Our Teachers

Steve has been a dedicated student, respected teacher, and much loved resident at Bodhisattva KMC for over fifteen years.  Currently studying on the Teacher Training Programme with Gen Kelsang Jigme, Steve embodies the Buddhist path of compassion and wisdom, applying Buddha’s teachings to all aspects of his daily life. Steve is well known for delivering his teachings in an inspirational, highly practical and caring manner, making it easy for his students to understand and put into practice. He is a wonderful example of a Bodhisattva – a friend of the world.

Bertie Wilkins has established a reputation as a talented and popular teacher, who gives regular meditation classes around Sussex, and delivers inspirational day courses at Bodhisattva KMC. Currently studying on the Teacher Training Programme with Gen Kelsang Jigme, Bertie embodies the ‘Modern Buddhist’ approach, integrating his teaching and personal practice into a busy lifestyle. As an entrepreneur, Bertie brings a wealth of practical experience of how to apply Buddha’s teachings to difficult situations, and how to keep a peaceful mind in our stressful modern world.

Joanna has been a valued member of the Bodhisattva KMC community, and a respected meditation teacher, for many years. Sharing a wealth of experience with her students, Joanna is an extremely popular fixture in our lunchtime meditation series. Known for presenting Buddha’s teachings in a clear and practical way, Joanna’s classes provide a skilful insight into how Buddhist wisdom can be applied to benefit those with busy lives, living in a sometimes stressful modern world. Joanna will now be offering a Parents and Tots meditation class on Friday mornings at Bodhisattva KMC.

A highly experienced and extremely popular teacher, Asa teaches regularly both at Bodhisattva Kadampa Meditation Centre and other venues throughout Sussex. People speak very highly of Asa’s meditation classes and also the more comprehensive day courses he teaches. Asa studies on Foundation Programme with Gen Kelsang Jigme and also teaches this programme on occasion. Asa sets a great example of a Modern Kadampa Practitioner by integrating his personal practice, and teaching duties, into a busy workload in a professional industry where he is also very highly regarded.

A much loved teacher and member of our community, Lance has gained a sterling reputation for his inspirational explanations of practical meditation techniques to benefit everyday life. Lance often teaches lunchtime meditation and other classes at Bodhisattva KMC. A faithful disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, Lance regularly volunteers at International Kadampa Buddhist Festivals and retreats for the benefit of others. As an entrepreneur and business owner, Lance sets a great example of how to put modern Buddhism into practice skillfully, for those with extremely busy lives.

Gen Kelsang Drolkar is a joyful and dedicated Kadampa Buddhist practitioner who has been teaching since 2013. She first discovered Kadampa Buddhism at Bodhisattva KMC, where she began her spiritual journey and developed a deep appreciation for Buddha’s practical teachings. Since then, she has worked at Kadampa Meditation Centres throughout the UK, including serving as Resident Teacher at KMC Plymouth and KMC Aberdeen. She has also engaged in many meditation retreats at Kadampa centres internationally, deepening her experience and understanding of Buddha’s teachings. Known for her warmth and genuine enthusiasm, Gen Drolkar presents Buddha’s teachings in a practical, accessible way, drawing on her wide-ranging experience to help people integrate meditation and Buddhist wisdom into the challenges of everyday life.

A practitioner and teacher of extensive experience, Vince has been resident at Bodhisattva KMC for well over ten years, making a valuable contribution to spreading Dharma throughout Sussex during this time. Vince is popular both as a teacher, he delivers inspirational day courses, and also a weekly class in Worthing, and as a student where he participates in the Special Teacher Training Programme with our General Spiritual Director, Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong. When not teaching or studying, Vince can often be found assisting other teachers in the delivery of their classes and helping out with other important duties at Bodhisattva KMC. Known for his joyful disposition, Vince embodies what it means to be a Modern Buddhist.

A popular long-term practitioner, Dave is a highly valued team member at BKMC where he volunteers at important regional level events, and assists other teachers in the delivery of their classes. Dave is now offering a weekly meditation class in Lewes where attendees of all levels can directly benefit from his experience. As a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche Dave is enrolled on Foundation Programme where he regularly leads discussions and delivers summaries of the study material for the benefit of the other students. Known to have a naturally caring disposition, Dave sets a positive example of putting Dharma into practice on a daily basis.

Damien previously lived at Bodhisattva KMC for over ten years, and while he no longer resides on-site, he remains an active and dedicated part of the community. Over the years, he has established a reputation as a kind and compassionate teacher who skilfully integrates meditation into a busy daily schedule and wholeheartedly helps others do the same. Today, Damien regularly leads popular 30-minute sessions, such as after-work meditations, designed to help people disconnect from the rush of their day and reconnect with their inner peace. Currently studying on the Foundation Programme with Gen Kelsang Jigme, he also continues to lead discussions, deliver study material summaries for fellow students, and lend his professional IT expertise to help Bodhisattva KMC more effectively share Dharma across Sussex.