Highlights
Divine therapy
@ Kechara Forest Retreat
Welcome to a sacred ground where all are embraced with kindness and compassion.
At the tranquil foothills of a tropical forest, resides a place that heals, nourishes and enlightens life naturally and spiritually. Here at Kechara Forest Retreat (KFR), Tibetan Buddhist deities bestow eons of blessings to those seeking solace in divine powers.
All are welcome to visit their peaceful abodes, say a prayer, light a candle and make offerings. Show your reverence to the enlightened beings and be cleansed from past wrongdoings, protected from misfortunes and accumulate infinite blessings.
Meditate and contemplate in their celestial presence. And feel that stress ebb away as you retreat to their sacred grounds, surrounded by serene meadows and pristine greens. Take a leisurely stroll, sit, relax and immerse your mind, body, and spirit into the harmonious vibes and calming sounds of the ancient forest. Both nature and the divine will restore your physical and spiritual equilibrium to perfect balance.
Take this opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhism and its distinctively rich culture, history and traditions. Here at Kechara Forest Retreat, time-tested spiritual teachings and practices* are preserved and presented in a modern context, to resonate with all layers of local and global communities. Each day, the inner workings of an ancient spiritual awakening comes to life on this sacred ground through prayers, rituals, dharma talks, meditational retreats and more.
A visit here will have you feeling blessed, renewed and rejuvenated.
World’s Largest Dorje Shugden Statue
Magnificently standing at 24-feet tall is the benevolent Dorje Shugden. A Tibetan guardian deity, he is regarded as the ‘World Peace Protector’ who has swiftly helped many. Embrace his peaceful protective vibes and powerful blessings known to quickly grant wishes.
What can I do here: Pray, Prostrate, Meditate, Circumambulate, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Make Offerings
Medicine Buddha Healing Fountain
Drink from the healing fountain flowing with spiritual remedies and energised by semi-precious stones blessed by Medicine Buddha, Dorje Shugden and Tibetan high lamas. The blessed water heals the body, clears the mind and makes your aura and space more positive. It also heals pets and helps with recovery. Our handy-sized craft bottles are available for you to collect and bring this powerful healing water anywhere you go.
What can I do here: Pray, Circumambulate, Offer a Mantra Stone, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Drink the Healing Water
Gyenze Chapel
Follow in the footsteps of our local Bentong folk and make a prayer to this special 5-ft wish-fulfilling statue. Visitors from all over Malaysia flock here to receive Gyenze’s blessings for wealth, health and success. Located at the entrance of KFR, the Gyenze Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Do visit him at your convenience to help you in your hour of need. Various offering items and educational prayer materials are freely available including incense and candles of assorted sizes.
What can I do here: Pray, Offer Incense, Candles, Fruits or Food, Watch a Video
Wisdom Hall
Our 11,000 sq. ft. contemporary prayer and meditation hall fuses minimalist architecture with Tibetan monastic traditions. The tranquil and peaceful surroundings create the ideal environment for meditations, retreats, teachings and even a wedding or two. The largest Dorje Shugden statue in the world takes up residence here.
What can I do here: Pray, Prostrate, Circumambulate, Meditate, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Read a Sutra, Make Offerings
Holy Walk
Go on a self-guided tour along tranquil walk paths amidst beautifully manicured grounds. Over 10 holy sites, each with exquisite Tibetan-style Buddhas and other monuments based on the Tibetan tradition, bestow blessings, protection and grant wishes.
Dorje Shugden
The 9-ft outdoor statue of this Dharma Protector grants swift assistance, opportunities, wealth, health, protection, wisdom and blessings.
What can I do here: Pray, Meditate, Circumambulate, Offer a Mantra Stone, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Offer Candles & Incense
Buddha Shakyamuni
A 13-ft beautifully seated indoor sculpture of the historical Buddha, who founded Buddhism as a spiritual tradition and a way of life.
What can I do here: Pray, Prostrate, Circumambulate, Meditate, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Read a Sutra, Make Offerings
Lama Tsongkhapa
An 8-ft outdoor statue of the ‘Second Buddha’ who brings wisdom, wealth, protection and harmony, and heals depression and negative emotions.
What can I do here: Pray, Prostrate, Meditate, Circumambulate, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Offer Candles & Incense
Vajrayogini Stupa
A traditional 15-ft Tibetan monument in the ‘Stupa of Enlightenment’ style. It is filled with billions of sacred images, scriptures, mantras and holy items, constructed by Himalayan artisans, and consecrated with authentic rituals and prayers by senior Tibetan lamas from Gaden Monastery.
What can I do here: Pray, Meditate, Prostrate, Circumambulate, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Offer a Mantra Stone, Offer Candles & Incense
Buddha Nageshvaraja
One of the 35 Confessional Buddhas who purifies heavy negative karma, protects from lower rebirths and pacifies harm caused by nagas.
What can I do here: Pray, Circumambulate, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Offer a Candle
Tsem Rinpoche’s Cabin
The original residence where H.E. Tsem Rinpoche lived, worked, meditated, and engaged in pujas to bless the land during KFR’s early development, making the cabin a repository of spiritual energy and a powerful pilgrimage spot. Originally located on the site of what is now Dukkar Apartments, the interior of the cabin has been preserved exactly as it was when Rinpoche lived here from May 2012 to April 2013.
What can I do here: Pray, Meditate, Prostrate, Circumambulate, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Offer Candles & Incense
Four-Armed Manjushri
Located atop Manjushri Hill, this stunning statue of the Buddha of Wisdom brings academic success, clarity of mind, improved memory, increased focus, powerful speech, and insightful wisdom. Highly recommended for children.
What can I do here: Pray, Meditate, Circumambulate, Offer a Mantra Stone, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Read a Sutra, Offer a Candle
Green Tara
This extremely popular female Buddha is quick to grant help, success, and protection. Recommended for expectant mothers and those wishing to bear children. Nearby is Tara Walk with statues of the 21 Taras for the practice of Walking Meditation.
What can I do here: Pray, Meditate, Circumambulate, Offer a Mantra Stone, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Read a Sutra, Offer a Candle
Loma Gyonma
The healing deity who is very effective to heal and protect against illnesses, especially contagious diseases, and epidemics.
What can I do here: Pray, Meditate, Circumambulate, Offer a Mantra Stone, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Read a Sutra, Offer a Candle
Manjushri Nagaraksha
This special form of Manjushri protects against harm caused by nagas especially skin problems, and brings healing and peace.
What can I do here: Pray, Meditate, Circumambulate, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Read a Sutra, Offer a Candle
There’s more to KFR…
Apart from being home to the world’s largest Dorje Shugden statue and an enriching Tibetan Buddhist culture, where religious pilgrimages are part of its tradition, KFR is also a haven for rescued animals. The birds at the Aviary and our Koi Fish love company. Not limited to animals, we advocate unconditional love for the entire environment, hence you may want to peruse our list of initiatives and activities that cultivate conscious communities with the concept of sustainable living.
Fish Pond
Rescued fish swim in a crystal-clear pond around a statue of Dream Manjushri, a rare form of the Buddha of Wisdom that appeared to Rinpoche in a vivid dream. The lush gardens and secluded gazebos are ideal for quiet reflection and meditation.
What can I do here: Meditate at the Gazebo, Pray, Circumambulate, Spin a Hand-held Prayer Wheel, Read a Sutra
The Aviary
Say hello to the inquisitive birds in our 4,000 sq ft walk-in aviary, including four sulphur-crested cockatoos and three African grey parrots rescued from dismal living conditions. The adjacent 720 sq ft Recovery Aviary serves as a home for newly rescued birds, and those recuperating from illnesses. Animals have a very special place in Rinpoche’s heart and every effort is made to care and provide for our furry and feathered friends wherever Rinpoche lives.
The Farm
Experience first-hand the interconnectedness of earth, rain, sun and seed when you live in harmony with nature. Our farm and nursery provides vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers for our community of residents, and sells excess produce to sustain its operations. Get your hands dirty by becoming a regular farm volunteer or simply partake of the bounteous harvest at our cafe.
Magadha Sangmo Café
Located on the ground floor of Dukkar Apartments, Magadha Sangmo Café is open to public from Tuesday to Sunday (10.00 am – 5.00 pm). We offer a selection of flavourful vegetarian dishes prepared by our talented in-house chef. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, so you can relax in the dining area, on armchairs in the lounge, or outdoors in the picnic area.
The Café is named after our founder’s first incarnation — a female disciple of the Buddha.
* Our meals are meat-free, and you can ask for Buddhist-friendly options if you’re on a retreat or strict Buddhist diet.
Retail Therapy
Bring home the enlightening experience in Tibetan Buddhist style. VajraSecrets and the Flea Market carry all the latest exclusive souvenirs. Select from a range of blessed protection amulets, Tibetan-inspired jewelleries, spiritual books, Himalayan home décor to other exquisite items that make a spiritually lovely memento or gift.