Founder
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Odiyana Buddhist Center was founded in 1996 by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. He is a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally known teacher of Buddhism.
Odiyana Buddhist Center is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union.
The NKT is is an independent western Buddhist organization founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. "Geshe-la" as he is affectionately called by his disciples, was ordained a Buddhist monk at the age of 8 and later completed his formal studies and monastic training. After leaving his homeland he spent the following 18 years in meditative retreat in the Himalayas.
Since coming to the West in 1977 he has worked tirelessly to spread Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world by giving extensive teachings and writing 20 highly acclaimed books. These books range from introductory texts for the beginner to profound philosophical commentaries on the nature reality. He has founded more than 1000 Buddhist Centers throughout the world, and his books have been translated into all major languages.