Geshe Kelsang Gyatso - The Spiritual Director

The founder and Spiritual Director of Vairochana Centre is Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. He is a fully accomplished meditation master and scholar and has established over 1000 centres worldwide and written 20 highly acclaimed books on Buddhism.

Geshe Kelsang has also created three unique study programmes that enable people of all levels to integrate the essence of Buddha's teachings into their modern lives. In addition, he has organised the International Temples Project, a profound contribution to world peace.

Born in 1931 and ordained as a Buddhist monk at the age of eight, he studied Buddhism extensively under many highly qualified teachers, in particular the renowned teacher Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. In 1959, he entered into an eighteen year meditiation retreat that took him to 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 teacher, and in 1982 he became a naturalized British citizen. Since arriving in the UK , Geshe Kelsang has worked tirelessly to establish Buddhism in the modern world - preparing authentic books in many different languages, establishing and guiding Centres in many different countries, giving extensive teachings, and training qualified teachers. Renowned for their clarity and practicality, his teachings perfectly bridge the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and contemporary life.

Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab

Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab has studied and practised Kadampa Buddhism for 25 years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso .

He is the Deputy Spiritual Director of the NKT and regularly teaches at Festivals and Dharma Celebrations throughout the world.

Gen-la is also the Resident Teacher at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in England.

As one of Venerable Geshe Kelsang's close disciples, Gen-la Khyenrab's teachings, humility and kindness exemplify the essence of the Buddhist way of life.

Resident Teacher - Kelsang Chodor

Our resident teacher, Kelsang Chodor, is a western Buddhist Monk. He is a close disciple of Geshe-la and has studied and practised Buddhism for many years. He is much loved for his relaxed and gentle nature and teaches with great clarity, insight , and wisdom skillfully guiding people to inner peace and happiness in their lives.