Meditation Teachers

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

The Founder of the New Kadampa Tradition is the highly respected meditation master and scholar Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

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 fulfil the wishes of those who wish 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 20 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.

Geshe-la has taught recently at Festivals.

Venerable Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong
is an Irish nun and senior disciple of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

She is the General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition and 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.

The National Spiritual Director of the UK is Kadam Bridget Heyes. She is a senior disciple of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and is the Resident Teacher at Nagarjuna Centre in Northamptonshire.

Gen Kelsang Chönden is the Resident Teacher at Amitabha Centre. A monk for sixteen years, and senior disciple of Geshe Kelsang, his stable experience of the meaning of Buddha's teachings, and warm heart, is an inspiration to all who know him.

contact him at   rt(AT)meditationinbristolDOTorg

All the other Teachers at Amitabha Centre and it's 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.