Our Founder
Odiyana Buddhist Centre is part of the New Kadampa Tradition- International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) and was founded by the renowned meditation teacher Geshe-Kelsang Gyatso. Venerable Geshe-la was invited to the west to teach in 1977 and has since established over 1000 centres and groups throughout the world. Each centre, including Odiyana Centre, followers the three Kadampa Buddhist study programmes that were designed by Geshe Kelsang. He is a humble Buddhist monk who has dedicated his whole life to helping people throughout the world to find true inner peace and happiness though meditation and Buddhism.
Our General Spiritual Director
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU and the Resident Teacher at Manjushri KMC, the mother centre of the NKT.
She has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for over thirty years, sincerely training under his guidance in all aspects of Kadam Dharma. She is recognised as a fully qualified Dharma Teacher of both Sutra and Tantra. Gen-la teaches at major Kadampa events around the world, and over the years has touched the hearts of thousands of people, whom she has inspired to integrate Buddha’s teachings into their modern daily lives. For Kadampa practitioners, her good heart, powerful teachings and sincere, inspiring example are unequalled.
Our Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Dema is the resident teacher at Odiyana Kadampa Meditation Centre. Gen Kelsang Dema is a highly respected teacher within the New Kadampa Tradition. With many years of dedicated study and practice, Gen Kelsang Dema has earned recognition for her deep understanding of Buddhist teachings and her ability to convey these teachings with clarity and compassion. Over the years she has touched the hearts of thousands of people, inspiring them to integrate Buddha’s teachings into their
modern daily lives. Her teachings are characterized by their clarity, depth, and relevance to contemporary life.