The Spiritual Director of Dharmachakra Buddhist Center is Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.  He is the inspiration behind the revival of Kadampa Buddhism in our times.  His teachings, his life, and his example demonstrate the level of realization he has attained through Kadampa Buddhist practices.

Ordained at the age of eight, Venerable Geshe-la studied extensively in the great monastic universities of Tibet and earned the title “Geshe” – which literally means “spiritual friend.”  Under the guidance of Trijang Rinpoche, his Spiritual Guide, Venerable Geshe-la spent 18 years in meditation retreat in the Himalayas.

In 1977, Ven. Geshe-la was invited to teach in England.  Since that time, he has devoted his life to bringing Buddha’s pure teachings to the Western world.

In his teachings, Ven. Geshe-la emphasizes the importance of using meditation to build inner peace and cultivate an altruistic heart.  Through these practices, Ven. Geshe-la hopes that countless people will experience pure happiness and help others to do the same.

Ven. Geshe-la has written over 20 books, all of which are authentic commentaries to Buddhist practices and thought.  The books contain an integrated glossary of Buddhist terms and cross-references designed to help readers understand the beauty and profundity of Buddha’s wisdom.  Not meant for intellectual study alone, Ven. Geshe-la’s books are practical guidebooks on the path to full Enlightenment or Buddhahood.