Kadampa Meditation Centre Wales is a member of the NKT-IKBU The New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union, an international association of Mahayana Buddhist Centres that follow the Kadampa Buddhist Tradition founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
Kadampa Buddhism traces its origins to the teachings of Buddha, as later systematized by the Indian Buddhist Master Atisha in his renowned Lamrim—the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. Practitioners of these teachings became known as Kadampas, dedicated to uniting Buddha’s wisdom with practical guidance for daily life. Centuries later, the great Tibetan master Je Tsongkhapa revitalized and expanded this tradition, giving rise to the New Kadampa Tradition, which emphasizes the balanced practice of both Sutra and Tantra.
In modern times, this pure lineage has been preserved and made accessible worldwide by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, a contemporary meditation master and scholar. Encouraged by his Spiritual Guide, Trijang Rinpoche, he developed Modern Kadampa Buddhism—a presentation of Buddha’s teachings that remains true to their original intent while being relevant and practical for people everywhere, regardless of nationality or background. Today, Modern Kadampa Buddhism offers a clear, universal path to inner peace and lasting happiness in our modern world.
Find out more about Kadampa Buddhism HERE
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, known with deep affection as Venerable Geshe-la, is the Founder of Modern Kadampa Buddhism. A highly respected meditation master and Buddhist scholar, he dedicated his life to sharing Buddha’s timeless wisdom in a way that is clear and relevant for the modern world. Through his teachings and example, he inspired countless people across the globe to find solutions to their daily challenges and cultivate genuine inner peace and lasting happiness. Today, his extraordinary legacy continues to benefit people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, known with deep affection as Venerable Geshe-la, is the Founder of Modern Kadampa Buddhism. A highly respected meditation master and Buddhist scholar, he dedicated his life to sharing Buddha’s timeless wisdom in a way that is clear and relevant for the modern world. Through his teachings and example, he inspired countless people across the globe to find solutions to their daily challenges and cultivate genuine inner peace and lasting happiness. Today, his extraordinary legacy continues to benefit people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.
Gen-la Dekyong
General Spiritual Director
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong serves as the General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union. She trained for many years with her Spiritual Guide, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, from whom she received extensive teachings and transmissions.
As the most senior teacher in the tradition, Gen-la shares Buddha’s wisdom at major international events. Admired for her warmth, compassion, and insight, she inspires thousands of people worldwide with teachings that are both deeply profound and wonderfully practical.
Gen-la Jampa
Deputy Spiritual Director
Gen-la Kelsang Jampa is the Deputy Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU and Resident Teacher at International Kadampa Meditation Centre Grand Canyon in Arizona. Gen-la Jampa has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years, and teaches National and International Festivals around the world.
Kadam Bridget Heyes
National Spiritual Director, UK and Ireland
Kadam Bridget Heyes, the principal teacher at Nagarjuna KMC (Northamptonshire) is the National Spiritual Director of the UK. She is a senior disciple of Geshe Kelsang who has been practising for over 20 years. Her down-to-earth teachings and joyful example are an inspiration to all. We are always delighted to welcome her to Wales to teach the Welsh Dharma Celebration each year.
Find out more about qualified Modern Kadampa Teachers HERE
The International Temples Project (ITP) was established by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche after the opening of the first Temple for World Peace at Manjushri Centre in 1997. His vision was to build modern Buddhist Temples in major cities around the world, places where people of all backgrounds could learn about inner peace and cultivate harmony in their daily lives.
Today, the ITP continues to bring this vision to life through the development of traditional and non-traditional temples, meditation and retreat centres, World Peace Cafés, and Tharpa Publications. All profits from its activities are dedicated to the public benefit, helping to create peaceful minds and peaceful communities throughout the world.
Find out more about the Traditional Kadmapa Temples for World Peace here.
Kadmapa Temples for World Peace
Urban Temples
International Retreat Centres
There are three International Kadampa Festivals each year. They are the high point of the modern Kadampa calandar. They are taught by Senior Teachers and consist of empowerments, teachings, meditations and retreats.
International Festivals offer a unique opportunity to spend time with thousands of people from all over the world and to see first hand the universality of Buddha’s teachings and the power of Modern Kadampa Buddhism to touch the hearts and transform the lives of people of all nationalities and cultures.
Since Covid the Festivals have also been available online. Find our about the International Kadampa Festival programme here.
The very heart of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s enduring legacy is the extraordinary collection of 23 books he composed.
These highly renowned works are the basis of the study programs at the centers and are increasingly being adopted by universities and other educational establishments.
These books are produced and published around the world by Tharpa Publications, a publishing company founded by Venerable Geshe-la and a part of NKT-IKBU. Tharpa publishes all of Venerable Geshe-la’s printed books and eBooks, as well as many other items such as Buddhist art and chanted prayers in many languages. The worldwide readership of Venerable Geshe-la’s books runs into hundreds of thousands.
KMC Wales shop stocks a range of Tharpa books, art work and essential items.
All the books and other items sold by Tharpa Publications are published under the auspices of the International Temples Project and the profits from all of these sales are dedicated to public benefit through this fund. When you buy a Tharpa book you directly contribute towards this vision for world peace.
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