Our Founder: Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Our founder is the internationally-known meditation master, Buddhist author, and monk, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso (b. 1931). Geshe Kelsang Gyatso ordained as a Buddhist monk in his native Tibet at the age of 8 and has been sincerely studying, practicing, and meditating on Buddha’s teachings ever since. When Geshe Kelsang came to the west in 1977, he determined to present Buddha’s teachings in such a way that they would be universally acceptable to modern people with busy lives. The results of his efforts include 21 masterful books on Buddhism, all written in English, along with 1,100 Buddhist centers and branches of centers in 39 nations around the world. To read more about Ven. Geshe-la, click here.

Directors of the New Kadampa Tradition

General Spiritual Director:  Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong

Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the Spiritual Director of the NKT and the Resident Teacher at Manjushri KMC, the Mother Center of Kadampa Buddhism.

As one of Venerable Geshe Kelsang’s close disciples, Gen-la Dekyong’s teachings, humour 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 the International Festivals, National Festivals, and Dharma Celebrations throughout the world.

Deputy Spiritual Director:  Gen-la Kelsang Kunsang

Gen-la Kelsang Kunsang is the Deputy Spiritual Director of the NKT.

A long-time student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Gen-la Kunsang teaches at National and International Festivals.  She is a loving presence whose teachings are powerful and clear.

U.S. National Spiritual Director:  Gen Kelsang Jampa

Gen Kelsang Jampa is an American Buddhist monk and the US National Spiritual Director for the New Kadampa Tradition.  He is also the Resident Teacher of the Kadampa Meditation Center Texas.

Gen Jampa is well-loved for his warmth and kindness and is known for inspiring and clear teachings. By his example, he shows us how to practically and joyfully integrate Buddha’s teachings into our daily lives.

Our Resident Teacher:  Gen Kelsang Nyema

Gen Kelsang Nyema is an American Buddhist nun who was ordained by Geshe Kelsang in 2004.  “Gen” means “teacher,” “Kelsang” means “fortunate,” and “Nyema” means “peaceful one.”  Prior to teaching at Ganden Center, Gen Nyema was the Education Program Coordinator at Rameshori Buddhist Center in Atlanta, GA (now Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia).  In 2008, she was requested to become the Resident Teacher at Ganden Center.

Since that time, Gen Nyema has taught all around South Carolina and beyond, introducing hundreds of students to Kadampa Buddhism and meditation.  She has become appreciated at Ganden Center for her warmth and her sense of humor.

All our other teachers study directly with Gen Nyema and are members of our Foundation Program or our Teacher Training Program study classes.

Other Ganden Center Teachers (Listed Alphabetically by Last Name)

Linda Atkinson teachers our Wednesday night class in Savannah.  She is a member of Ganden Center’s Foundation Program and has been practicing since 2010.

Kris Dennis teaches our Monday night class in Aiken and our Teen class on Sunday mornings at Ganden Center.  She is a member of Ganden Center’s Foundation Program and has been practicing since 2002.

Sean Glancy teaches our “Meet Ganden Center” class.  He is a member of Ganden’s Foundation Program and has been and has been practicing since 2008.

Mark Gould teaches branch classes across South Carolina.  He is a member of Ganden’s Foundation Program and has been practicing since 2002.

Sandra Kelly helps teach our Kid’s Class and Lunchtime Meditation class.  She is a member of Ganden’s Foundation Program and has been practicing since 2007.

Larry Linke teaches our Tuesday Lunchtime Meditation class.  He is a member of Ganden’s Foundation Program and has been practicing since 2007.

Sharon Lovich teaches our Sunday night class in Asheville.  She is a member of Ganden Center’s Foundation Program and has been practicing since 2003.

Frances McLeod teaches our Wednesday night class in Charleston.  She is a member of Ganden Center’s Foundation Program and has been practicing since 2002.

Spencer Perraut is Ganden Center’s Education Program Coordinator and also teaches the Sunday morning Kid’s Class.   He is a member of Ganden’s Foundation Program and has been practicing since 2008.