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 Jampa
Gen-la Jampa is an internationally renowned, ordained Buddhist teacher and the General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU).
As a senior NKT teacher, Gen-la Jampa has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years, and under Geshe-la’s guidance has taught at many centers and events around the world.
Gen-la is well-loved for his clear and inspiring teachings and his ability to touch people’s hearts through his sincerity and loving-kindness.
Our Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Chokyong has been the resident teacher at Odiyana Kadampa Meditation Centre since 2001.
Gen Kelsang Chokyong is a highly respected teacher within the New Kadampa Tradition. With many years of dedicated study and practice, Gen Kelsang Chokyong has earned recognition for his deep humility and humour and his ability to convey these teachings with clarity and compassion, making them practically applicable to modern lives.
Over the years he has touched the hearts of thousands of people, inspiring them to integrate Buddha’s teachings into their modern daily lives. His teachings are characterized by their clarity, depth, and relevance to contemporary life.