Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism. Geshe-la, as he is affectionately known by his students, is primarily responsible for the worldwide revival of Kadampa Buddhism in our time.
From the age of eight Geshe-la studied extensively in the great monastic universities of Tibet earning the title ‘Geshe’, which literally means ‘spiritual friend’. Under the guidance of Trijang Rinpoche, his Spiritual Guide, 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 for many years. Geshe-la works tirelessly to spread Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world, and has published a series of renowned books on Buddhism and meditation. He has established over 1000 meditation centres globally, trained numerous qualified teachers (lay and ordained), and founded ‘The International Temples Project’ bringing authentic Buddhist temples to the world’s major cities.
In his teachings, Geshe Kelsang emphasises the importance of meditation and how to apply it to daily modern life, also the need to be truly happy, and how to cultivate a good heart to help others. He demonstrates these qualities perfectly in his own life. This remarkable teacher successfully inspires countless people from many different countries because he teaches from example. He is a humble Buddhist monk dedicated to helping people throughout the world find genuine and lasting happiness.
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong
Originally from Northern Ireland, Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition and the Resident Teacher at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, the Mother Center of Kadampa Buddhism.
Gen-la has studied and practiced Kadampa Buddhism for many years under the guidance of her Spiritual Guide Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
As one of Venerable Geshe Kelsang’s closest disciples, Gen-la Dekyong’s teachings, humour and kindness 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 the International Festivals, National Festivals, and Dharma Celebrations throughout the world.
Gen Kelsang Chitta
Our Principal Teacher Gen Kelsang Chitta is a student of Tibetan Buddhist master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for 17 years, and has been guiding classes and retreats in Northern Ireland for the last 10 years. Gen Chitta offers gentle meditation guidance and clear wisdom of ancient Buddhist practice in a way that is suitable for everyone of any age, background or belief.
Ian McGlade
Having attended Kadampa Meditation Centre for many years, as well as many residential retreats internationally and an extensive teacher training programme Ian will bring the inspirations of his experiences through to everyone attending his sessions. Ian is now Resident Teacher at Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Centre Derry/ Londonderry.
Bronagh Best
A long term student of Heruka Kadampa Meditation Centre London and Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Centre Derry/ Londonderry, Bronagh kindly volunteers her spare time to prepare and offer Meditation classes at our Derry/ Londonderry centre.
For more information please contact us here.