About Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center Banner

About Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center

Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center (MKBC), a member of the New Kadampa Tradition, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, volunteer-run meditation center, founded by meditation master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. The Center is dedicated to the happiness and freedom from suffering of every living being. We’ve been in Portland since 1997.

Anyone can uncover their potential for happiness and freedom from suffering in Modern Buddhism classes, a special presentation of Buddha’s teachings suited to modern day. You don’t need to be a Buddhist to attend classes; everyone is welcome! In addition to our General Program classes (Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays), we also offer day courses, retreats, and chanted prayers, as well as in-depth study programs for those wishing to delve more deeply into Buddha’s teachings.

You can learn more about Modern Kadampa Buddhism here.

Our Teachers

Kadam Heather Rocklin

Resident Teacher Kadam Heather

Kadam Heather Rocklin has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for 24 years. A working mother of a 9-year-old, Kadam Heather shares Buddha’s teachings with great warmth and kindness, showing how Buddha’s teachings are practical in everyday life and beneficial for everyone! Kadam Heather has been the Resident Teacher of Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center in Portland since 2006.

James Jacoby

James Jacoby

James Jacoby discovered Kadampa Buddhism in 2016. He is constantly inspired by the sincerity and simplicity of Buddha’s teachings. Currently he is on the Teacher Training Program. He brings heartfelt humor and clarity to all of his teachings.

Susan de la Vergne

Susan de la Vergne

Susan has been studying and practicing Kadampa Buddhism since 2011 and began teaching in 2015. A student in our Teacher Training Program, Susan is appreciated for her stories, humor, and practical advice, helping students put Dharma teachings into practice in their daily lives.

Kelsang Milob

Kelsang Milob

Kelsang Milob has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism for 20 years, both as a lay and ordained practitioner. Her heartfelt teachings reflect her sincere faith in Buddha’s teachings on compassion and wisdom. Milob is on the Special Teacher Trainng Program with Manjushri Center.

Patty Johnson

Patty Johnson

Patty studies Kadampa Buddhism on the Teacher Training Program with us here in Portland via correspondence and teaches our branch class the second Sunday of every month in Volcano, Hawaii. She has been studying and teaching Kadampa Buddhism for over ten years. Her teachings are warm and heartfelt.