General Spiritual Director
Creating opportunities to meet Dharma
Jun 22, 2026
First Training Course for Kadampa Managers
Developing the Wisdom to Cherish Others and Flourish Dharma in our Modern World
Last weekend, EPCs and ADs from across the United States came together for meaningful and inspiring training course led by American and European Kadampa Managers.
The purpose of this course is to remind us of the astonishing legacy left to us by our kind Teacher, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and the unique privilege we have to share his vision with the rest of the world.
How important our Dharma Centers are
During the first night’s introduction, Kelsang Ringyal, Secretary of the GSD, reiterated Venerable Geshe-la’s wish that Dharma Centers appear everywhere in this modern world. In his words:
“Everybody – Teachers, managers, students – should recognize that Dharma Centers are so important for ourself, for our family and for the public. As you understand, without Dharma Centers, our Buddhist way of life is very difficult. Without maintaining our spiritual life or Buddhist way of life it is very difficult to make progress on the spiritual path, which gives us the actual or real meaning of human life.”
Kelsang Ringyal also shared her inspired experience of Venerable Geshe-la, stating, “Venerable Geshe-la worked tirelessly every single day of his life to spread Kadam Dharma. Even after his retirement, his love and compassion for others gave him effortless energy to continue on.”
Ringyal reminded us:
“The role of a qualified manager is a recognition that our role is not an ordinary job. Why not ordinary? Because the only way we can do our job is by practicing Dharma.”
“Venerable Geshe-la always showed the example of managing from below, as a humble servant.”
Venerable Geshe-la also had a meaningful perspective on America:
“I am thinking, contemplating a lot about America because it is such a good country, people have good hearts and society gives a lot of freedom. Many people in this country have education higher, but people still have faith, and people in the USA are ready to help, if we show good example everybody is ready to help.”
Following this inspiring vision about America...
On Day Two, Amy Schwartz, National Admin Director of the USA, and Kelsang Ringyal expounded on the profound wisdom contained in the Internal Rules and how each word was written by Venerable Geshe-la himself.
“The Internal Rules are not only a perfect document to run our Centers from, but also our lives. We can fulfill Venerable Geshe-la’s vision for our world by following the guidance found in the Internal Rules.”
Day Two brought many more practical insights and skills, such as Quickbooks training by Kelsang Zangmo, NKT Treasurer and important Ritual Training and EPC clarifications by Kelsang Yangdon, International EPC
Jennifer Leon, Tharpa USA Director, and Len Foley, creator of Kadampa Tours and EPC of Tushita KMC, shared many promotional tips for Big Public Talks, GP classes and the importance of using Tharpa as a strong tool to connect new students with the Dharma.
“If you want to know Geshe-la, you want to know his books. If you want new students to know Geshe-la, then new students should know his books” reminded Jennifer Leon, from Tharpa US.
The weekend brought rich conversation and practical wisdom on how to cherish the members of our Centers and welcome new people from our local communities.
“This time spent together was an incredible reminder of how special our Kadam lineage has become in the hands of so many capable EPCs and ADs throughout the world. I am very inspired by their example and grateful to have them in my life.” - Len Foley
In conclusion, Kelsang Ringyal said,
“The only thing we need to flourish Dharma in this world is for Venerable Geshe-la’s vision to touch our hearts. And we hope to continue this valuable training in many other countries very soon.”
