Teachers

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

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 Gyudmed 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

Intro to Buddhism and Meditation: A Kopan West Lamrim Retreat
June 14 - 21, 2025

Please join us in June for a rare Kopan West Retreat during the summer! Kopan West is a Free, “Pay-it-Forward” retreat that is modeled after the famous 10-day Intro to Buddhism course at Kopan Monastery in Nepal. Begin your summer in the serene beauty of the California Redwoods at Vajrapani Institute!   Have you been interested in Buddhism but have not yet had the opportunity to explore it in depth? This retreat offers a unique opportunity to engage with the foundational teachings of Tibetan Buddhism in a supportive and immersive setting. Perfect for beginners and those looking to deepen their…

Exploring Buddhism Program - Year One
June 21 - December 14, 2025

Exploring Buddhism is the newest foundational-level course co-developed by FPMT Education Services and senior FPMT teachers, including Geshe Tenzin Namdak, Geshe Tenzin Legtsok, and Venerable Joan Nicell. Geshe Tenzin Namdak and Geshe Tenzin Legtsok serve as the main contributors. The program has been revised from the original pilot offered at various FPMT centers.   It was conceived as a bridge between the FPMT Discovering Buddhism and the FPMT Basic Program. The EB program presents selected topics that provide a strong basis for more advanced study. The program is intended for students with a good understanding of basic Buddhism.    What…