Buddha Shakyamuni

The founder of Buddhism in this world was Buddha Shakyamuni who lived and taught in India some two and a half thousand years ago. Since then millions of people around the world have followed the pure spiritual path he revealed.

Buddha explained that all our problems and suffering arise from confused and negative states of mind, and all our happiness and good fortune arise from peaceful and positive states of mind. He taught methods for gradually overcoming minds such as anger, jealousy, and ignorance; and developing positive minds such as love, compassion, and wisdom. Through this we will come to experience lasting peace and happiness. These methods work for anyone, in any country, of any age. Once we have gained experience of them for ourselves we can pass them on to others so they, too, can enjoy the same benefits.

The Buddhist way of life – peace, loving-kindness, and wisdom – is as relevant today as when Buddha appeared in ancient India.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

The founder of modern Kadampa Buddhism is Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, affectionately known as Venerable Geshe-la, a world-renowned meditation master and Teacher. He inspired thousands of people around the world to apply the pure teachings of Buddha to their modern lives to solve their problems and discover deep, lasting inner peace and happiness. Today, the legacy of his work touches the lives of people of all nationalities and cultures.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche devoted his entire life to making the pure teachings of Buddha available in a modern form to people throughout the world. Now Venerable Geshe-la’s followers, holding him at their hearts, continue his work with auspicious projects in every region of the world.

Read about Venerable Geshe-la’s life >
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong
General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition

Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is a modern Buddhist nun dedicated to helping people from all walks of life attain lasting happiness through developing inner peace. She’s the Principal Resident Teacher at Manjushri KMC and International Retreat Center and has been a student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for more than thirty years. Gen-la has inspired thousands of people through her sincere reliance on her Spiritual Guide, her tireless dedication to helping Kadam Dharma flourish throughout the world, and her clear and accessible teachings.

Gen-la Kelsang Jampa
Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition

Gen-la Kelsang Jampa is the Resident Teacher at International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon. He is dedicated to helping people solve their daily problems by developing the capacity of their minds through the practice of meditation and modern Buddhism. 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.

Kadam Morten Clausen
Eastern US National Spiritual Director

Kadam Morten is the Resident Teacher at the Kadampa Meditation Center New York City.

Gen Kelsang Demo
Midwest US National Spiritual Director

Gen Demo is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Washington DC.

Gen Kelsang Rigpa
Western US National Spiritual Director

Gen Rigpa is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Hollywood.

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