Birgit Saunders
Resident Teacher

Birgit Saunders has been a student of Kadampa Buddhism since arriving in New Zealand over twelve years ago. She began teaching with Kadampa Meditation Centre Wellington where she was also Administrative Director (AD) for three years. Since moving to Palmerston North in 2016 she worked closely with Gen Kelsang Demo as the Education Programme Co-ordinator (EPC) and teaching classes in Dannevirke, Feilding, at the Cancer Society and Massey University, while also working at the Cancer Society.

Birgit was appointed as Resident Teacher of the Amitabha Centre at the beginning of 2020. She brings sincerity, bubbly enthusiasm and kindness to her teachings. She is always looking for ways to make Dharma practical, relevant and meaningful so that students are able to see how to use Dharma and meditation to make a positive changes in their lives.

Kelsang Phunwang

Kelsang Phunwang has studied at Amitabha Kadampa Buddhist Centre for many years and ordained in 2014. He is sincere, kind and has a deep understanding of Dharma which he puts into practice in all aspects of his life. He is our Education Programme Co-ordinator (EPC).

Phunwang teaches our classes on Thursday lunchtimes and co-ordinates Prayers for World Peace on Sundays.

Jan McPherson

Jan McPherson has been teaching the Levin class for some years now – albeit with a three-year break when she was working abroad. She loves the fact that Dharma offers really practical ways of working towards becoming more peaceful and compassionate, no matter what our beliefs, background or current situation might be. Jan appreciates and enjoys the chance to explore these ideas with those who come to class.

Other Teachers

Malcolm Todd, David Kelly and Roy Meeking also assist with teachings at the Centre.