The Founder and Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition–International Kadampa Buddhist Union is the respected meditation master and scholar Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
Born in Tibet in 1931 and ordained a Buddhist monk at the age of eight, he studied Buddhism deeply under many highly qualified Teachers, in particular Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche.
After leaving Tibet in 1959, Geshe Kelsang spent the next 18 years mainly emphasizing meditation retreat in various locations in the Himalayan region and northern India.
In 1977, he accepted an invitation from Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in Ulverston, England, to take up residence as their Spiritual Teacher, and in 1982 he became a naturalized British citizen.
Since arriving in the UK, Geshe Kelsang has worked tirelessly to establish Buddhadharma in the West and to fulfil the wishes of those who wish to practice Buddhism.
During these years he has given extensive teachings on major Mahayana Buddhist scriptures. These teachings, are clear and easy to understand. They have been organized and presented in the 20 or so books he has written since arriving in England. They bridge perfectly the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and contemporary life.