Spiritual Founder
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism. From the age of eight, Venerable Geshe-la studied extensively in the great monastic universities of Tibet and earned the title ‘Geshe’, meaning ‘spiritual friend’. Under the guidance of his Spiritual Guide, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, he spent the next 18 years in meditation retreats in the Himalayas. In 1977 he accepted an invitation to teach at Manjushri KMC in England, where he lived and taught until 2009, giving teachings and guidance to an ever-growing group of disciples.
Having formally retired as Spiritual Director, now in his nineties, Venerable Geshe-la continues to work tirelessly to spread Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world. He has published a series of remarkable books on Buddhism and meditation, established over 1200 centres and groups around the world, trained hundreds of qualified Kadampa Teachers and created a project to build Buddhist Temples in every major city in the world.
General Spiritual Director
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the General Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU and the Resident Teacher at Manjushri KMC, the Mother Center of Kadampa Buddhism. Gen-la Dekyong has studied and practised Kadampa Buddhism for many years under the guidance of her Spiritual Guide, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. She is a perfect example of a Kadampa Teacher and her humour and kindness exemplify the essence of the Buddhist way of life. Each year, Gen-la Dekyong teaches at the International Festivals, National Festivals, and Dharma Celebrations throughout the world where she inspires thousands of disciples with her pure example and wisdom.
DEPUTY GENERAL SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
Gen-la Kelsang Jampa
Gen-la Jampa is an internationally renowned, ordained Buddhist teacher and the Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition. As a senior teacher of the NKT, Gen-la Jampa has been a student of Venerable Geshe-la for many years, and under Venerable Geshe-la’s guidance has taught at many centres and events around the world. Gen-la Jampa is well-loved for his clear and inspiring teachings and his ability to touch people’s hearts through his sincerity and loving-kindness.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
Kadam Bridget Heyes
Kadam Bridget Heyes is the National Spiritual Director of the UK and the resident teacher of Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre in Northamptonshire. She is a senior teacher of the NKT and has been a student of Venerable Geshe-la for over 30 years. Her down-to-earth teachings and joyful example are an inspiration to all. As well as regular courses at Nagarjuna Centre, Kadam Bridget also teaches at various National Dharma Celebrations throughout the year.
Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. We all wish for world peace, but world peace will never be achieved unless we first establish peace within our own minds.
