About TGI
Ven. Geshe Ngawang Singey, Spiritual Director and Head Teacher, was born in the Kham region of Tibet. He left Tibet as a boy to attend one of Tibets’s great monastic institutions, Sera Jey Monastery.
Geshe Ngawang was ordained a Tibetan Buddhist Monk in the Gelug or Geluk tradition. He received his novice and full ordination vows directly from His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama.
Geshe Ngawang Singey attained the title and degree of “geshe” after 20 years of intense and specialized instruction at Sera Jey. A geshe degree is the highest level one can attain as a student of Buddhism. It is equivalent to a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy and studies. Geshe Ngawang has received teachings from many of the greatest living Tibetan scholars including His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Geshe-la has a very warm approachable teaching style. His teachings are known for their clarity and Geshe-la’s interactive approach with students. He has taught western students for nearly a decade and was a teacher at Sera Jey of debate (dialectics) and Buddhist studies.
Thosum Gephelling Institute is fortunate to have such a wise and much loved teacher who has also been connected with teaching at other regional Buddhist centers such as Milarepa Retreat Center in Northern Vermont and Kurukulla Center in Boston, Ma.
Gary Keiser (Jampa Tenzin) is an educator and a former Tibetan Buddhist monk. He held monastic vows for approximately 10 years after taking vows from his teacher Geshe Tsultrim Choephel (Tsulga) in Boston, MA. and later at Sera Je Monastic University in south India from, Khensur Kangyur Lobsang Thupten Rinpoche. He was given the name, Ven. Jampa Tenzin He has also received direct teaching from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, His Holiness Sakya Trizin, Khensur Denma Locho Rinpoche and other great Tibetan and S.E. Asian masters.
Upon sponsoring Geshe Ngawang’s immigration to the United States, Jampa Tenzin/Gary founded Thosum Gephelling Institute to serve all people who have an interest in Buddhism in this region and to provide Geshe Ngawang a place to teach. In addition to the administrative function of President and CEO of Thosum Gephelling Institute, Gary/Tenzin does teaching and leads meditation groups at TGI. He has also provided chaplaincy services in prisons around New England.
Thosum Gephelling Board of Directors
Mary Mcloughlin, M.Ed., is the Chairperson of Thosum Gephelling Institute. She has spent much of her life raising a family and educating and coaching her students at the secondary level. Mary has been a friend to Geshe Ngawang for years and has been involved with Thosum Gephelling since it’s inception. She lives with her husband in Southern Vermont.
Sandra Cortes M.Ed. is a founding member (emeritus) of the Thosum Gephelling Institute. She’s been active in Buddhist centers around New England. She’s a primary and early education teacher, and lives with her two sons & husband in Southern Vermont.
Leigh Branson, member
Kurt Lorenc White, member
Brooks Mitchell, Tresurer