2025 Georgia Buddhist
Fall Camp Teachers
We're thrilled to announce an extraordinary year of teachings, as we warmly welcome Buddhist masters from diverse traditions to share their wisdom, compassion, and unique practices with our community.
Venerable Geshe Ngawang Phende
Tibetan, Gelugpa Tradition
Born in Nepal, Geshe Phende became a monk at age 12 under Drubthob Rinpoche. In 1982, he joined Drepung Loseling Monastery in South India, completing his rigorous monastic education and earning the prestigious Geshe Lharampa degree in 2001—the highest academic achievement in the Gelugpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He later studied at Gyumey Tantric Monastery and served as the resident teacher at Lam Rim Center in South Africa for four years. A two-time participant in the Mystical Arts of Tibet tour, Geshe-la now teaches at Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta.
Venerable Panamwela Wajirabuddhi Thero
Sri Lankan, Theravāda Tradition
Venerable Wajirabuddhi is the Abbot of the Georgia Buddhist Vihara and Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Judicial in North America. Ordained in Sri Lanka in 1980, he received higher ordination in 1987 and earned his BA in Tripitaka Studies and MA in Pali and Buddhist Studies. He has also studied language and culture in Thailand and the U.S. In 2000, he founded the Georgia Buddhist Vihara in Atlanta, serving as a pillar of Theravāda Buddhism in the region.
Dr. Rev. Thich Hang Dat
Vietnamese/Chinese Mahāyāna
Rev. Thich Hang Dat holds a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of the West, California. He has been a university lecturer in Buddhism, mindfulness, and Asian religions since 2013, teaching at institutions including the University of Houston and Indiana University Southeast. He currently leads four Buddhist centers across the U.S., including in Kentucky, Texas, New Jersey, and Missouri, focusing on spreading Buddhist education and community outreach.
Venerable Thich Thien-Tu
Vietnamese Mahāyāna, Zen Tradition
Thich Thien-Tu is a monk of the Lam Te (Linji/Rinzai) Zen tradition and a disciple of Zen Master Thich Minh-Dien. A former practitioner in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village community, he earned a Master’s in Tibetan Buddhism from Naropa University. He has taught and led meditation in various contexts, including prisons and interfaith communities. Based in Dallas, he teaches meditation to youth and is currently studying Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.
Rev. Thich Giao Phap (Long Pham)
Vietnamese/Chinese Mahāyāna
A graduate of Cal Poly Pomona with a B.S. in Computer Science, Rev. Thich Giao Phap has dedicated himself to Buddhist education since 2018, focusing on Dharma instruction for both children and adults.
Venerable Thubten Damcho
Tibetan Mahāyāna, Singaporean Bhikshuni
Born in Singapore, Ven. Damcho encountered the Dharma at Princeton University. After graduation, she deepened her practice through retreats in Asia and service at local temples. Inspired by Venerable Thubten Chodron, she joined Sravasti Abbey in 2012 and received full ordination in Taiwan in 2016. She now assists Venerable Chodron and engages in translation, teaching, and interpretation work. Ven. Damcho has taught in the U.S., India, and Singapore, and translates Tibetan texts for the 84000 Project.
Venerable Thubten Dekyi
Tibetan Mahāyāna, American Bhikshuni
Raised in Olympia, WA, Ven. Dekyi holds a degree in Natural Resource Management. She worked in ecological fieldwork before encountering Buddhism in 2006 through a teaching by Venerable Thubten Chodron. Inspired by Sravasti Abbey’s community, she began offering service and attending retreats. Her love of nature and practical service continues to guide her path as a dedicated monastic.