About Us
Although Buddhism first arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand with early Chinese settlers in the 19th century, it was not well established until the late 20th century and we are still only one or two generations into the transmission of Buddhism on these shores. In 2003 our founder Geshe Palden Tsering completed a nine year term as resident teacher of Dorje Chang Institute in west Auckland, the first Tibetan Buddhist centre in the country. Recognising the lack of Buddhist centres in Auckland's North Shore at the time, he established our humble centre to serve the spiritual needs of people.
In the subpages you can find out more about Buddhism in general, the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism that we follow, our lineage masters, and the centre's history. Scroll down for profiles of our spiritual guides, teachers, and trustees.
Our Spiritual Guides
Founder
(formally known as Geshe Losang Geleg)
Supreme Spiritual Guide
Spiritual Director
Regular Visiting Teachers
Geshe Sangye Thinley
Geshe Sangye Thinley is the resident teacher at Jam Tse Dhargyey Ling in Whangarei. He is an old friend and colleague of Geshe Palden Tsering, having studied under many of the same teachers and worked collaboratively for many years. Geshe Thinley has been very kind to our centre, providing guidance and support in the years since Geshe Palden Tsering's passing. You can find more information about him at his centre's website.
Geshe Dhonam
Geshe Dhonam (formally known as Geshe Tenpa Losang) is the resident teacher at Trashi Gomang in Mangere. Geshe Dhonam is a friend and colleague of Geshe Palden Tsering. They both succeeded the late Khensur Thapkey Yeshe Rinpoche in positions he held in New Zealand: Geshe Palden Tsering as resident teacher of Dorje Chang Institute, and Geshe Dhonam as resident teacher of Trashi Gomang which Rinpoche founded. You can find more information on his centre's website.
Trustees
The centre operates as a registered charity Trashi Ganden Choepel Ling Trust with three trustees responsible for the running of the centre. In the photo below from left to right are: one of our founding sponsors Teri Cheng, together with the current trustees Jojo (Pik-Choo) Lee, Jae-Min Lee, and Shiong-Ming Low.
