneficial if he became a monk. The young man immediately folded his hands and promised to become a monk.
• That evening, his Guru performed an auspicious hair-cutting ceremony, in a symbolic act that would mark his first step to ordination.
• His Guru also invited him to go to his monastery, Gaden, in South India to stay in his house, Zong Ladrang. That was the turning point of Rinpoche’s life that led him to become who he is today.

Tsem Rinpoche receives his ordination [1987 – 1991]

• Rinpoche always showed the utmost respect to his Gurus and he would eventually be known throughout the monastery for his pure devotion to his Gurus.
• Unfortunately, Rinpoche would never see his Guru again after Kyabje Zong Rinpoche left America.
• Rinpoche could not leave just yet as he had to finish paying off his debts and save up for India. When Robert Stone, one of the centre’s main sponsors, heard of Rinpoche’s dedication, he paid off Rinpoche’s debts so Rinpoche could fulfill his promise to his Lama and be ordained without further delay.
• Before leaving to India, Rinpoche returned home to New Jersey for the last time to say goodbye to his family. His mother told him that te moment the robes touches his skin, he would no longer be her son.
• In December 1987, Rinpoche traveled to India and began a new chapter in his life. He received his monk’s vows from H.H. the 14^th Dalai Lama.
• In January 1988, he finally went to Gaden where he stayed at Zong Ladrang.
• He would spend the following years studying and serving his Masters H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche and H.E. Lati Rinpoche at Gaden Shartse Monastery.
• However, Rinpoche endured much hardship in Gaden, where he stayed in a mosquito-infested cowshed in Zong Ladrang with a leaky roof.
• With almost no sponsorship, Rinpoche had nothing to eat and suffered from malnutrition because he could only afford to eat Tibetan Tsampa (barley flour) and butter tea. He appealed to his family and is friends from L.A. for help but none was forthcoming.

Rinpoche’s Gurus include some of the greatest masters of our time:

H.H. 14^th Dalai Lama

H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche

H.E. Lama Zopa Rinpoche

H.E. Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen

H.E. Lati Rinpoche

Seramey Kensur Lobsang Tharchin

H.H. 98^th Gaden Tripa

H.H. Kyabje Ling Rinpoche

H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe

H.H. Panang Rinpoche

• Rinpoche always showed the utmost respect when he served his Gurus.
• With his perfect command of English, he would translate for his gurus during teachings and initiations and he would write hundreds of letters to his Guru’s sponsors and students by hand.
• In particular, Rinpoche closely served H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche and even offered him a house.
• As his main assistant, Rinpoche attended to Kensur Rinpoche in every detail, putting his Master’s health and well being above all else.
• This manifestation of Guru devotion and how he single-handedly cared for Kensur Rinpoche from the complications of Diabetes earned him the respect of the seniors of his monastery.

Enthronement of a Buddha [1991]

• H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche formally enthroned H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche as the reincarnation of Gaden Shartse’s 72^nd abbot, Gedun Nyedrak.
• There was also a pronouncement of Rinpoche’s incarnation status by the Gaden Shartse’s official oracle of Setrap.
• Rinpoche was alone during his enthronement ceremonies as none of his family members came but he sat there on the throne alone and he made a sincere wish to benefit others.
• A final confirmation of his incarnation status came from H.H. the 14^th Dalai Lama.

Rinpoche was recognized many times in the past. Here is a list of the recognition:

• At 7 months, monks came and recognized him as a reincarnated Lama.
• H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Tsem Rinpoche’s root Guru, gave verbal recognition.
• H.E. Ayang Drupchen Rinpoche also gave verbal recognition.
• The Dharma Protector of Gyuto Tantric College, Dorje Yudroma gave pronouncements via an oracle.
• H.E. Drigung Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Chozin, one of Rinpoche’s Gurus, knew his incarnation status upon sight. He had his recognition officiated with his own personal stationery and seal. He also recognized Rinpoche as a mahasattva, which indicates that his line of incarnations go back further beyond Kensur Gedun Nyedrak.
• Gaden Shartse’s Dharm Protector Setrap Chen, via the Monastery’s oracle, recognized Rinpoche following a request from H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche. This session has been recorded down and bears the seal of Setrap’s office. It serves as Rinpoche’s main recognition paper as issued by his Monastery. Rinpoche’s personal seal, as well, has the official backing of Lord Setrap Chen, and hence the entire Monastery.
• Final confirmation was bestowed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, during a special audience requested by H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche.

Earlier Great Deeds of Tsem Rinpoche [1988 – 2006]

• He was well known throughout the monastery for his pure devotion to his Gurus, his extensive meditational practice and for the boundless generosity he has towards the monastic and lay community.
• H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche engaged in extensive retreats on Manjushri and Yamantaka during his time in the monastery.
• H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche made extensive contributions to the monastery.
• H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche supported the lay Tibetan community in the nearby refugee camps in India, consistently extending his help to the poor and homeless in Mundgod, and sponsored hospitals, schools and an old folk’s home.
• In 2006, Rinpoche and the Kechara organization sponsored 3000 Manjushri statues and a full set of robes for each of the 3000 monks in Gaden Shartse and Jangtse monasteries.
• In the past, Rinpoche has offered large statues to both monasteries including a 4-armed Chenrezig and a statue of the 5^th Dalai Lama. More recently, Rinpoche and Kechara supported the refurbishment of the Gaden Shartse Tibetan office.
• H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche funded the facilities for Gaden Shartse hospital.
• “Everything I had I gave away to others. It’s not much compared to what the organization is getting now, but at that time it felt like millions to me because that’s all I had.”

Tsem Rinpoche Comes To Malaysia [1992 – present day]

• Rinpoche was reluctant to travel to Malaysia because he had always wanted to remain in retreat in the monastery. Finally, he put his personal preference aside in order to serve the monastery and the needs of the many as opposed to his own wishes. By serving the Sangha just once was equivalent to going into retreat for a whole lifetime.
• In 1992, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche travelled to Malaysia for the first time at the instructions of his Guru, H.E. Lati Rinpoche initially to raise funds to build badly needed dormitories for the monks in Phukang Khangtsen.
• However, he had to make his own connections but fortunately he knew Reverend Khoon, a Malaysian monk of the Karma Kagyu tradition whom he met at Bodhgaya during a pilgrimage.
• Following an invitation from Reverend Khoon and with the hep of H.E. Kyabje Gehlek Rinpoche, Tsem Rinpoche came to Malaysia.
• Rinpoche arrived in Malaysia with just two suitcases – one with his robes and a few personal items, and the other full of mani pills, chakras and other holy items consecrated by the Setrap oracle.
• During this trip in 1992, Rinpoche worked tirelessly for his monastery by meeting countless people, performing blessing rituals, weddings, teachings, and touring many Buddhist centres all over Malaysia and Singapore as well.
• After successfully raising the funds needed tobuild the dormitories, Rinpoche returned to Gaden and was accompanied by his Malaysian students to offer everything up to the monastery. The abbot and high lamas were very happy with Rinpoche’s success.
• Rinpoche then remained in Gaden and continued to serve his Gurus and engaged in numerous retreats. However, many Malaysians would write to him and some would even visit the monastery, requesting him to return to Malaysia to teach.
• Rinpoche began to travel back and forth from India to Malaysia and after having some problems starting a few dharma centres in Singapore and Malaysia, he finally established Kechara in 2000 and made Malaysia his home.

Go to top

TSEM LADRANG

INTRODUCTION

A ladrang (also spelt as labrang) is the Lama’s household, and the head of the Dharma organisation and centre. As the Lama – who is also the spiritual guide – resides in the ladrang, all main spiritual decisions and matters concerning each department of the organisation are discussed and decided here.

The ladrang and all the staff within it support all of the Lama’s personal needs (health, food, clothing), plan and support all teaching and Dharma events which the Lama attends, help to oversee all departments within the organisation and assist their work, and facilitate audiences for students and friends to meet with the Lama.

Ultimately, the ladrang is the backbone of the organization and takes care of all secular matters of the Lama and centre, to relieve the Lama of mundane duties so that he can focus solely on teaching and spreading the Dharma.

Tsem Ladrang Kuala Lumpur

Tsem Ladrang in Kuala Lumpur is the household of Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, Lama and spiritual guide of Kechara House in Malaysia. This is Rinpoche’s personal place of residence and from which all main decisions about the organisation are made. The ladrang contains Rinpoche’s personal living quarters, administrative offices for the ladrang staff, an audience room for Rinpoche to hold meetings and meet students, and a central prayer hall that is dedicated especially towards Kechara House Dharma centre’s work and growth.

The daily running and operations of the ladrang are overseen and executed by the dedicated team of ladrang staff. This includes:

• All correspondence and gift offerings from Rinpoche to Kechara House members, students and friends
• Preparation for teachings and Dharma events in the centre
• Liaising between Rinpoche and heads of departments
• Arranging for private audiences and/or divinations within the ladrang for students and friends.
• Enabling the operations of Kechara’s online initiatives
• Exploring new avenues to further spread Rinpoche’s teachings
• Supporting all departments in the Kechara organization in any way deemed fit to expedite their growth

Tsem Ladrang Gaden

His Eminence has previously built a ladrang in Gaden Shartse and it was offered to his Guru, H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche when His Eminence settled in Malaysia. Since then, His Eminence has not had a ladrang or permanent base in the monastery.

In 2006, His Eminence acquired more land in Gaden Shartse monastery. Plans are now in place to rebuild Tsem Ladrang on this piece of prime land, located next to H.H. Gaden Trisur Rinpoche’s ladrang.

Tsem Ladrang in Gaden would serve various purposes: to be a place where His Eminence can stay when visiting Gaden, for retreats and as a guesthouse for visitors or students. So far, the main gate, walls and a small room for the guard have already been built.

Tsem Ladrang Kathmandu (in the process of moving)

Tsem Ladrang, Kathmandu was established in 2008 in a peaceful mountainous area in the north of Kathmandu. The ladrang in Nepal serves as His Eminence’s residence when visiting Kathmandu, and is the base from which the ladrang team conducts their operations in Nepal. It is also a place where His Eminence’s students can stay when visiting Kathmandu for pilgrimages, retreats, volunteering or just as a break from their daily routine.

Tsem Ladrang Bangkok

Located in the quiet suburbs of Thailand’s capital is Tsem Ladrang, Bangkok. It was established in August 2011, to be the private residence and office of His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche in Thailand. The Bangkok Ladrang also serves as the team’s base of operations in this traditionally Theravadan nation.

Being only two hours’ flight from Kuala Lumpur, the Bangkok Ladrang is perfect for hosting His Eminence’s students who wish to visit Thailand for pilgrimages, retreats, volunteering or as a short break from their daily routine. Buddhism in Thailand remains at the core of their culture.

To this end, the Ladrang was purposefully renovated to provide comfortable accommodation. Amongst the improvements made to the existing structure was the conversion of the garage into a 10-bed dormitory for visitors. Landscaping works were also done to provide visitors with beautiful grounds to enjoy in peace.

Websites and online assets

tsemtulku.com

zhandugu.com

blog.tsemtulku.com

zhandugu.blog.163.com

tsemladrang.com

tsemrinpoche.com

rinpoche.tv

kechara.com

keqiela.com

cn.kechara.com

liaisons.kechara.com

youtube.com/tsemtulku

twitter.com/tsemtulku

twitter.com/kecharahouse

facebook.com/tsemtulku

facebook.com/kecharahouse

facebook.com/tsemtulkurinpoche

vajrasecrets.com

Justin.tv/Kechara

Qik.com/tsemtulku

Tsem Ladrang STAFF

Chuah Su Ming (HOD)

Liaison of Tsem Ladrang

• Appointments secretary

• Head of POs

• PR & KC

• Email: suming@tsemladrang.com

Datuk May Phng

Liaison of Tsem Ladrang

Ooi Beng Kooi

Liaison of Tsem Ladrang

• Oversee all multimedia and internet projects for Rinpoche and Kechara

• Handling all online correspondence

• Executing special projects

• Divination Secretary

• Email: bengkooi@tsemladrang.com

JP Thong

Liaison of Tsem Ladrang

• Fundraising

• Sales and marketing

• Renovation projects

• Email: jpthong@tsemladrang.com

Pastor Loh Seng Piow

Liaison of Tsem Ladrang

• Oversees all of Rinpoche’s personal needs, including health and diet

• Creates awareness about Rinpoche and his teachings in China, paving way for his entry into China.

• Supervises the personal attendants

• Email: sengpiow@tsemladrang.com

Andrew Boon

Household

• Oversees the household affairs of Tsem Ladrang

• Email: andrew@tsemladrang.com

Ram Kumar

Household

• Household affairs of Tsem Ladrang

KB

Personal Attendant

• Attending to all of Rinpoche’s needs

• Manages the daily affairs of Rinpoche’s apartment

• Responsible for the apartment housekeeping and maintenance

• Responsible for the well-being of Rinpoche’s pets

• Email: kb@tsemladrang.com

Khong Jean Ai

Private Office

• Email: jeanai@tsemladrang.com

Khong Jean Mei

Private Office

• Email: jeanmei@tsemladrang.com

Bryan Ho

Private Office

• Email: bryan@tsemladrang.com

Shin Tan

Private Office

• Email: shin@tsemladrang.com

Lew Kwan Leng

e-Division

• Software Development

• Web Programming

• Systems Architecture

• Email: lew@tsemladrang.com

Cynthia Lee

e-Division

• Art Director

• Oversees all design and copywriting

• Paranormal Team

• Online Marketing

• Email: cynthia@tsemladrang.com

Wan Wai Meng

e-Division

• Correspondence – email, twitter, facebook, youtube, paypal

• Project Manager

• SEO

• Special Projects

• Email: waimeng@tsemladrang.com

Kok Wah Ying

e-Division

• Chinese Translator

• Email: wahying@tsemladrang.com

Carmen Koo

e-Division

• Admin and Finance

• Online shop management

• PA to Director

• Email: carmen@tsemladrang.com

Yong Swee Keong

e-Division

• Software Development

• Web Programming

• Systems Architecture

• Email: sweekeong@tsemladrang.com

Yurie Lim

e-Division

• Graphic Designer

• Email: yurie@tsemladrang.com

Go to top

KECHARA BLOOMS

INTRODUCTION

In this latest expression of devotion to the Three Jewels, Kechara Saraswati Arts brings you Kechara Blooms, (which was officially open to the public on March 2011) a floral and gift service offering as many different types of arrangements as there are types of flowers.

Beautiful to look at and wonderful to smell, flowers are a form of spiritual artistry that pleases our many senses.

Making flower offerings to holy beings creates the causes for us to have a strong, beautiful, healthy and attractive body, trains our minds to focus, improves concentration and allows us to develop an artistic eye.

Whether it is simplicity you are after, or the most elaborate of arrangements; whether it is for a gift, wedding, birthday, an anniversary or as a fragrant offering for your altar – there is no one better than Kechara Blooms to help your occasion blossom.

LOCATION:

Kechara Blooms
No. 21-1, Jalan PJU 1/3G,
SunwayMas Commercial Centre,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, MALAYSIA

[t] +603 7803 3546/

[f] +603 7803 3177

http://www.kechara.com/arts/kechara-blooms/

Opening hours:

Monday – Saturday: 10am – 7pm

KECHARA BLOOMS STAFF

HOD: Paul Yap (Full Time)

Wong Yen Pin (Full Time)

Becky Yap (Volunteer)

Lili Ng (Volunteer)

Go to top

KECHARA DISCOVERY

INTRODUCTION

(1^st Portfolio)

Since its incorporation in December 2007, Kechara Discovery (KD) has been working to create and source for many beautiful Buddha images. This department represents an important vision of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. Rinpoche has a wish for his friends and students to bring home beautiful and affordable and yet iconographically-accurate Buddha images to further their spiritual practice, and that is how KD was initially conceptualized.

Our mission (statue making)
The business-to-business division of Kechara Discovery focuses on designing and creating the best quality Buddha images such as beautiful statues, intricate tsatsas and Dharma-inspired jewellery, thus providing a reliable and affordable supply of Buddhist images to local and international spiritual seekers alike.

(2^nd Portfolio)

Kechara Discovery also organizes tours to Buddhist pilgrimage areas, such as India, China, Tibet and Nepal. For now, due to limited resources, Kechara Discovery’s main focus will be on the sourcing of statues.

Our Travel Mission

Inspired by H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, the spiritual guide of the Kechara organisation, Kechara Discovery’s mission is to enable anyone of any creed, age and country to appreciate the beauty and artistry of Buddhist spirituality. No different than how visitors would marvel at the opulence of the Sistine Chapel in Italy, or elegance of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Kechara Discovery creates another medium for humanity to share in the knowledge and culture of Buddhism without borders. As a result, a greater respect and understanding among all the religions flourishes.

As visitors travel through the various sanctified places, each person not only learns about but also establishes a bond with something divine and powerfully blessed. This connection may ignite dormant seeds of realisations that lie deep within the individual, and may even help that individual gain a new level of attainments. Hence, Kechara Discovery unites everyone, Buddhists and tourists alike, in this profound learning through travel.

Kechara Discovery – Discovering Spirituality Through Travel

LOCATION:

Kechara Discovery

No. 23-1, Jalan PJU 1/3G,

Sunwaymas Commercial Centre,

47301 Petaling Jaya

Selangor, MALAYSIA

Tel:     +603 7803 3546

Fax:     +603 7803 3177

Email: discovery@kechara.com
http://www.kechara.com/travel

Opening Hours:

Mondays – Saturday: 10am – 7pm

KECHARA DISCOVERY STAFF

Paul Yap (HOD)

Louise Lee (Full Time)

Yvonne Yap (Full Time)

Helena Chin (Full Time)

Phillis Chin (Full Time)

Go to top

KECHARA HOUSE

INTRODUCTION

Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia (KHBAM), affectionately known as Kechara House, was founded by our Spiritual Guide, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. It is a registered entity which is the Dharma centre of the Kechara organisation. Our lineage is the Gelug Tradition which is an unbroken lineage from Buddha Shakymuni (624-540 BC) to the Indian pandit, Atisha (982-1054 AD) and to the renowned Tibetan scholar, Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419AD). Kechara House is an affiliate of Gaden Shartse Monastery, which was founded by Je Tsongkhapa, and is currently situated in Mundgod, India.

KH’s vision:

a)      To produce local Dharma teachers and yogis

b)      To spread the teachings of Lama Je Tsongkhapa

c)      To institutionalize the lineage in the form of Kechara World Peace Centre – our 30-acre Retreat Centre in the state of Selangor

KH’s Goal – To bring Buddha’s teachings to people in a practical way that will help to fulfill the highest goal of bringing peace and happiness to others.

LOCATION:

No. 3, 5, 7 & 9 Jalan PJU 1/3G,

Sunwaymas Commercial Centre,

47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor,

Malaysia

Tel:                 +603-7803 3908

Fax:                 +603-7803 3108

Email:              house@kechara.com

Website:          www.kechara.com/house

Opening hours:

Monday- Saturday:     1pm – 10pm

Sunday:                         11.30am – 6pm

HISTORY OF KECHARA HOUSE

1)      The first link between our Spiritual Guide and the people of Malaysia was made in 1992 when H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche was sent to Malaysia by his monastery, Gaden Shartse Monastery, to raise funds through giving Dharma teachings. After accomplishing his mission he went back to Gaden Monastery in South India the following year. However during this short period, H.E. Tsem Rinpoche had already gathered a group of students in this region.

2)      This group of students requested for more teachings from H.E. Tsem Rinpoche. Through their continuous effort and karmic link, Kechara Paradise, our first Dharma outlet was opened in 2000. At Kechara Paradise, occasional teachings were given by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche upon requests by his students.

3)      In 2002, in memory of the passing of her mother, one of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s students organized regular teachings by our Lama at a rented premise called Tara House in Kelana Jaya.

4)      Inspired by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s wish to benefit more people in Malaysia and to spread Je Tsongkhapa’s teachings in the Southern Region, his students started Kechara House Buddhist Association (KHBA), which was registered on 15 December, 2000.

In September 2004, the previous premise known as KH1 was opened to the public at:

In September 2007, KHBA opened its branch known as KH2 or Buddha Oasis at

On 27 November 2010, Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia

Officially opened its present premise at:

5)      Infrastructure

It has one large prayer hall which houses two thrones. One is for H.H. The Dalai Lama and the other for our Spiritual Guide, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. It has an audience room where our Spiritual Guide meets with guests and the public. There is also an AV room, a multifunction room for teachings and gatherings, a Dharma library, two kitchens/pantries, storerooms and an administration/ office area. At the reception area on the ground floor, there is also a Dharma store offering books, statues and ritual items.

KH ACTIVITIES

Kechara House offers the Kechara Sunday Service:

From 25 March, we are having a Kechara Sunday Service, starting at 9.30am for a short prayer and inspiration message from the Pastors, followed by classes from 10.30a.m.-12.30p.m. For first-time visitors, they can go for refreshments at KC Lounge at 10.30a.m. to meet and chat with senior students.

a)      Weekly pujas

–   Mondays, 8pm: Setrap puja (English)

–   Tuesdays, 8pm: Setrap puja (Mandarin), Tara puja (Tibetan)

–   Wednesdays, 8pm: Medicine Buddha puja (Tibetan)

–   Wednesdays, 8pm: Dzambala puja (Mandarin)

–   Thursdays, 8pm: Dzambala puja (English)

b)      On 17 Jan 2012, following the tradition of Gaden Monastery, KH opened a permanent Puja House at:

Special pujas are available for occasions such as opening of new office premise, children traveling overseas to study, moving into a new house, wedding anniversaries, funerals / bereavements and removal of obstacles for legal cases and consecration of statues etc. These pujas can be requested through the KH Liaison at 03-7803 3908 or puja hotline at

010-3062 333.

c)      Retreats and hostel accommodation

d)     Library offering dharma books

e)      Quarterly newsletter, NO MORE CAVES

f)       Divinations for those in need

g)      Charitable projects

6)      KH Committee manages Kechara Guest House, which offers low cost accommodation for visiting guests and people on retreat. There are 6 rooms in total, available at the following rates:

A 10% discount is available for KH members and friends.

Rooms can be reserved on a first-come first-serve basis by downloading the application form from our website and emailing the completed form to care@kechara.com.

KECHARA HOUSE COMMITTEE (2012 & 2014)

KH Education Committee 2012

Go to top

KECHARA CARE

INTRODUCTION

Kechara Care was set up to develop and cultivate a strong culture of care and responsibility within the Kechara organisation so as to provide better care for new people coming to the centre.

Its objectives are:

• To develop efficient systems for looking after new friends and members of the organisation
• To standardise the processes used in each department for maintaining their database of contacts and disseminating information.
• To assist each department in the organisation to look after their new members, staff and volunteers.
• To provide training and education about the whole organization for each department.
• To organize and promote events for the Kechara organization.

LOCATION:

Opening Hours:

Kechara Care Office

Monday to Friday (10am to 7pm)

Saturday (1pm to 6pm)

Sunday (11am to 6pm)

Kechara Care Lounge

Monday to Saturday (1pm to 10pm)

Sunday (11am to 6pm)

Kechara Care Gallery

Monday to Saturday (1pm to 10pm)

Sunday (11am to 6pm)

Souvenir Shop

Monday to Friday (7pm to 10pm)

Saturday and Sunday (11am to 6pm)

HISTORY OF KECHARA CARE

Kechara Care was formed in 2007 as the seven members of Vajrayogini Paradise Committee, where all members worked to maintain contact with all new people coming into the organisation. As VPC members got absorbed into different functions and jobs within the organisation, this became too much for them to handle individually.

In January 2008, KCT then reformed as another committee comprising six English-speaking members and two Chinese-speaking members.

The new KCT was originally planned to help to oversee the system/processes for handling new people, while each individual department begins to take on the responsibility for taking care of their own members/visitors/friends/volunteers. KCT acted more in a consultancy/advisory capacity, to help “connect the dots” between the different departments.

As with all the other departments within the Kechara organisation, Kechara Care was officially formed in July 2009 with the blessings of our spiritual guide H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. From a small group of volunteers who were present at every event to welcome guests and participants, Kechara Care has evolved into a team of dedicated full-time staff who are at your service.

In June 2010, Kechara Care established a permanent visitor centre in the SunwayMas area, with a host of facilities including a museum cum gallery, counseling rooms, multi-function space for parties and events as well as Holy Spirits, a teetotal bar.

Major Tasks and Performance Standards

KECHARA CARE STAFF

Chuah Su Ming (+6012 291 1178)

Head of Department

Nicholas Yu (+6016 209 0541)

Operational Manager

Cynthia Ng (+6012 232 0884)

Front Desk Administrator

Kechara Care Friends

Pastor Kok Yek Yee (+6012 388 3390)

Karen Chong (+6012 771 0289)

Wee Sock Wan (+6012 208 1587)

Go to top

KECHARA HOUSE – Kechara Earth Project

INTRODUCTION

Kechara Earth Project promotes recycling, care for people, animals and the environment.

“If you love just yourself, everyone else is left out. If you love everyone, you’re included.” – Tsem Tulku Rinpoche (108 Ways to Grab My Apples)

The quote above summarises the intent behind the Kechara Earth Project. Rinpoche does not only teach via scriptures or through dharma texts he also demonstrates it with action.

Kechara Earth Project aspires to embody Rinpoche’s consistency in manifesting action to care. To care about not just ourselves but in time widen the scope of care to encompass others, our sphere of influence, leading up to our environment.

Fundamentally speaking through Rinpoche’s teachings we understand that whatever we experience we must have created it. Hence the environment we live in is a direct result of our own actions. Hence we can make a difference to our environment. How? By taking ownership and believing that we can make a difference.

Mission

Our Mission involves working towards the goals of;

1)     Safeguarding environment, people and animals,

2)     Making people more spiritual by caring for the environment,

3)     Taking responsibility for our environment.    

History of KEP

Kechara Earth Project was set up first in Ipoh in the year April 2010, inspired by Rinpoche’s care for people, animals and the environment.

KEP Committee

• Wan Wai Meng           – Head of KEP and Finance (012 215 0968)
• Lew Kwan Leng         – Assistant Head of KEP
• Kok Yek Yee              – Operations Head & Special Projects
• Yong Swee Keong      – Site Manager
• Kok Wah Ying            – Education

Website

• http://www.kechara.com/kechara-house/kechara-earth-project/

Collections

Petaling Jaya – Monthly Collection on the 2nd Sunday of every month.

• Location:  Jalan PJU 1/3A part of the park facing the Aman Suria Entrance.
• Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm
• Contact: Wan Wai Meng  – 012 215 0968, Yong Swee Keong – 012 360 5570

Ipoh – Monthly Collection is on the 4th Sunday of every month.

• Location :  Jalan Che Tak car park near to the Kechara Ipoh Study Group
• Time : 9:00am to 12:00pm
• Contact: Wan Wai Meng  – 012 215 0968, Wan Yee Mun – 012 522 3200

Go to top

KECHARA PASTORS PROGRAM

H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche was ordained and acknowledged as an incarnate High Lama by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. Rinpoche is also a respected Lama from the illustrious 600-year-old Gaden Shartse Monastery. As the Spiritual Guide to Kechara House, an affiliate of Gaden Shartse, Rinpoche brings the unbroken lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa to Kechara since 2000.

Rinpoche has been acknowledged by many erudite and high Lamas such as the 101st  Gaden Tripa (Head of Gelug School of Buddhism) H.H. Lungrik Namgyal and Gaden Monastery Abbot Ken Rinpoche for his tireless effort  and contributions to help the needy, the monastery and monastic community and to spread Buddha’s teachings.

The general definition of Pastor is a person who has spiritual authority over a group or person by virtue of his training in a particular faith. The Pastor can be a lay person or a renunciate.

Rinpoche’s objective of creating Kechara’s very own Pastors is to empower lay people to continue this unbroken lineage of authentic teachings, which came from Buddha Shakyamuni himself.

Pastors serve to bridge the gap between the congregation and the Sangha, by communicating Dharma to those seeking spiritual knowledge and guidance in a more familiar and accessible way.

Pastors’ main duty is to serve others through sharing dharma, help them with their practice and to be an example of the teachings to inspire others.

Pastors assist the Lama to help people along their spiritual path and prepare them to receive higher teachings and initiations.

A pastor is required to hold the 8 Mahayana precepts for life. The first 5 such as refraining from killing, stealing etc are ethical vows. Holding them is an expression of one’s determination to serve others with sincerity and without selfish motives which cause harm to others. The remaining 3 vows such as not sitting on high thrones, not indulging in entertainments etc keep one mindful of humility and not to be distracted whilst on duties.

A pastor is expected to conduct oneself with good ethical behaviour, wear his/her uniform with integrity and have a strong sense of servitude.

Being appointed a Pastor by the Guru means that one is given an opportunity to practice in this special way which will speed up one’s spiritual cultivation by being able to engage and do more to benefit others.

To qualify as a Pastor, besides holding vows, one has to master the lineage teachings such as lamrim and lojong, tantric rituals and pujas, and have been on a pilgrimage to our tradition’s Gaden Shartse monastery and gain an overview of such an institution.

Pastor’s duties include baby blessings, house blessings, solemnizing marriages, counselling, conducting bereavement rituals and prayers, giving refuge and lay precepts.

Currently, the four Kechara Pastors who were ordained on 24th Oct 2012 in conjunction with Rinpoche’s birthday are:

Ngeow Voon Chin, Chia Song Peng, Kok Yek Yee and Susan Lim

Pastors Training Program

In Kechara, there are 3 levels of training to advance to become Pastors.

1. Dharma guest speakers

2. Dharma teachers

• Trainees must attend full Lamrim Course for at least a year and to sit for exams and obtain a min pass in them.
• Conduct sessions in Simplified Lamrim classes or Study groups.
• Familiar with KH organisation, Rinpoche bio, Gadenpa lineage.
•  Involved in Education related activities and KH pujas.

(12 months)

3. Pastors

• Trainees must be proficient in Lamrim, Refuge, 50 verses of Guru Devotion, 8 verses of Mind Transformation, KH rituals/pujas
• Hold 5 mandatory and 3 optional vows.
• Gone on pilgrimage to Gaden Shartse Monastery
• Develop people skills and leadership qualities

(3 months)

Those who have gone through above 3 tiers successfully will have their names submitted to Rinpoche for final approval to be ordained as Pastors.

Go to top

KECHARA INMOTION

INTRODUCTION

Kechara InMotion (KIM) is primarily a video production house to record H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s teachings and Kechara activities for educational and promotional purposes. To spread Rinpoche’s blessings through art, KIM also produced a Buddhist music album.

KIM offers the following services for the Kechara organisation & Corporate sectors:

• Event coverage
• Departmental video productions
• Fund-raising video productions
• Video footage archiving
• Photography
• Video Motion Graphic
• Subtitles
• TVC commercial filming

KIM also undertakes external projects to generate income for sustainability.

LOCATION:

No. 41-3AB, Jalan PJU 1/3C,

SunwayMas Commercial Centre,

47301 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor, MALAYSIA

Tel: +603 7808 2889

Fax: +603 78809689

Email: kim@kechara.com

Website: www.kechara.com/kim

Our Facilities

• KIM’S office was planned with white walls and spaciousness for shooting to be conducted in the office.
• KIM is equipped with a HD camera, a handy camera and an editing suite.
• KIM plans to purchase more advanced equipment to serve KH members and departments. In the future, full facilities with multi-cameras will enable the production of Rinpoche’s talk show.

Portfolio

Past projects:

• Dharma Princess Diaries
• KSK Fund Raising Video
• Outlet Videos (English & Chinese versions)
• Tsem Ladrang Video
• Kecharian Moments (Testimonial videos)
• Who’s Who in Kechara
• The Production and Sales of Kechara’s music album, Highway to Bliss
• Celebrities Endorsement video for Highway to Bliss
• Reincarnation Video
• Promotional Video for The Promise
• Kechara World Peace Centre

KIM covers the majority of all Kechara events, including:

• KSA, KH2, KSJC Opening
• Tsongkhapa Day
• TKL Land Blessing
• Book Fairs / Book Launches
• Pastor Ordination Ceremony
• Shanghai Tea House Opening
• Highway To Bliss Press Conference

HISTORY OF KECHARA INMOTION

KIM was first established in September 2007 under the spiritual direction of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche with the objective to spread Dharma through visual media (video). KIM was originally located in Kechara Media & Publications’ office but has since moved to its new office in Dec 2009.

KECHARA INMOTION STAFF

Ms Han, HOD / Executive Producer

• To oversee video projects.
• To upgrade KIM facility/equipment.
• To work closely with KH departments to produce departments’ videos for fundraising & promotional purposes.
• To strengthen KIM manpower for upcoming projects.

Chris Tan, Editor / Cameraman (Full Time Staff)

• To video and edit KIM projects
• To service clients (KH departments/Ladrang etc)
• To take charge of KIM editing suite & technical equipment
• To archive all footages.

Jace Chong, Producer

• To video and edit KIM projects
• To service clients (KH departments/Ladrang etc)
• To execute new video projects
• To liaise with volunteers for KIM works
• To manage the sales of KIM products i.e. Highway to Bliss

Lai Kun Meng  – senior motion graphic editor

• To edit Tsem Paranormal Zone Projects.
• To direct Tsem Paranormal Zone TV program.

Committed Volunteers:

1. Veron Tung – Producer and editor
2. Howie Loh – Director, Graphic Designer
3. Lee Kheng San – Photographer
4. Adrin – Photographer
5. Liang Zhen Jiang – Photographer
6. Jeffrey Hoo – Photographer
7. Eric Kwan – Video/Photographer
8. Alicia Chong – Transcribe and translation
9. Khoo Hou Haw – Subtitling
10. Tho Guan Choon – Archives

Go to top

Kechara Media & Publications

INTRODUCTION

Kechara Media & Publications (KMP) is a not-for-profit publishing arm of the Kechara Buddhist organisation. KMP’s vision is to bring H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s teachings and the ancient wisdom of Dharma into the context of contemporary living.

KMP also publishes inspirational, motivational books by His Eminence’s students, who are talented up-and-coming authors equally committed to bringing this message of peace and wisdom to others.

To reach as wide an audience as possible, KMP produces books in English and Chinese that are retailed in the Kechara Dharma stores, leading bookshops in Malaysia, India, Hong Kong, UK, Singapore as well as on amazon.com and other online book stores.

Our list of publications:

• Be Greedy: A Little Guide to Creating Merit and Living Fearlessly, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, 2011
• Why I Make Myself Unhappy, (2^nd edition), Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, 2011
• 108 Ways to Grab My Apples, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, 2010
• Tsongkhapa: A Simple Guide to a Powerful Practice, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, 2010
• Snakes, Roosters & Pigs, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, 2010
• If Not Now, When?, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, 2009
• Peace: A Compilation of Short Teachings, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, 2009
• Setrap the Protector: Secrets Revealed of a 1,000-Year-Old Practice, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche & Sharon Saw, 2009
• Gurus for Hire, Enlightenment for Sale, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, 2009
• Compassion Conquers All, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, 2007
• Nothing Changes, Everything Changes, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, 2006
• Faces of Enlightenment, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, 2006

Other titles published by Kechara Media & Publications

1. The Promise: A Tsem Tulku Biography: Sharon Saw, Jamie Khoo, Fang C. Chang, 2011
2. Life is a Gamble: Take a Chance on Faith, Henry Ooi, 2011
3. Eat Healthy, Daily: 21 Traditional Chinese Vegetarian Recipes for Healing, Dr Jiang Zhong, 2011
4. Je Tsongkhapa: A Visual Journey, Gisbert Pascal Roth, 2010
5. Call Me Paris, Jamie Khoo, 2009
6. There’s No Way But Up, David Lai, 2009
7. Vajrayogini and Other Sacred Power Places in Nepal, Paul Yap & David Lai, 2009
8. The Illustrated Life Story of Lama Tsongkhapa: A Graphic Novel, Terry Lim & Kok Yek Yee, 2009
9. Pocket Prayers: A Concise Compilation of Prayers, Kechara, 2009

Chinese:

1. 摘下修身之果~108精言良诫，詹杜固仁波切著 – 2010 (108 Ways to Grab My Apples)
2. 宗喀巴大师套装书，詹杜固仁波切著 – 2010 (Tsongkhapa: A Simple Guide to a Powerful Practice)
3. 宁静(第二版)，詹杜固仁波切著 – 2010 (Peace, 2nd edition)
4. 一切更棒，詹杜固仁波切著 – 2009 (While I Still Can)
5. 一切如初，詹杜固仁波切著 – 2009 (Nothing Changes)
6. 一切业造，詹杜固仁波切著 – 2009 (Karma) – currently out of stock
7. 宁静(第一版) ，詹杜固仁波切著 – 2009 (Peace, 1st edition) – currently out of stock
8. 念念当下，詹杜固仁波切著 – 2009 (If Not Now When)
9. 贪得无厌，詹杜固仁波切著 – 2007 (Be Greedy)

Other titles published by Kechara Media & Publications

1. 世间无偶然，詹仁波切弟子合著 – 2011(There is No Such thing as coincidence)
2. 天天健康好膳食，姜忠医师著 – 2011(Eat Healthy, Daily)
3. 金刚瑜伽母及尼泊尔其他圣地，叶师杰构思, 黎国圆撰写 – 2010 (Vajrayogini and Other Sacred Power Places in Nepal)
4. 金甲衣护法套装书，郭月谊著 – 2010 (Setrap the Protector)
5. 宗喀巴大师传(漫画版)，郭月谊著, 林钜晴绘 – 2009 (The Illustrated Life Story of Lama Tsongkhapa: A Graphic Novel)
6. 宗柏伸～时尚·修行·春夏绽放，宗柏伸著 – 2009 (Eric Choong – In Full Bloom)
7. 金甲衣护法，郭月谊著 – 2007 (Setrap story book)

LOCATION:

HISTORY OF KECHARA MEDIA & PUBLICATIONS

First established in 2005 by two students, Kechara Media & Publications Sdn Bhd is now a growing publishing house under the spiritual direction of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. KMP has since grown from two guys sharing a desk in a room of a rented residential house to its own office with 12 full-time staff in the very blessed premises of the ex-Kechara House Gompa in Sunwaymas Commercial Centre.

KECHARA MEDIA & PUBLICATIONS STAFF

Phng Li Kim – Chief Executive Officer and HOD

Jamie Khoo – Senior Editor/Writer

Sharon Saw – Senior Editor/Writer

David Lai –Writer

Wendy Loh –Writer

Fang Chyi Chang – Art Director

Dr. Lanse Chiah – Chinese Editor/Translator

Abby Foo – Chinese Editor/Translator

Deborah Pereira – Production Manager

Judy Lam – Administrator

Susan Lim – e-Communications Manager

June Kang – Special projects

Go to top

KECHARA OASIS RESTAURANT   New Age Vegetarian Cuisine

INTRODUCTION

Kechara Oasis (KO) was conceptualized by H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche as a way of promoting compassionate dining. KO caters for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, baby full moon, corporate dinners and so forth.

We create dishes to tempt your palate to keep you healthy both body and mind. Whoever you are you can make loving kindness and compassion your lifestyle and contribute to green our planet earth by dining here.  Dining at Kechara Oasis is dining with a difference, for who we are you are creating merits to auspicious beginnings, new undertakings, growths or weddings bliss.

KO Jaya One

This flagship restaurant comfortably seats up to 210 guests in the main dining area. There are 3 private rooms available with LCD displays, thus convenient for meetings and celebrations where diners wish to show a video. In the main hall, there is a small stage, a projector and screen. The entrance to the restaurant is in the carpark itself which makes it convenient to drive up and drop guests directly at the entrance.

KO Viva Home

Kechara Oasis at Viva Home has a total area of 11,450 sq ft. contained in a circular section in the west wing of the mall. It has a 50-table dining ballroom for weddings and events as well as 5 individual private rooms. It includes a star-studded stage with a lighted runway for a grand entree. There is also a terrace for casual dining and a Japanese tatami dining area with Tibetan feel. Each room and dining area has a different feel and characteristics of its own. This is the biggest 5-star vegetarian dining venue in Malaysia.

LOCATION:

Jaya One

Opening Times:

Mondays to Sundays

Lunch: 11:30am – 3.00pm

Dinner: 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Viva Home

Contact:

Irene Lim – Head of Department

Tel: +6012 234 9859

Email: irene.lim@kechara.com

or

Jeffrey Gan – Marketing Manager

Tel: +6012 3875689

Email: jeffrey.gan@kechara.com

HISTORY OF KECHARA OASIS

Ms. Irene Lim, the founder and director of Kechara Oasis and a student of H. E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche for the last 19 years was prompted by His Eminence to start a vegetarian restaurant.  She immediately embraced the idea with gusto and has not looked back since. Her odyssey of spiritual self-discovery through His Eminence’s teachings has enriched her life immensely, and they both share the same conviction in eating with compassion. Her dedicated efforts have resulted in making His Eminence’s vision a reality.

From Irene’s efforts, Kechara Oasis in Jaya One was established in January 2009 as Kechara’s first vegetarian restaurant. Kechara Oasis opened its second restaurant at Viva Home Mall on 15 April 2011.

KECHARA OASIS STAFF

For Reservation and Enquiries:

Irene Lim – Head of Department

Jeffrey Gan – Marketing Manager

Mr. James Yong – Manager of Kechara Oasis @ Jaya One

Mr. Sii – Manager of Kechara Oasis @ Viva Home

Go to top

KECHARA PARADISE DHARMA RETAIL OUTLETS

INTRODUCTION

The Kechara Paradise outlets, the brainchild of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, are here to provide the Kechara organisation’s members the opportunity to invite home beautiful statues, thangkas, stupas, Dharma books and other related materials for their Dharma practice. KP outlets are also the vision of H.E. as mini ‘temples’, an extension of Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia. While outwardly commercial, we are non-profit, sponsored by generous benefactors, with all nett proceeds reinvested in expansion and new stock with the sole purpose to avail more Dharma items to practitioners.

Henry, Dato’ Ruby and Wan travel often to Kathmandu, India, Tibet, Bali and Thailand on buying trips. The items are carefully handpicked before they are packed to be shipped. Upon arrival, the crates are opened and carried to the store by able-bodied men like Chia, Mitra, etc. The items are checked, cleaned and identified to be sent to the outlets. The liaisons and managers discuss and set the retail prices. The items are then delivered to the outlets.

All the items are consecrated either in the store or at the five outlets.

Our outlets are clean, modern and tastefully furbished and renovated. Our staff and volunteers are trained to provide the best service and information to the public and direct interested parties to the respective Kechara departments and especially to our soon-to-be retreat land, Kechara World Peace Centre.

We are one of the gateways in Kechara organization directing and leading many beings into the inner sanctum of the mandala of Kechara World Peace Centre.

Items available:

Energized Wealth Vases, beautiful hand-crafted statues, Ruel (consecrated amulets), exquisitely carved silver and plated offerings, elegant solid gold and plated Buddha pendants, chakras for protection, hand- rolled herbal incense, singing bowls, jewelry, prayer wheels, wooden boxes, brocades and many more.

LOCATIONS (and history):

Kechara Paradise SS2 (KPSS2)

Kechara Paradise 1 Utama (KP1U)

Kechara Paradise Sunway Pyramid (KPSP)

Kechara Paradise Viva Home (KPVH)

Kechara Paradise Penang (KPP)

For outlet-specific information or feedback, please contact the respective outlet managers.

For information or feedback for all outlets in general, please contact Henry Ooi.

Website: www.kechara.com/shopping

KECHARA PARADISE STAFF

MANAGEMENT

Liaisons for Outlet: Henry Ooi, Dato’ Ruby Khong, Wan Wong

Apprentice Liaisons for Outlet: Albert Ratchaga, Pamela Yap and May Y Woo

Managers:

• Girlie Ooi /Wan Wong in KPSS2
• May Y Woo in KP1U
• Albert Ratchaga in KPSP
• Pamela Yap in KPVH
• Patsy Gooi in KPP

Kechara Paradise staff:

• Pastor Chia, Suzan Ng, Jessica Yap, James Long, Lee Char Jazz, Darren Leong, Davin Chan, Tan Giok Leng, Adrian Cho, Eric Siow, Mitra and Henry Jr.

Go to top

KECHARA SARASWATI ARTS

INTRODUCTION

The first ever Himalayan Arts Studio in southeast Asia, Kechara Saraswati Arts (KSA) was established on October 11, 2006 by H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche to express our spirituality and bring Dharma to others through art. Named after their patron deity Saraswati, the Buddha of art and learning, KSA seeks to provide artistic services locally in Malaysia which was previously only available in Nepal, India and the Himalayas.

Rinpoche has always had a deep interest in Buddha images with the correct iconography, because they carry deeper meanings and aid higher learning. Regardless of whether it is to be worshipped or to become an ornamental conversation piece, Rinpoche firmly believes that everyone deserves to own a stunning spiritual item that will not only beautify their homes but will also bring immense blessings to their families and environment.

There is no doubt that Himalayan arts has carved its own space all around the world. Its distinctive beauty and artistry in portraying spirituality transcend time and place.

Like the teachings they embody, Himalayan works of art are adaptable through the ages and using a combination of modern materials and traditional techniques, Kechara Saraswati Arts (KSA) helps people to do just that.

At KSA, people can personalise their Buddha statues according to their style or taste. Through years of training with craftsmen who make art their daily living practice, KSA’s artisans can restore statues, teach people to paint a thangka, fill statues with holy mantras, or introduce visitors to the intricate art of beadwork and jewellery adornment.

Services:

• Mala stringing
• Brocading for thangkas
• Painting of statues
• Insertion of mantras into statues
• Sewing of clothes for statues
• Beading

LOCATION:

HISTORY OF KSA

Kechara Saraswati Arts (KSA) started out in Kechara Paradise (KP) SS2 with a few volunteers who were passionate about art. After squatting in KP for over a year, they moved to their own premises at No. 19, Jln SS2/75, Petaling Jaya on December 2, 2007. In 2010, KSA finally moved to its current premises in SunwayMas.

KECHARA SARASWATI ARTS STAFF

Paul Yap  (HOD)

Patricia Ng (full time)

Wong Choi Sheem (full time)

Go to top

KECHARA SOUP KITCHEN

INTRODUCTION

Kechara Soup Kitchen is a non-religious Community Action Group, which consists of volunteers distributing food to the homeless and urban poor in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, Malaysia.

Tagline:           “Hunger Knows No Barriers”

KSK Kuala Lumpur

The group’s long-term aspiration is to create centers in Kuala Lumpur which will provide suitable permanent soup kitchen facilities. KSK wishes to serve food to the needy and provide nurture and training to the homeless, transcending all barriers e.g.: race, religion, culture.

On weekdays from 11am to 1pm, volunteers gather at KSK premises (at Jalan Barat) to prepare and serve food from our kitchen. KSK also distributes food to the urban poor from its mobile kitchen van on weekdays. This takes place between 1:30pm and 2:30pm. In addition, KSK conducts a food distribution round on Saturday evenings starting at 9.30pm, known affectionately as the midnight round, when 750 homeless and urban poor people are served.

On average, 1,800 packs of halal vegetarian food consisting of biscuits, snacks, drinking water, fruits and hot food are distributed to the homeless each week. The volume of food currently distributed has more than doubled since the commencement of KSK’s services.

Kechara Soup Kitchen’s feeding routes cover the following areas:

• Imbi area
• Bukit Bintang
• Jalan Ipoh
• Sentul
• Petaling Street
• Pudu Raya
• Pudu Market
• Chow Kit
• Masjid Jamek Area
• Brickfields
• Old Klang Road
• Petaling Jaya

KSK Penang

Patsy and her team of dedicated volunteers now take to the streets every Monday night, distributing about 100 packets of vegetarian food per session. On Tuesdays to Fridays (6-7.30pm), KSK Penang serves 100 homeless from their premises located at 6 Halaman Ariffin, 10400 Penang.

Distribution

The KSK team in Penang distributes every Monday night, from 11pm to 12:30am. The weekly distribution in Georgetown covers:

• Lebuh Chulia
• Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
• Lebuh China
• Lebuh Bishop
• Lebuh Pantai
• Lebuh Kimberly
• Lebuh Carnavon
• Lebuh Leith
• Lebuh Armenian
• Jalan Transfer
• Jalan Clarke
• Jalan Penang
• Komtar Bus Terminal

LOCATION:

KSK Kuala Lumpur

Project Director

Chua Siong Woan

Mob: +6010 333 3260

Email: siongwoan.chua@kechara.com

KSK Penang

Center Director, Penang

Patsy Gooi

Mob: +6012 402 2992

Email: patsy.gooi@kechara.com

Website:          www.kechara.com/ksk

HISTORY OF KSK

Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) is inspired by His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, the Spiritual Guide of the Kechara organisation. As a young child, Tsem Rinpoche was often hungry and after years of physical and emotional abuse, he ran away from home when he was 15 years old. He made a harrowing journey across the United States, from New Jersey to Los Angeles.

Since this experience, Rinpoche has always donated food to the poor and encouraged others to do the same. In 2006, a group of Rinpoche’s students began to distribute food in the centre of Kuala Lumpur. Being mindful and respectful of others’ beliefs, KSK is strictly non-religious and does not discriminate in terms of race or culture. For this reason, our food is always halal.

As this group grew under the motto of “Hunger Knows No Barriers”, we began to realise that we had to be more structured in order to be more efficient. Therefore, a working core committee of volunteers was formed, to organise the allocation of volunteers for KSK’s routes, the raising of sponsorship and packing of food, amongst other duties.

On 11 August 2008, KSK had its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) as a registered society and a new committee was elected.

Starting in January 2010 with just fifteen packets of food, Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) in Penang was initiated by Patsy Gooi, a long-time student of His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and the outlet manager of Kechara Paradise Penang. Undeterred by this modest start, Patsy went the extra mile to look for more homeless clients on the streets of Georgetown.

Patsy’s efforts paid off, and the number of recipients has increased ever since. This increase has, in turn, attracted more volunteers to offer their help.

KSK COMMITTEE

Patron                                Y. Bhg. Datuk Dr. Victor Wee

President                           Dato’ Ruby Khong

Vice President                   Julia Tan

Secretary                           Karen Leu

Treasurer                           Chua Siong Woan

Committee Member         Wong Kwok Wai

Committee Member         Justin Cheah

Victor Phang

KSK staff

Assistant Project Director:            Khor Beng Kim

Administrative Executive:            Vivien Kong

Go to top

KECHARA SOUTHERN JEWEL CHAPEL

INTRODUCTION

KSJC was set up to spread H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s teachings, Lama Tsongkhapa’s tradition and Dharmapala Setrap’s practice to the people in south of Malaysia.

Its long-term goal is to create a Setrap Chapel in every district of Johor for cell groups and also for fund-raising purposes

Its activities are Setrap Puja every Sunday, 2pm-4pm and a Setrap tour in town during Chinese New Year.

LOCATION:

HISTORY OF KSJC

Kechara Southern Jewel Chapel (KSJC) was inspired by H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, who brought the practice of powerful Dharmapala Setrap from Gaden Shartse Monastery to Malaysia. The first Setrap chapel in Malaysia was established in Kechara House (KH), Petaling Jaya.

Several years ago, Rinpoche advised one of his long-time students, that since he has not really engaged in doing anything beneficial for anyone his whole life, he should build a Setrap Chapel to propagate Setrap’s practice in his hometown. This would enable many people to receive the benefits of Setrap’s practice and he could also dedicate this endeavour to his family and friends.

The chapel finally manifested as a result of kind sponsors.

The Setrap statue, exactly the same size and mould as the one which was originally housed in Kechara House (3ft) and now at KP Viva Home Mall, was invited from Petaling Jaya to 27, Jalan Maju 3, 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor, on Sunday, 23 December 2007.

After the two years were up, the KSJC moved to its present premises in Skudai.

KSJC Committee 2012

Regular Activities

• Dharma classes
• Animal Liberation
• Social care (visits to orphanages, old folks home, blood donation)
• Pujas to remove obstacles and for blessings

Go to top

KECHARA WORLD PEACE RETREAT CENTRE

INTRODUCTION

It has been a vision of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche for many years to have our own retreat centre and after many years of prayers, hard work, trust, devotion and blessings from the Three Jewels, Tsem Kachö Ling finally manifested in September 2007. We have successfully acquired 30 acres of prime land located at Malaysia’s Highlands, 45 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur. It is bounded by a lush of tropical forest and undulating natural terrain.

In April 2010, this department was renamed “Kechara World Peace Centre”, which was unanimously voted by majority of the liaisons to replace Tsem Kachö Ling in line with the organisation’s branding purposes.

Our Objectives

• To propagate Holy Lama Tsongkhapa’s blazing lineage that will bring tremendous benefit to many in this region.
• To be a Dharma educational institution for monastic training, to create local Dharma teachers and a Sangha community, to make Holy Buddha’s stainless doctrine shine forth and promote well-being.
• To have a place available for deep/higher practices and meditative pursuit for retreat pilgrims or individuals who are interested in their personal growth.
• To be a sacred landmark and a tourist attraction featuring the unique aesthetics of Tibetan architecture in beautiful Malaysia for both local and international visitors who can experience some aspects of the life and culture of Tibet and its mysteries.

In keeping with Rinpoche’s vision, KWPC is not only a spiritual centre but it will also strive to address social issues, animal welfare, and help the old and the sick who are not forgotten but taken care of in our spiritual quest.

Site Planning and Concept

The site will be a mixed development of educational, culture and eco-tourism, welfare and business disciplines.

The following zones have been identified:

Spiritual

This zone will house areas for worship, study, meditation and monastic training. The focal point is imposing a 118-foot indoor Lama Tsongkhapa statue in long life form called Je Tse-Zin-Ma.

Other features include:

• Big prayer hall
• Stupas for circumambulation
• Prayer wheels
• Vajrayogini, Dzambala and Setrap chapels
• Gallery and exhibition hall
• Retreat huts
• Tsem Mountain Ladrang
• Amphitheatre
• Tara Walk

Welfare

This area includes an orphanage, old folks home and an animal shelter to provide care and welfare for the less fortunate, neglected, sick, old and forgotten.

Commercial

This zone will be the source of revenue and tourist attraction. It will have commercial shops, accommodation and retreat rooms, art & culture workshop (KSA), eco farms, vegetarian restaurants, etc.

Funds 

Fund-raising will be done in tandem with the execution of the project. As advised by our Holy Dharma Protector, we are able to raise the estimated cost of RM100 million for this sacred project. What is critical is that everyone must work together and have teamwork, harmony and unity. The motivation must be compassion; then the Protector will give the blessings.

We are at the concept and planning stage, commencement of work will be as soon as we obtained necessary approvals from the relevant authorities.

HISTORY OF KWPC

In 2005 Rinpoche mentioned to a few students about a piece of land that would be suitable to build a retreat centre. Rinpoche described the land in his vision.

Rinpoche said he saw a long winding road on his left, with trees and underbrush, and it lead to a place where there is some development. He could not see clearly in front because of the trees. From the top he saw some white buildings, maybe two to three storey high. On the right, another winding road leads to a piece of land. In front of this land there is a small open clearing. On his right there is a slope with trees where the sun is shining. He saw a big statue of Lama Tsongkhapa sitting majestically in front of him, on the hill blessing the environment. Rinpoche said – This is where our retreat land will be. Also, there are big statues of Dzambala and Tara.

Rinpoche pointed out which direction the sun rises and sets from where he was and that the land would be in the northern direction in the Gombak area. Rinpoche added that this land is for people who want to do retreats. Many people are stressed nowadays from work, air and noise pollution. A retreat up in the mountains is a perfect getaway.

Rinpoche had talked often of buying a piece of land to build a retreat centre in Kuala Lumpur, and he wished to dedicate the retreat centre to the kind people and government of Malaysia.

In 2006, Datin Ng’s husband, Dato Ng decided to look for this piece of land. Dato and Datin Ng viewed several plots of land but found them unsuitable.

In April 2007, Datin Ng was asked by Rinpoche to head this special project of looking for the retreat land and she accepted. A few months later, amazingly, a piece of land was found, which had terrain that was exactly as described by Rinpoche.

As this first step was taken towards achieving Rinpoche’s vision of the retreat land, Rinpoche said to Henry then – we must work hard to make the retreat centre manifest. Let us leave a legacy behind for the benefit of future generations to come.

We are pioneers of Tantrayana Buddhism in Malaysia and it may be tough in the beginning but with faith, the wish to benefit and spread Dharma to Malaysians, hard work and perseverance, and with the Dharma Protector’s assistance, we can do it. Never give up.

LOCATION (Office):

KWPC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Datuk May Phng (HOD)

Dato’ Ruby Khong

Pastor Ngeow Voon Chin

Henry Ooi

JP Thong

KWPC STAFF:

Silvia Lew (PA to Datuk May)

Cheri Woo

Go to top

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