Dharmachakra Buddhist Meditation Center

The Dharmachakra Buddhist Center exists to bring happiness and peace of mind to everyone–particularly to the people of the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas. The DBC is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition/International Kadampa Buddhist Union, which was founded by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Our goal is to help people apply Buddha’s teachings in their own lives, reduce their suffering, stress, anxiety, anger, and other negative emotions–and increase their feelings of happiness and joy.

We offer weekly classes in Palm Springs and Cathedral City. Everyone is welcome at these classes, which offer instruction in meditation and mindfulness, along with practical teachings on how to solve the problems of daily life. All teachings are presented in a clear and accessible style. We also offer more in-depth classes for advanced students, along with special classes and retreats. The calendar on this website provides up to date information about all of our offerings.

The Dharmachakra Buddhist Center was founded in 1995 as a branch of the Vajrarupini Buddhist Center in San Diego. It first offered classes in Cathedral Center and later in Palm Desert. It expanded in 2005 and in 2009 began to offer weekly classes in both Palm Springs and Palm Desert. In 2011, the DBC became an independent member center of the International Kadampa Buddhist Union.

The Founder and Spiritual Guide of the Dharmachakra Buddhist Center is Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. He is the inspiration behind the modern revival of Kadampa Buddhism. His teachings, his life, and his example demonstrate the level of realization he has attained through Kadampa Buddhist practices.

Ordained at the age of eight, he studied extensively in the great monastic universities of Tibet and earned the title “Geshe”, which literally means “spiritual friend.” Under the direction of his Spiritual Guide, Trijang Rinpoche, he spent 18 years in a meditation retreat in the Himalayas.

In 1977, he was invited to teach in England. Since that time, he has devoted his life to bringing Buddha’s pure teachings to the Western world.In his teachings, he emphasizes the importance of using meditation to build inner peace and cultivate an altruistic heart. Through these practices, he hopes that countless people will experience pure happiness and help others to do the same.

He has written over 20 books, all of which are authentic commentaries to Buddhist practices and thought. The books are designed to help readers understand the beauty and profundity of Buddha’s wisdom. Not meant for intellectual study alone, the books are practical guidebooks on the path to full Enlightenment.

Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union. She has been practicing Buddhism and studying closely with her Spiritual Guide, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years. Gen-la Dekyong provides an extraordinary example of a modern-day Kadampa practitioner for us to follow. She is a loving presence and her teachings are powerful and clear.