Venerable Geshe

Kelsang Gyatso

Founder of the New Kadampa 
Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher and author of Buddhism. Geshe-la, as he is affectionately called 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 and earned the title ‘Geshe’, which literally means ‘spiritual friend’. Under the guidance of his Spiritual Guide, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, 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 has lived and taught ever since, giving teachings and guidance to an ever-growing group of disciples.

Over the years he has published a series of remarkable books on Buddhism and meditation, from basic introductory books to the most advanced practices that lead directly to enlightenment.

Geshe-la has established three unique study programs and 1400 centers and groups around the world. He has also trained hundreds of qualified Teachers, including a flourishing ordained community, and created a project to build Buddhist Temples in every major city in the world.

In his books Geshe Kelsang emphasizes the importance of meditation and how to transform even the most mundane activities into the spiritual path.

In August of 2009, Geshe-la retired as General Spiritual Director and no longer gives regular teachings and empowerments. This duty is now fulfilled by the current General Spiritual Director and Deputy Spiritual Director, who lead the International Kadampa Festivals. Thousands of people from all over the world attend these events.