Our Tradition
At Samudra Centre, we practice and teach Modern Buddhism—a presentation of the ancient Kadampa Buddhist lineage tailored specifically for the modern world. Our tradition makes Buddha’s timeless wisdom accessible and practical for everyday life, regardless of culture, background, or experience.
We are a member of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU), a global network of over 1,400 non-profit meditation centres and branches founded to help people worldwide cultivate inner peace, mental clarity, and true happiness.
Our Founder
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche (affectionately known as Geshe-la) devoted his entire life to bringing the authentic teachings of Buddha to the contemporary world.
Born in Tibet in 1931, Geshe-la was ordained as a Buddhist monk at age eight and studied extensively at Tibet’s great monastic universities, earning the title "Geshe" (spiritual friend). Following 18 years of deep meditation retreats, he accepted an invitation to teach in the UK in 1977.
Over the decades, Geshe-la established three unique study programmes, founded the International Temples Project, and authored 24 authoritative books that translate deep Buddhist insights into practical methods for solving daily problems. He is remembered globally as a humble, compassionate monk who taught purely by example.
"My books are commentaries to Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings and his teachings are commentaries to Buddha's teachings... my hope is that through these methods, everyone may find lasting peace in their hearts."
~ Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Our Spiritual Directors
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.
Gen-la Kelsang Sangden
Gen-la Sangden is the Deputy Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU, and is the National Spiritual Director of Kadampa Buddhism in Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua and Peru, and the Resident Teacher at KMC Mexico.She is admired by many for her good example and her loving and clear advice. She has practised and taught Kadampa Buddhism for over 25 years.
