Our Spiritual Directors
General Spiritual Director
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong, the General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU and Principal Resident Teacher at Manjushri KMC, is a modern Buddhist nun dedicated to helping people from all walks of life attain lasting happiness through developing inner mental peace.
She has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for thirty years, during which time she has inspired thousands of people around the world through her sincere reliance on her Spiritual Guide, taking his teachings to heart and putting them into practice in every aspect of her life.
Gen-la Dekyong is a highly experienced Buddhist Teacher who has taught at many different centres internationally.
Before her appointment as General Spiritual Director she was the National Spiritual Director of the USA. She is a very powerful Teacher able to make Buddha’s teachings easily accessible and to show through her example how to integrate these teachings into our daily life.
Gen-la has dedicated her life to helping spread Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world by developing meditation centres and Temples in as many countries as possible, and she provides enthusiastic support and encouragement to everyone engaged in these projects.
But busy as she is, she never loses her connection with the people she is dedicated to helping and always has a kind word and wise counsel for whoever she meets.
Deputy Spiritual Director
Gen-la Kelsang Jampa
Gen-la Kelsang Jampa is an American Buddhist monk and before being appointed the Deputy Spiritual Director NKT-IKBU was- US National Spiritual Director for the New Kadampa Tradition. He is also the Resident Teacher of the Kadampa Meditation Center Texas.
A long time disciple of the internationally renowned Buddhist Teacher and meditation master, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Gen-la Jampa has received ordination and lineage transmissions directly from him. Under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang, Gen-la Jampa travels extensively giving the ancient wisdom of Buddha to people throughout the US and abroad, helping them to find happiness in their hearts.
Gen-la Jampa is well-loved for his warmth and kindness and is known for inspiring and clear teachings. By his example, he shows us how to practically and joyfully integrate Buddha’s teachings into our daily lives. He is an inspiring example of modern Buddhism in practice.
UK National Spiritual Director
Kadam Bridget Heyes
Kadam Bridget Heyes is the National Spiritual Director of the UK and the principal teacher at Nagarjuna Kelmarsh Kadampa Meditation Centre, our sister centre.
Kadam Bridget Heyes, a senior disciple of Geshe Kelsang, has been practicing for over 20 years. Kadam Bridget is known for her powerful teachings, compassionate heart, and deep understanding of Buddha’s wisdom advice. Her teachings are exceptionally clear and she presents profound ideas in a way that are easy to practice and integrate into daily life.
As a mother of two, she has a special insight into how to bring Buddhism alive to meet the demands of a busy modern life. Kadam Bridget shows an inspiring example for everyone on the spiritual path.