中文
Kechara Forest Retreat is home to the largest Dorje Shugden statue in the world. The statue, which depicts the peaceful form of the Enlightened World Peace Protector, stands at 24 feet (7.3 meters) in height. It is located inside Wisdom Hall, the main prayer and meditation hall which is large enough to fit 700 people.
Dorje Shugden is majestically enthroned alongside his complete entourage of 32 assistants, namely the Nine Dakini Mothers, Eight Guiding Monks and Ten Youthful and Wrathful Attendants, together with his two ministers, Kache Marpo and Setrap.
There are two special thrones to either side of Dorje Shugden. One special throne is dedicated to His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, the root teacher of our founder Tsem Rinpoche. It was Zong Rinpoche’s personal advice to Tsem Rinpoche to adopt the practice of Dorje Shugden back in 1983, an instruction that Tsem Rinpoche steadfastly held until he passed into clear light. This throne creates the causes for a continuous connection with H.H. Zong Rinpoche.
The other special throne is meant for Dorje Shugden when he takes trance in an oracle monk. Dorje Shugden has been taking full trance of specially-trained oracles for the last four hundred years. When the oracle takes trance of Dorje Shugden, he wears a special regalia. By tradition, Dorje Shugden’s regalia is also set up on the throne waiting for him. This throne with the regalia set up symbolises our wish for Dorje Shugden to always be near and for his oracles to visit.
Surrounding Dorje Shugden, elevated on the left and right side of the wall are holy lineage lamas who are closely connected to Kechara. The lineage lamas are extremely important as they bestow blessings and attainments to sincere practitioners.
Also within the walls of Wisdom Hall is Buddha Shakyamuni who is majestically seated in front of Dorje Shugden for the time being. This Buddha Shakyamuni statue will be officially escorted to our larger main prayer hall, when it has been built at the front of Kechara Forest Retreat’s land.
All the statues of enlightened beings in Wisdom Hall are consecrated with holy items and relics. Many mantras were also placed inside and blessed. An abundance of offerings is also made in Wisdom Hall daily.
Rinpoche envisioned Wisdom Hall as a chapel to the enlightened Protector Dorje Shugden, where his lineage, rituals, rites and traditions are preserved and practised. Every month, beautiful Dorje Shugden pujas with full rituals are performed here. This is also where our puja team performs traditional Tibetan Buddhist pujas every day, which are requested by members and visitors who are in need of spiritual assistance.
Additionally, Dharma talks, classes, meditations, and Buddhist activities such as blessings by Kechara pastors also take place regularly in Wisdom Hall. These pujas and activities are open to the public. If you prefer to experience Dorje Shugden’s peaceful and protective blessings on your own, you are welcome to spend as much time as you wish in contemplation and prayer.