Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is the founder and Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition, an international union of Kadampa Buddhist Centers with over 1,000 locations worldwide. Originally from Tibet, Geshe Kelsang has spent nearly the last 30 years working tirelessly to establish a pure and contemporary Buddhadharma throughout the world. During these years he has given extensive teachings on major Mahayana Buddhist scriptures. These teachings, which are exceptionally clear and easy to understand, have been published as a number of highly acclaimed books that bridge perfectly the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and modern life.

Matthew Riechers

Matthew is the Resident Teacher at Vajradhara Meditation Center. Born and raised in New York, he has lived in Park Slope for twelve years. Matthew has been a close disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang for ten years. He was also the Education Program Coordinator at Chakrasambara Buddhist Center in Manhattan for six years, where he oversaw all the workshops, retreats, and classes. Matthew has taught at NYU, CUNY's Graduate Center and John Jay College for Criminal Justice. Insightful and humorous, he is appreciated for his clear and articulate presentation of the teachings.