About Odiyana Center

There is growing interest in meditation and Buddhism in America today. It was only a few years ago when a small Buddhist group began to meet in Hartford. The group gradually developed and adopted the name 'Odiyana Buddhist Center'. 'Odiyana' is the name of a Buddhist holy place in ancient India, where many people developed deep insight into the nature of reality through the practice of meditation.

The Center offers meditation instruction at all levels, and a wide range of practical teachings on Buddhist psychology and philosophy, in the tradition of 'Kadampa Buddhism', first established in the West by Geshe Kelsang in the 1970's.

Kadampa Buddhists follow a step-by-step presentation of the Buddhist path that was created in the 10th century by the great Indian Buddhist saint, Atisha.

To date, Geshe Kelsang has created over 800 Buddhist Centers world-wide, and has written 20 highly-acclaimed books on Buddhism. He is recognized as an outstanding Buddhist teacher of our time.

At present the Resident Teacher of Odiyana Center is Gen Kelsang Tenzin. 

Gen Tenzin has been a close disciple of Venerable Geshe-la for many years and studied on the Teacher Training Program at Saraha Center in San Francisco while teaching at Dewikoti Buddhist Center in Marin, California.

"We need to reflect again and again on the special opportunity we now have. If we develop a deep appreciation for the preciousness  of this life we will definitely make a determination to use it wisely. 
Then we will feel as if our life has become truly meaningful."
- Geshe Kelsang Gyatso