The Founder of the New Kadampa Tradition
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche was a fully accomplished meditation Master and internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism.
Geshe-la, as he is affectionately called by his students, was primarily responsible for the worldwide revival of Kadampa Buddhism in our time. From the age of eight he studied extensively in the great monastic universities of Tibet and earned the title ‘Geshe’, which literally means ‘spiritual friend’. Under the guidance of his Spiritual Guide, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, he then spent the next eighteen years in meditation retreats in the Himalayas.
In 1977 he accepted an invitation to teach at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in England where he lived and taught for many years. Having formally retired as Spiritual Director, he continues to work tirelessly to spread Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world. He has published a series of unique books on Buddhism and meditation, established over 1200 Centres and groups around the world and trained hundreds of qualified Teachers.
Venerable Geshe-la is remembered and honoured as a humble Buddhist monk dedicated to helping people throughout the world find true happiness in their hearts.
The New Kadampa Tradition
The New Kadampa Tradition ~ International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) is an association of over 1200 Buddhist Centres and groups that derive their inspiration from the example of the ancient Kadampa Masters and their teachings, as presented to the modern world by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
The General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition
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.
The Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition and the Canadian National 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), the Canadian National Spiritual Director 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.
Resident Teacher at Atisha Buddhist Centre
Tom Sepp
Tom Sepp has been an enthusiastic student of Dharma and meditation for many years, studying with the Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and participating in the New Kadampa Tradition’s teacher training programs. He has been the Resident Teacher of Atisha Buddhist Centre for ten years.
The Kadampa Lineage
