Today we’d like to introduce you to Gen Kelsang Mondrub.
Gen Kelsang, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was interested in Eastern philosophy from an early age. Then studied philosophy and art in college. Around this time I had some spiritual experiences that changed my life. I started looking for a spiritual teacher after realizing I couldn’t do it on my own. I met a qualified Buddhist teacher in Toronto where I was living at the time. Eventually, I met the founder of our tradition Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. I learned how to integrate the spiritual teachings and my working life in a practical way. Back then, I had my own landscape design and build a company.
I slowly became enthralled and decided to take ordination after six years of training. I continued my studies and did a total of three years in various retreats. I have taught in Toronto, Vancouver, upstate New York, and in Atlanta since 2001. My main goal as a teacher and a monk is to help people attain peace of mind in our challenging world and to find a meaningful spiritual life.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In general, we learn how to keep a positive and peaceful mind when facing difficulties. One of the biggest challenges of my spiritual life was being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012. The illness has encouraged me to go deeper into my spiritual practices and to transform them into a path of spiritual freedom and benefiting others.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia – what should we know?
Kadampa Meditation Center offers drop-in meditation classes, practical teachings, and workshops that give temporary relief and a progressive ability to transform your whole life into the path of increasing happiness. We also offer day retreats in our city temple and overnight in the Georgia Blue Ridge mountains.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Compassion and wisdom to help people overcome the many difficulties and quiet anxieties and suffering they are experiencing.
Pricing:
- One FREE weekly event (check website calendar)
- Drop-in meditation classes $15
- Monthly membership $50 (includes all general program classes and discounts on other events)
Contact Info:
- Address: 741 Edgewood Avenue NE, Atlanta GA 30307
- Website: MeditationInGeorgia.org
- Phone: 678-453-6753
- Email: info@MeditationInGeorgia.org
- Instagram: @kmcgeorgia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KMCGeorgia
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kmc_ga
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kadampa-meditation-center-georgia-atlanta
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