Our Founder
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Heart Jewel Centre was founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, a world-renowned meditation master who has founded hundreds of centres around the world as part of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union.
He is the Spiritual Guide to thousands of people worldwide.
In his heart, Venerable Geshe-la holds the very essence of Buddha’s teachings, which he transmits to the people of the modern world in very practical ways through the accessible methods of modern Kadampa Buddhism that he has introduced into contemporary society through his many teachings and books.
Who We Are
Heart Jewel Centre is a Kadampa Buddhist Centre and registered charity, that offers a special presentation of Buddha’s teachings for the modern world. Regardless of age, race, gender or faith, anyone can benefit from Buddha’s advice on wisdom and compassion.
Kadampa Buddhism was introduced to modern society by the contemporary meditation master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Due to his pioneering work, there are now around 1,200 similar Kadampa Meditation Centres worldwide.
Our meditation centre is a special welcoming place of tranquillity, relaxation, reflection and friendship, in the unique location of Matlock Bath. It’s home to a spiritual community of practitioners who share a similar wish to make their lives meaningful by finding lasting peace and happiness from within and helping others to do the same.
What We Offer
We offer a variety of classes on meditation and modern Buddhism, for both beginners and more experienced meditators. If you’re interested in learning and improving your meditation skills, then we have a class for you, including:
Daytime and evening classes Half day meditation workshops Meditation retreats
Chanted meditation / prayer sessions Sunday morning in-depth study programme Classes in other locations, including Chesterfield, Belper and Alfreton.
Meet Our Teachers
Our General Spiritual Director
Gen-La Kelsang Dekyong
Is the General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU, resident teacher at Manjushri KMC and close disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
A Buddhist nun for over 30 years, Gen-la has devoted her life to helping others by promoting modern Buddhism. She teaches at major events throughout the world and is well loved by thousands of students for her ability to touch their hearts, by showing how Buddha’s teachings are directly relevant to their daily lives and experiences.
Our UK Spiritual Director
Kadam Bridget Heyes
Is the NKT-IKBU National Spiritual Director for the UK. She is known for her powerful teachings, compassionate heart and deep understanding of Buddha’s wisdom advice.
Her teachings are exceptionally clear and she presents profound ideas in a way that are easy to practise and integrate into daily life.
As a mother and grandmother, she has a special insight into how to bring Buddhism alive to meet the demands of a busy modern life.
Kadam Bridget shows an inspiring example for everyone on the spiritual path.
She is the Resident Teacher at Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre, in Northamptonshire.
Our Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Osung
The resident teacher at Heart Jewel Centre is Gen Kelsang Osung, who has been ordained as a Buddhist nun for 18 years and studying Kadam Dharma for 29 years.
She was appointed by Venerable Geshe-la as Heart Jewel Centre’s first resident teacher in 2007, and returned to teach here in 2021.
Known for her joyful and positive manner, she inspires people to fill their own lives with joy and meaning.
Gen Osung teaches the regular classes, courses and retreats at Heart Jewel Centre, as well as the Chesterfield classes.
Our Branch Class Teachers
The Belper class is taught by Sarah Filmer & David King
Sarah is a very experienced practitioner and teaches with warmth and gentleness.
David teaches diligently and thoughtfully, encouraging open-minded questioning.