André became a member of the Kadampa Center in 2006. The very first day, after listening to Geshe-la’s teachings, he knew that he had found his home. He decided to take the two-year Discovering Buddhism course, thinking that he gave Jesus 25 years of his life, he could, at least, give the Buddha two years. He took refuge in 2007, and the two years now number over a dozen. He has been teaching Buddhist Meditation and Thought in the prisons, primarily at Nash Correctional, for 12 years. Teaching Buddha’s wisdoms has taught him that these far-reaching ideals must be studied, meditated on and practiced. In this way we come to know their validity. He believes, as His Holiness teaches, we all possess the same potential (Buddha Nature). Our life’s job is to realize it. As he strives for enlightenment, his sole purpose for existence is to help others attain it as well.
Linda Saah found Buddhism and the Kadampa Center around the turn of the century and became an avid student in 2006 when she embarked on the Discovering Buddhism course offered at the Center. Linda is ever grateful to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the Kadampa Center, its Sangha members and to all of the many teachers who continue to enable her spiritual growth and development. Linda has been contributing in a big way to the spiritual and community life of Kadampa Center for more than a decade. She co-coordinated the Family Program for many years, has been managing the Discovering Buddhism program for several years, serves on our visiting teachers team, and most recently joined Donna as co-Spiritual Program Coordinator.
I began coming to teachings and took refuge in 2001. Under the kind and wise guidance of Geshe Gelek I was able to ordain in 2013. I study and practice the dharma as best I can.
David Machles has been practicing meditation for several decades and has been teaching meditation for over 15 years in corporations, prisons, and public venues. He began coming to the Kadampa Center in 2004 and has served in a number of roles including Kadampa Center Board President. David and his wife co-founded a business in 1993 helping organizations in safety, wellness, and leadership development. He has two children and three grandchildren.
Venerable Ngawang Lhamo became a member of the Kadampa Center in October 2004. Gyurme Khensur Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Delek presided over Kadampa Center’s first ordination ceremony on Saka Dawa 2009, at which time Ven. Lhamo was one of the students who took robes. Ven. Lhamo has served in many important volunteer roles at the center, including puja coordinator, chantmaster, one of the Sunday morning meditation leaders, and occasionally teaches Meditation 101.
