About

Gaden For The West is the international umbrella organization of Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche; it is made up of Rinpoche’s disciples whose studies and practice are aimed at engaging future generations of Buddhists in Canada, Australia, the USA and in other countries. 

Rinpoche’s home near the beautiful town of Nelson, British Columbia, hosts a traditional Tibetan temple, built by Rinpoche’s friends and disciples. Rinpoche created the temple as a retreat and community centre for meditation, healing, and the study of Lord Buddha’s Sutras and Tantras, and their interpretation by Lama Je Tsongkhapa. The Temple is a centre for interpreting and integrating Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhism into the western world. 

While the teachings are part of a long-honoured and respected Indian and Tibetan lineage, Rinpoche’s interpretations are aimed more towards Western minds.

Rinpoche explains: “The Buddha said we should revise and adapt teaching to the times, the land and the people we are living among. It is important to make the teachings available for everyone, not just the ordained Sangha. 

as with everything in this world, it is a question of constant change and adaptation

Rinpoche further states: “When Buddhism was first introduced in the West in the late 1960s and 70s most people who practised were new age people, preferring flexible and less structured teachings. However in these days of the internet and social media it is easy for people to get lost and confused with the vast amounts of information from around the world.  It is simpler to belong to a particularly lineage in order to learn the basics properly, and be certain of the background of the tradition. That is why I advise people to be part of the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism”.

Zasep Tulku Rinpoche has been teaching and leading retreats for the past 40 years.  Our Lama is one of the most experienced Dharma teachers in the West, speaking five languages and translating many texts as well as composing many Dharma books in English.

He says that in this difficult era, it is important to offer teachings suitable for the minds of the younger generation. “Younger people are the future of the world and the future holders of the Buddhist traditions. Today there are many young people who are lost, and suffering from the economic downturn, lack of work, pandemic pressures, climate change, drugs and alcohol. Young people need inspiration and support from the broader Dharma family. We are here to help them. 

“Buddhism is the philosophy of happiness and the pathway to a wonderful and better way of seeing and experiencing life. The essence of the Buddha’s teaching is compassion, wisdom and understanding the human mind for the enlightenment of all beings.”