Chandrakirti Meditiation Centre is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (fpmt.org) and provides teachings in the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet, and the inspiration and guide of the FPMT.

At Chandrakirti Centre’s invitation, His Holiness came to Nelson in 2002 to bless and open our gompa, Nalanda Hall, and gave public teachings.

Lama Thubten Yeshe (right) and Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche are the founders of the FPMT, which is dedicated to preserving the Buddhist teachings of Lama Tsong Khapa of Tibet as taught to us by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Lama Yeshe passed away in 1984 and his reincarnation has been recognized as Osel Hita.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the current Spiritual Director of the FPMT and actively teaches and leads retreats around the world.

Lharampa Geshe Jampa Tharchin (or “Geshe-la”) has been the Centre’s Resident Teacher since 2011. Geshe-la graduated at the top of his class at Sera Je Monastic University in South India with the equivalent of a PhD, has a degree from Gyume Tantric College, and taught at Kopan Nunnery in Nepal. For more about Geshe Tharchin, you can download this brief account of his life.

Geshe Tharchin currently teaches FPMT’s Basic Program as well as a variety of beginners classes and public talks, scientific conferences, and more.

As part of the FPMT, the Centre hosts touring lineage Lamas who offer rare opportunities to study special subjects and take tantric initiations. We also host visiting FPMT Registered Teachers from around the world who help provide FPMT and UCWE education programs.