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 1000 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 Kelsang currently divides his time between Europe and the USA, where he continues to teach and guide thousands of disciples.

Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong

Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the Spiritual Director of the NKT and the Resident Teacher at Manjushri KMC, 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 close 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.

Kelsang Chodor

Our Resident Teacher here at Maitreya Centre, is Kelsang Chodor, he is also Resident Teacher at Boddhisattva Centre in Brighton. For more information please have a look at Boddhisattva Centres website here

Other Teachers here at Maitreya Centre

All the other Teachers at Maitreya Centre and it's branches are sincerely studying Dharma and some are also resident at the Centre. They combine their studies with work, practice and teaching, bringing invaluable practical experience to their students.