Modern Kadampa Buddhism

Our Founder

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

The Founder of Modern Kadampa Buddhism is Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, a world-renowned meditation master who holds the very essence of Buddha’s teachings in his heart.

Venerable Geshe-la (as he is affectionately called by his students) transmits this profound wisdom and compassion to the people of the modern world in very practical ways through the extremely accessible methods of modern Kadampa Buddhism, which he introduced.

A Life Of Dedication

After engaging in the traditional trainings of a monk from a young age in Tibet, Venerable Geshe-la withdrew to remote areas in Tibet and India to engage in meditative retreats.

During these retreats he received many signs and visions in which Je Tsongkhapa appeared to him and clarified all the essential teachings of Sutra and Tantra, and especially the Ganden Oral Lineage.

It was during these retreats that Venerable Geshe-la formed an especially close connection with the people of this world and made a lifelong dedication to helping us find lasting peace and happiness through the teachings of Buddha.

Then in 1977 Venerable Geshe-la accepted an invitation to become the Resident Teacher at the fledgling Manjushri Centre in the UK.

International Teacher

Venerable Geshe-la is a truly international Teacher who presents Buddha’s teachings in ways that anyone, regardless of nationality, culture, gender or age can easily understand their meaning and apply them to their modern daily life.

Today, many thousands of people around the world are experiencing the immense, practical benefits of applying his life-transforming teachings.

Scientific Methods To Accomplish Inner Peace

Born in Tibet in 1931 and ordained a Buddhist monk at the age of eight, Geshe Kelsang then studied extensively in the great monastic universities of Tibet and earned the title “Geshe”, which literally means “spiritual friend”, under the guidance of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, his Spiritual Guide. After leaving Tibet in 1959, he spent the next eighteen years in meditation retreats in the Himalayan region and northern India.

Since 1977, when he accepted an invitation to become Resident Teacher at Manjushri Centre in the UK, he has given thousands of teachings, composed twenty-three widely acclaimed books on Buddhism and meditation, established over 1,300 meditation centres, trained hundreds of qualified teachers and developed practical study and meditation programs to suit the needs of the modern world.

In short, he has dedicated his entire life to laying the foundation for modern Kadampa Buddhism to flourish throughout the world in this and future generations.

Our Centre is one of the developments that have arisen from the compassionate intention and extraordinary vision of this remarkable being.

Our General Spiritual Director

Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong

Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) and the Resident Teacher at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre , the Mother Centre of Kadampa Buddhism. Gen-la has studied and practised Kadampa Buddhism for many years under the guidance of her Spiritual Guide Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

As one of Venerable Geshe Kelsang’s close disciples, Gen-la Dekyong is known for her heartfelt teachings, humour and kindness which exemplify the essence of the Buddhist way of life. She is a perfect example of a Kadampa Teacher. Each year, Gen-la Dekyong teaches at International Festivals, National Festivals, and Dharma Celebrations throughout the world.

Our Deputy Spiritual Director

Gen-la Kelsang Jampa

Gen-la Kelsang Jampa is the Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) and Resident Teacher at International Kadampa Retreat Centre Grand Canyon. He is an American Buddhist monk dedicated to helping people solve their daily problems by developing the capacity of their mind through the practice of meditation and modern Buddhism.

Gen-la Jampa has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years. Under Geshe-la’s guidance, he has taught at many Centres and events internationally. Gen-la is well-loved for his clear and inspiring teachings, and his ability to touch people’s hearts through his sincerity and loving-kindness.

Our National Spiritual Director

GEN-LA KELSANG KUNSANG

Internationally renowned Buddhist nun and senior teacher in the New Kadampa Tradition, Gen-la Kelsang Kunsang is highly experienced and well-respected teacher.

Gen-la Kunsang has been a close disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than 30 years. She is also the National Spiritual Director for the NKT in South Africa, Italy, Austria and Switzerland, as well as being the resident teacher in Madhyamaka KMC, England. Gen-la demonstrates an inspirational example of a modern-day Kadampa practitioner, and her teachings are powerful and clear.

Our Resident Teacher

Gen Kelsang Mila

As a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Gen Kelsang Mila is a modern – day Kadampa Nun and the resident teacher of Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Centre. She has been a student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for 19 years and ordained for thirteen years. Her teachings are always practical and easy to apply to everyday life.