The largest Dorje Shugden statue in the world

It is a known fact that many Dorje Shugden lamas, Gelugpa or otherwise, have opted to lay low with their practice ever since the ban on Dorje Shugden was enforced in 1996. However, in recent months, a number of lamas have either revealed their practice or reconnected with other practitioners.

In late 2014, H.E. Zasep Rinpoche, who had been relatively low key about his practice, attended the opening of Gaden Khachoe Shing in Bloomington, Indiana, a Buddhist monastery under the spiritual direction of the Venerable Kuten (Choijin) Lama. While in early 2015, another lama, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche began teaching extensively about Dorje Shugden’s practice on his blog and other online platforms.

H.E. Tsem Rinpoche has since become progressively more vocal about Dorje Shugden’s practice and the social impact of the ban. He has also unveiled the largest Dorje Shugden statue in the world! The massive 24ft statue is housed in Kechara Forest Retreat, an hour’s drive from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

This retreat center is the latest initiative of Kechara, a Buddhist organization founded by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche in the year 2000. Over the span of 15 years, Kechara has established its presence in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Nepal and USA, upholding the precious lineage of Je Tsongkapa through methods both traditional and contemporary. Alongside its efforts to encourage the growth of Buddhadharma through publications, art, multimedia and the Internet, Kechara is also focused on various charitable works in the local community.

H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche

History

What would eventually become Kechara Forest Retreat

Rinpoche and a group of us went to view a few pieces of land identified by our search party … The last piece of land to view was along Jalan Chamang, Bentong. We stood on the outside of the land and everyone of us liked it.

Then Rinpoche asked for a sign from our Protector. Without overhead clouds nor lightning and thunder, large drops of rain fell on precisely where we’re standing and then there was no more rain. That was the sign from our Protector.
~ Datuk May Phng, President of Kechara

In early 2012, H.E. Tsem Rinpoche and his students set out in search of a piece of land that would eventually house a retreat center from which the lineage and teachings of Je Tsongkapa’s tradition would spread. On that fateful day and on numerous other occasions, many auspicious portents were noted, including drizzles of rain, rainbows, and even an anonymous yet prophetic postcard.

A postcard from an anonymous Mongolian lama, which closely resembled Kechara Forest Retreat.

Kechara Forest Retreat in the early days. The uncanny resemblance is indicative of its potential in furthering Lama Tsongkapa’s lineage and tradition.

Through sheer effort, dedication and the blessings of Dorje Shugden, remarkable progress in the acquisition of land and construction of the initial phases of the retreat center was achieved in less than two years. Today, residents and visitors to Kechara Forest Retreat can enjoy its contemporary facilities including:

• Wisdom Hall (Main prayer hall and protector chapel)
• Tara Walk (Walking meditation path)
• Manjushri Hill (Majestic stone statue of 4-armed Manjushri)
• Vajrayogini Stupa
• The Aviary and Organic Farm
• Dukkar Apartments (Guest accommodation)

Images of Dorje Shugden’s 32-deity entourage

Dorje Shugden pujas are performed monthly according to traditon

Statues of the lineage lamas are prominently displayed in the protector chapel

Throne for the oracle of Dorje Shugden

A chapel to Gyenze or Ratna Shugden, the increase form of Dorje Shugden

We at DorjeShugden.com extend our gratitude to H.E. Tsem Rinpoche for his great works in spearheading the growth of Dorje Shugden’s practice and the Buddhadharma, and bringing it to greater heights. May he live long to continue his activities to spread the teachings of Je Tsongkhapa throughout the world.

How To Get There

Kechara Forest Retreat
Jalan Chamang
Bentong
Pahang
Malaysia

Phone: +603 7803 3908
Website: retreat.kechara.com
Email: retreat@kechara.com

More Pictures of Kechara Forest Retreat

Kechara Forest Retreat in Bentong, Malaysia

The main prayer hall in Kechara Forest Retreat which is home to the 24ft Dorje Shugden statue

The imposing 24ft Dorje Shugden statue, the largest in the world

Lama Tsongkhapa in a long life form

Vajrayogini Stupa

Four-armed Manjushri

Dukkar Apartments

The aviary

Plans for further expansion are underway