Our Founder
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Venerable Geshe-la has devoted his entire life to the learning and then flourishing of Buddhist teachings throughout the world. After coming to the West in 1977, he worked very hard to establish a modern presentation of the Kadampa lineage of teachings. His presentation retains all the meanings and insights of Buddha’s original teachings, in a format that is accessible and suitable for modern-day practitioners. Through his great kindness everyone – regardless of nationality, culture, age or gender – now has the opportunity to practice scientifically proven methods for solving the problems of daily life that ultimately lead to true and lasting happiness.
He has established three unique study programs and over 1400 Centers and branches 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 emphasizes 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. He not only demonstrates these qualities perfectly in his own life, he inspires so many people from so many different countries because he teaches by example. He is a humble Buddhist monk dedicated to helping people throughout the world find true happiness.
Spiritual Directors
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong
General Spiritual Director
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) 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 Rinpoche. As one of Venerable Geshe Kelsang’s close disciples, Gen-la Dekyong’s teachings, humor 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 International Festivals, National Festivals, and Dharma Celebrations.
Gen-la Kelsang Jampa
Deputy Spiritual Director
Gen-la Jampa is an internationally renowned, ordained Buddhist teacher and the Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU), and current Resident Teacher at KMC Los Angeles. 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. Each year, Gen-la Jampa teaches at International Festivals, National Festivals, and Dharma Celebrations.
Gen Kelsang Demo
Western US Spiritual Director
Gen Kelsang Demo is the Western US Spiritual Director, and the Resident Teacher of the International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon. Gen Demo was first introduced to Kadampa Buddhism in Seattle, Washington and has now been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for almost 30 years. She has been teaching Kadam Dharma since 1998 and is deeply respected for her practical knowledge and clear and inspiring teachings for people of all levels of interest.
Olympia Teachers
Rob Lutz
Resident Teacher
Rob Lutz is the Resident Teacher of Tushita KBC and has been practicing Kadam Dharma for over 20 years. He has been teaching Dharma since 2008 and loves to help people integrate Buddha’s teachings into their daily lives. Rob taught the Foundation Program at Kadampa Meditation Center WA in Seattle and was a student of the Teacher Training Program. His teachings are clear and practical and he shows his dedication through his excellent example and kind guidance. and humor.
Steve Maddox
Steve is a long time Buddhist practitioner who is greatly admired for his heartfelt and informative teachings at Tushita Kadampa Buddhist Center. He has been in study programs for ten years and has received teachings from many qualified teachers. He often refers to the text during his teachings because the language is so beautiful and alone has the power to penetrate our heart. He mixes reflective listening of Dharma texts in meditation contemplations as often as possible.