Kechara’s journey began in 1992, when our Spiritual Guide H.E. Tsem Rinpoche was sent to Malaysia from Gaden Shartse Monastery in South India.

Rinpoche had been requested by his Gurus to raise funds for his monastery, Gaden Shartse, by giving Dharma teachings. Working tirelessly, Rinpoche raised thousands of dollars to rebuild Phukhang Khangtsen’s accommodation and returned to Gaden in 1993.

Pukhang Khangtsen's monk accommodation... rebuilt!

Rinpoche then remained in Gaden, continuing to serve his Gurus and engage in extended retreats. However, during his short time in Malaysia, Rinpoche had already gathered a group of students in the region. Many Malaysians would write to him or visit the monastery, requesting him to return to Malaysia and continue to turn the Wheel of Dharma.

Rinpoche received many visitors at the monastery

After repeated requests for further teachings, Rinpoche returned to Malaysia and opened Kechara Paradise (KP) SS2, the first Dharma outlet, in 2000. This was accomplished with the help of Dato’ Eric Tan, Rinpoche’s long-time friend and sponsor. Envisioned to be a modern temple for modern people, KP was a Dharma store providing materials, information and support to people new to Buddhism and the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Kechara Paradise SS2 in 2003…

For the next two years, Rinpoche would continue to give occasional teachings at KP and other more informal locations. Inspired by Rinpoche’s wish to spread Lama Tsongkhapa’s lineage in Malaysia, his students also opened their homes to hold regular pujas and in 2001, founded Kechara House Buddhist Association (KHBA).

However, the increasing number of students attending teachings gave rise to a need for a more permanent location where Rinpoche could give teachings. In 2002, in memory of the passing of her mother, one of his students organised regular teachings at a rented premise called Tara House in Kelana Jaya. KECHARA would be based in Tara House for the next two years until September 2004, when the present premise known as Kechara House 1 (KH1) was opened to the public. Three years later, in September 2007, KECHARA opened its branch known as KH2 (Buddha Oasis).

Kechara House 2, established in 2007

Today, Kechara is a dynamic organization with 13 departments and continues to go from strength to strength. From arts and crafts in Kechara Saraswati Arts, to feeding programs at Kechara Soup Kitchen, to contributing to media and publications in Kechara InMotion and Kechara Media & Publications, and many more, each department in Kechara is unique and provides different opportunities for every individual to begin their own spiritual journey.

Below is a summary of the significant moments in Kechara’s history: