Spiritual Directors of the New Kadampa Tradition
Our Founder, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche founded the New Kadampa Tradition in England in 1991. After coming to the West in 1977, he transmitted all the essential teachings and practices of Modern Kadampa Buddhism and provided training and support for hundreds of modern teachers to carry this living lineage into future generations. Geshe Kelsang formally retired as Spiritual Director, in 2009, but he continued for many years to work tirelessly to spread the precious teachings of Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world with the intention that each and every living being will eventually experience the supreme permanent mental peace of enlightenment. Geshe Kelsang passed away in the fall of 2022 at Manjushri Centre in the UK, the spiritual home of the New Kadampa Tradition.
Although Geshe Kelsang Gyatso retired as the General Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU in 2009, he continued to work tirelessly for the flourishing of Kadam Dharma throughout the world. He wrote new books, updated previous books, and continued to oversee the establishment of new Dharma Centers as well as the development of International Temples. His last two public teachings occurred at the opening of the Temple in Brazil, 2010, and the opening of the Temple in Portugal, 2013.
Venerable Geshe-la’s message is as simple as it is profound – all the problems in this world originate in the mind, and the solutions to these problems and the causes of lasting peace and happiness are also to be found in the mind. In his teachings, Geshe Kelsang emphasizes the importance of meditation and how to apply it in daily life, how to be truly happy, and how to cultivate a good heart to help others. He demonstrated these qualities perfectly in his own life, inspiring many people from many different countries. He was a humble Buddhist monk dedicated to helping people throughout the world find true happiness.
General Spiritual Director, Gen-la Kelsang Jampa
Gen-la Jampa is an internationally renowned, ordained Buddhist teacher and the General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU).
As a senior NKT teacher, Gen-la Jampa has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years, and under Geshe-la's guidance has taught at many centers and events around the world.
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.
Deputy Spiritual Director, Gen-la Kelsanng Sangden
Gen-la Sangden is the Deputy Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU, and is the National Spiritual Director of Kadampa Buddhism in Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua and Peru, and the Resident Teacher at KMC Mexico.
She is admired by many for her good example and her loving and clear advice. She has practised and taught Kadampa Buddhism for over 25 years.