The Animals at Kechara Forest Retreat

Every living being no matter how small or insignificant deserves a good life. Showing kindness and compassion to animals is one of the highest practices of unconditional love. This is because animals cannot repay our kindness in ways we may expect. Supporting animal care activities also creates the causes for long life — for the animals, for ourselves, and for the people to whom we dedicate prayers and merits.

“No living being is too small or insignificant for our compassion.” – Tsem Rinpoche

Inspired by Rinpoche, Kechara is committed to help and care for animals in any way we can including the abandoned, abused, sick and diseased — living creatures who have no one to turn to for help and survival.

Kechara Forest Retreat is home to more than 30 birds, many of which were rescued from dismal living conditions by our founder His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche. A purpose-built 4,000 sq ft walk-in aviary allows them to stretch their wings unencumbered, and live out the rest of their natural lives in a lush, spacious and stimulating environment, safe from harm and predators.

The retreat centre is also home to two tortoises and a number of cats and dogs, and every effort is made to feed, care and provide for our furry and feathered friends.

Not everyone has the space, resources or ability to care for animals like Rinpoche did. However, you can take the first step by contributing to our animal care initiatives. Your kind contribution will go towards their food, supplements, medical care, utilities and upkeep of facilities.

About Kechara Forest Retreat

“Since I was a young child, I wanted to create a place where people come together to live as one with nature, one with the earth; a place for healing, detoxification, contemplation, relaxation and retreat.

An international centre for meditation courses not based on religion but tapping into ourselves and our potential. A place for eco-living modelled on sustainability and growth.

This project is Kechara Forest Retreat and it will be a space to inspire the world to do the same in their own communities.”

– Tsem Rinpoche

Since our inception in 2012, Kechara Forest Retreat has grown to become a renowned Tibetan Buddhist Retreat and Wellness centre, known for result-focused spiritual and meditational programmes.

Our 35-acre centre in the exurban forest enclave of Bentong, Pahang is also a sacred ground, home to a pantheon of Tibetan deities and holy sites. It is here, amidst the lush verdant highlands that we impart a contemporary presentation of Buddhist teachings and practices, to bring you closer to Buddha’s wisdom in the Tibetan spiritual tradition.

Highlights

• World’s largest Dorje Shugden statue
• H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s Relic Temple and Stupa
• Medicine Buddha healing fountain
• Wish-fulfilling Gyenze chapel
• Walk-in aviary
• Magadha Sangmo cafe
• Dharma store + flea market
• Comfortable guesthouses