Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU), and the source of all the teachings given at the Canadian National Festival. A fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism, he has published a series of remarkable books on Buddhism and meditation, trained hundreds of qualified teachers, and is primarily responsible for the worldwide revival of Kadampa Buddhism.
Gen-la Kelsang Jampa is an internationally renowned Buddhist monk and the Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition. As a senior teacher of the NKT, Gen-la Jampa has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years and has taught at many centers and events internationally. Gen-la is the Resident Teacher of the International Kadampa Retreat Centre Grand Canyon and is well-loved for his clear, inspiring teachings and his ability to touch people’s hearts through his sincerity and loving-kindness.
Gen Kelsang Suma is an ordained Buddhist nun and has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe-la for over 20 years. She is the Resident Teacher at Jampa Ling Buddhist Centre in Barrie, Ontario. She is well known for the warmth and clarity of her teachings and for her love of the Dharma. Gen Suma will be giving the introductory teaching on Friday night.
Gen Kelsang Lakpa is an ordained Buddhist monk and has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe-la for many years. He is the Resident Teacher of Tushita Buddhist Center in Quebec city. He is well-loved for his sincere, practical and often humorous teachings. Gen Lakpa will guide the retreat at the Festival.
Gen Kelsang Zopa is an ordained Buddhist monk and has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe-la for over 20 years. He is the Resident Teacher at Bodhichitta Buddhist Centre in Victoria, British Columbia. He is known for the clarity and depth of his teachings, and his warmth and practicality bring to life the ancient art of Buddhist meditation. Gen Zopa will guide the morning meditations on Saturday and Sunday.