Geshe Tenzin Legtsok has been ordained as a Buddhist monk since 2001 and is the first American to complete the twenty-year Geshe Studies Program in classic Indian Buddhist treatises and their Tibetan commentaries at Sera Jey Monastic University in South India, following the tradition of ancient Nalanda University. In 2025, he completed the traditional study of tantra at Gyumed Tantric Monastery.
With over two decades of study and practice under the guidance of great masters, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Geshe Legtsok brings profound insights into the application of Buddhist teachings. Born in Virginia, USA, in 1973, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College in 1995. His quest to answer the question, “What makes for the most happy and meaningful life,” led him to major in philosophy, eventually guiding him to study meditation and philosophy with teachers among the exiled Tibetan communities in India and Nepal since 1999.
Dedicated to studying and teaching Buddhist philosophy, Geshe Legtsok seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with modern-day relevance. His teachings emphasize understanding and transforming the mind through practice, and he is committed to helping others navigate the spiritual path with clarity and patience.
Events with Geshe Tenzin Legtsok
Essence of NectarJune 13 - 20, 2026
We are incredibly fortunate to have Geshe Tenzin Legtsok leading this retreat at Vajrapani! After 20 years of dedicated study at Sera Je Monastery in India and the completion of his prestigious Tantric Degree at Gyumed Tantric College, Geshela has become one of a handful of Americans to achieve this remarkable milestone! With great enthusiasm, he is eager to share his deep wisdom and insights with students throughout the Bay Area. Through December 2025, Geshela will be in residence at Vajrapani, while also serving as the resident teacher at Ocean of Compassion in Campbell. In addition, he…


