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 Kelsang Jampa
Gen-la Jampa is an internationally renowned, ordained Buddhist teacher and the General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU).
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 and loving-kindness.
Deputy Spiritual Director
Gen-la Kelsang Sangden
Gen-la Sangden is the Deputy Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU, and is the National Spiritual Director of Kadampa Buddhism in Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua and Peru, and the Resident Teacher at KMC Mexico.
She is admired by many for her good example and her loving and clear advice. She has practised and taught Kadampa Buddhism for over 25 years.
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.