The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful … if our mind is peaceful we shall be free from worries and mental discomfort, and so we shall experience true happiness; but if our mind is not peaceful we shall find it very difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions. If we train in meditation, our mind will gradually become more and more peaceful, and we shall experience a purer and purer form of happiness. Eventually we shall be able to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances.

--From Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

	Our Spiritual Director - Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is the Founder and Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition. From the age of eight, Geshe-la studied extensively in the great monastic universities of Tibet and earned the title 'Geshe,' which literally means 'spiritual friend.' Under Trijang Rinpoche, his Spiritual Guide, he then spent the next eighteen years in meditation retreats in the Himalayas. In 1976 he was invited to teach in England. Since arriving in the West, Geshe-la has taught extensively on Kadampa Buddhism in Europe and North America and published a series of authoritative books on Buddhist thought and meditation. He has established three specialized study programs which are offered in over 800 centers around the world by western teachers, both lay and ordained. Geshe-la leads a project to build Buddhist temples in every major city in the world. This remarkable teacher inspires multitudes from many different countries by his exemplary teaching and example. He is dedicated to helping people throughout the world find happiness and inner peace through the practice of Kadampa Buddhism.
	Our Resident Teacher - Peter Kurczynski, Ph.D. Peter Kurczynski is the resident teacher of Dharmachakra Buddhist Center. He has been practicing Buddhism in formal study programs of the New Kadampa Tradition for over ten years. His teachings are practical and easy to apply in everyday life. Peter has participated in numerous meditation retreats, and regularly attends international festivals of Kadampa Buddhism. He has a doctorate in physics and has publications and patents in various fields including astrophysics, nuclear instrumentation, optics, and micro-electromechanical systems.
	Kelsang Chogyop Kelsang Chogyop is a Western Buddhist nun and experienced meditator at Dharmachakra Buddhist Center. She has participated in formal study programs, retreats and festivals of Kadampa Buddhism for many years.  She is a warm and friendly practitioner who is dedicated to helping other apply Buddhist teachings to everyday life.
	Danna Lyons Hunking Danna Lyons Hunking is a meditation practitioner and student at the Dharmachakra Buddhist Center.  She has been devotedly studying meditation and Buddhism for the past 3 years.   She currently teaches meditation for children on Saturdays at the Dharmachakra Center.
	Diane Cadman Diane Cadman has been a committed student and practitioner at Dharmachakra Center for many years and has engaged in numerous Kadampa meditation retreats and festivals in the U.S. and abroad. In addition to volunteering at the Center, she is a volunteer for the American Red Cross and Meals-on-Wheels. Her teachings are heartfelt and presented with clarity and warmth, making them accessible to everyone.
	Lori Petrozello-Karn Lori Petrozzello-Karn has been practicing Buddhism in formal study programs with the New Kadampa Tradition for more than four years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and specialized in counseling domestic violence victims. She finds Buddhist meditations to be a useful tool for finding solutions to daily problems.
	Tony Sottile Tony Sottile is a branch teacher at Dharmachakra Buddhist Center. He has been studying and practicing Buddhist meditation for many years. He is a dynamic teacher who presents clear and practical methods for effectively transforming inner pain into causes of happiness. Tony is also an experienced martial artist and personal trainer.