Our Founder:  Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

To read more about Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of Kadampa Buddhism in the West, click here.

Our Resident Teacher:  Kelsang Nyema

Kelsang Nyema was ordained as a Buddhist nun by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in Ulverston, England, in July 2004.  The word “Kelsang” means “Fortunate” and “Nyema” means “Peaceful,” so her full name means “Fortunate Peaceful One.”  Nyema has been teaching classes on Buddhism and meditation since 2003, starting in Atlanta, GA, and Athens, GA.  For several years, Nyema served as the Education Program Coordinator at Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia in Atlanta, and was requested in 2008 to become to the Resident Teacher here at Ganden Mahayana Buddhist Center.

Nyema teaches Dharma in a way that is practical, easy to apply to daily life, and easy to understand.  Known by her students for her warmth and sense of humor, Nyema’s teachings are suitable for everyone, including those without much experience with meditation or Buddhism.

Nyema currently teaches at Ganden Center in Columbia, as well as in Charleston, Greenville, and a South Carolina state prison.