Our Founder
Our Founder
VENERABLE GESHE KELSANG GYATSO
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher 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.
As is a great believer in the universal applicability of Buddha’s teachings he presents them in such a way that everyone, regardless of nationality, age or gender, can put them into practice in their daily lives and begin to experience true inner peace.
Understanding the problems faced by modern people, Geshe Kelsang shows us how we can solve them through simple scientific methods taught by Buddha. But though his teachings are extraordinarily clear and easy to understand they contain the entire profound lineage of ancient wisdom he holds.
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso: His Life
Background & Study
Born in a remote village high on the Tibetan plateau Geshe Kelsang, ordained as a Buddhist monk at the age of eight and spent the next twenty years studying the teachings of Buddha in the great Tibetan monasteries.
A Life of Meditation & Retreat
After concluding his studies he was awarded the title ‘Geshe’ which means virtuous spiritual friend and entered a life of meditation.
A Great Meditator
By engaging in deep retreat near the Nepalese border and later in the mountains of northern India for almost twenty years he soon developed a reputation as a great meditator.
Teaching in the West
In 1977 at the behest of his own Spiritual Guide, Kyabje Trijang Dorjechang, Geshe Kelsang graciously accepted an invitation from Manjushri Centre to travel to the West and become the Resident Teacher
Manjushri Centre
When arrived at Manjushri it was a fledgling Buddhist centre that had recently acquired Conishead Priory, in the UK as its base. Since then it has been Geshe Kelsangs spiritual home.
Buddhist Teachings & Books
Geshe Kelsang has given thousands of teachings at Manjushri which have been published in 22 highly acclaimed books on Buddhism and meditation, including his latest title, Modern Buddhism.
International Temple Project
Geshe Kelsang is a great believer in the universal applicability of Buddha’s teachings and presents them in such a way that everyone, regardless of nationality, age or gender, can put them into practice in their daily lives and begin to experience true inner peace.
Worldwide Reach & Programs
Understanding the problems faced by modern people, Geshe Kelsang shows us how we can solve them through simple scientific methods taught by Buddha. But though his teachings are extraordinarily clear and easy to understand they contain the entire profound lineage of ancient wisdom he holds.
Training Others
While at Manjushri Center Geshe Kelsang designed and oversaw the construction of the first Kadampa Temple for World Peace and inaugurated the International Temples Project with the intention to establish Buddhist institutions such as Temples throughout the world.
