Our teachers
Our FOunder
venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, founder of NKT-IKBU, is a truly remarkable person. Born in a remote village high on the Tibetan plateau, he was ordained as a Buddhist monk at the age of eight and spent the next 20 years studying the teachings of Buddha in the great Tibetan monasteries.
After concluding his studies and being awarded the title ‘Geshe’, which means ‘virtuous spiritual friend’, he entered a life of meditation, engaging in deep retreat. First, near the Nepali border and later in the mountains of northern India, where he soon developed a reputation as a great meditator. Many started to regard him as a modern day qualified and accomplished meditation master.
In 1977, after almost 20 years in retreat and requested by his own spiritual guide, Kyabje Trijang Dorjechang, Geshe Kelsang graciously accepted an invitation to travel to the West. He began teaching at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in the Lake District in the UK.
General Spiritual Director
Gen-la Dekyong
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU and resident teacher at Manjushri KMC. Born in the UK, she has been studying under Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for over 40 years.
Ordained as a Buddhist nun, Gen-la Dekyong has devoted her life to helping others by promoting modern Buddhism. She teaches at major events throughout the world and is well loved by thousands of students for her ability to touch their hearts, by showing how Buddha’s teachings are directly relevant to their lives today.
UK National Spiritual Director
Kadam Bridget Heyes
Kadam Bridget Heyes is the NKT-IKBU National Spiritual Director for the UK. She is known for her powerful teachings, compassionate heart and deep understanding of Buddha’s wisdom advice. Her teachings are exceptionally clear and she presents profound ideas in a way that are easy to practise and integrate into daily life.
As a mother of two, she has a special insight into how to bring Buddhism alive to meet the demands of a busy modern life. Kadam Bridget shows an inspiring example for everyone on the spiritual path. She is Resident Teacher at Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre.
Our Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Leksang
The Resident Teacher at KMC Birmingham is Gen Kelsang Leksang. Gen Leksang was ordained as a Buddhist nun by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in 2007.
She has been studying under the guidance of the meditation master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for over 20 years and was first appointed as Resident Teacher at KMC Birmingham in 2008.
Known for her caring and positive manner, she has the ability to inspire people to improve their own lives by showing how buddha’s teaching are relevant to the experiences of modern day people.
Podcast with our resident teacher
Our branch teachers
We have a wonderful team of people who teach classes, workshops and meditation classes at the City Centre and other locations. All are studying on Teacher Training Programme or Foundation Programme at KMC Birmingham and have been practising for a number of years.
