Gen Kelsang Tubchen
Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Tubchen is the Resident Teacher at KMC Edinburgh. She began practising Kadampa Buddhism in Scotland over 25 years ago and spent seven years living at Tharpaland International Retreat Centre when it was in Scotland.
She helped establish the first Kadampa centre in Norway in 2009 and was the National Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition in the Nordic region from 2013 – 2018 teaching through-out the area. In 2018 she returned to Scotland and has been the resident teacher in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dumfries and since 2025 here in Edinburgh.
Gen Tubchen has been a dedicated, close disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for many years, receiving ordination from him in 2003. An inspiring and gifted teacher, she is loved for her clear, powerful and practical teachings and her insightful retreat experience. She has a deep wish to share the benefits of meditation with others and her teachings touch the hearts of listeners and illuminate the profound meaning of Dharma.
Listen to a podcast with Gen Tubchen or watch the short video below as she introduces a simple meditation practice anyone can do.
THE TEACHER
Kadampa Buddhist nun Kelsang Varahi has been a faithful disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for over twenty years. Realising the importance of practical Buddhist teachings, she made the determination to share them with others so they can discover how to make themselves and others truly happy and peaceful. Varahi teaches with joy, kindness and good humour.
KELSANG LHASANG
Kelsang Lhasang is a Kadampa Buddhist nun, ordained in 2016 and has been studying and practicing Kadampa Buddhism and meditation since 2009.
Known for her sincere good heart, Lhasang shares Buddha’s teachings with warmth and enthusiasm.
GEN MACHIG
Gen Machig is a retired Resident Teacher based in Glasgow. She shares her wealth of understanding with others with great insight, warmth, and humour. A devoted meditator with over 20 years of teaching experience, Gen Machig is a regular contributor on BBC Radio Scotland’s Thought for the Day. Gen Machig teaches occasional weekend courses at KMC Edinburgh as a visiting teacher.
CATHERINE MARRIOTT
Catherine is a well-loved teacher at our weekly Dundee class. As a long-term practitioner of meditation and Kadampa Buddhism, she shares a wealth of experience from her kind and open heart. Skilled at making the teachings practical and easy to understand, Catherine can help everyone find peace of mind and inspiration through meditation.
CHAMMY SIRISENA
Chammy teaches the weekly Melrose class. She is originally from Sri Lanka and has been practising Kadampa Buddhism in the west for many years. Chammy draws from her experience as a working medical professional and mother of three to share Buddha’s teachings in a way that can easily be integrated into busy modern life. Chammy is known for her kind heart, her sincere practice and the clarity she brings to her teachings.
JUDE MCKERRECHER
Jude teaches our monthly Children’s Workshops at the Centre and is a keen student of the Centre’s in-depth Foundation Programme. Jude is a secondary school teacher with experience teaching primary-age students. Jude has a very kind, generous heart and shares Buddha’s teachings with warmth and enthusiasm. She is also extremely creative, and this shines through in the wonderful games and craft activities she prepares for each workshop which capture and communicate the essence of the workshop topic.
SHAMALA MANIKAM
Shamala teaches the Wednesday evening introductory class. Shamala studies on our in-depth Foundation Programme and has been studying and practising Dharma for many years. She is a sincere practitioner with deep knowledge and faith in the power of Buddha’s teachings to help others.
KEVIN THOMSON
Kevin teaches occasional weekend courses at the Centre. He has been studying and practising Kadampa Buddhism for many years. A busy father and a sincere student on Foundation Programme, Kevin is appreciated for his insightful and practical approach in putting Buddha’s teachings into practice in daily life. His honesty, warmth and clear presentations make his teachings and meditations enjoyable and inspiring for everyone.
