Geshe Kelsang Gyatso ~ Founder of the New Kadampa Tradition

Geshe Kelsang is a highly respected meditation master and scholar. Born in Tibet in 1932 and ordained a Buddhist monk at the age of eight, he studied Buddhism deeply under many highly qualified Teachers, in particular Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. After leaving Tibet in 1959, he spent the next eighteen years mainly emphasising meditation retreat in various locations in the Himalayan region and northern India. In 1977, he accepted an invitation from Manjushri Buddhist Centre in Ulverston, England, to take up residence as their Spiritual Teacher, and in 1982 he became a naturalised British citizen.

Since arriving in the UK, Geshe Kelsang has worked tirelessly to establish Buddhadharma in the West and to fulfill the wishes of those who desire to practise Buddhism. During these years he has given extensive teachings on major Mahayana Buddhist scriptures. These teachings, which are exceptionally clear and easy to understand, have been published as 21 highly acclaimed books that bridge perfectly the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and contemporary life. He has established three unique study programmes and over 1200 centres and groups around the world, trained qualified teachers and a flourishing ordained community, and created a project to build Buddhist temples in every major city in the world.

In his teachings Geshe Kelsang emphasises the importance of meditation and how to apply it in daily life, the need to be truly happy, and how to cultivate a good heart to help others – and he demonstrates these qualities perfectly in his own life. This remarkable teacher inspires so many people from so many different countries because he teaches from example. He is a humble Buddhist monk dedicated to helping people throughout the world find true happiness in their hearts.

Gen-la Dekyong ~ General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition

Gen-la Dekyong is a Western nun and senior disciple of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. She regularly gives meditation courses in many countries throughout the world as well as being the Resident Teacher at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in Cumbria. Gen-la Dekyong is an inspiring teacher who has been studying and practising Buddhism for many years. Her sincerity in putting Buddha’s teachings into practise in her own life and her compassion for others make her a perfect example of a modern Buddhist practitioner. Through her teachings and her example she is able to help others attain inner peace and happiness through following the Buddhist path.

Kadam Bridget Hayes – National Spiritual Director of the UK

Kadam Bridget is a senior disciple of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and is the Resident Teacher at Nagarjuna Centre in Northamptonshire. As a wife and mother of two children she shows an inspiring example of how to intergrate Buddha’s teachings into daily life.

Gen Kelsang Chonden ~ Resident Teacher at Amitabha Buddhist Centre

A monk for eighteen years, and senior disciple of Geshe Kelsang, his stable experience of the meaning of Buddha’s teachings, and warm heart, are an inspiration to all who know him.

All the other Teachers at Amitabha Centre and its branches are sincerely studying Dharma and many are also resident at the Centre. They combine their studies with work, practice and teaching, bringing invaluable practical experience to their students.