Our Teachers
Stillwater's teachers bring decades of practice and study across multiple Buddhist traditions.
Geshe Norbu Damdul
Resident Teacher & Director
Geshe Norbu Damdul holds a Geshe Lharampa degree — the highest academic qualification in the Gelug tradition — awarded after more than twenty years of intensive study and debate at Drepung Loseling Monastery in South India. He subsequently completed a year of tantric training at Gyuto Tantric College before receiving an invitation to teach in the West.
His teaching is distinguished by scholarly depth and rare accessibility. Drawing on the great Gelug commentarial tradition — Tsongkhapa, Changkya Rolpai Dorje, and the Ganden lineage masters — Geshe-la brings classical Tibetan philosophy into direct, practical contact with the questions and conditions of contemporary life. He has taught Madhyamaka, Lojong, and Lamrim curricula across Europe and North America for over fifteen years.
Geshe Norbu Damdul serves as Resident Teacher and Director of Stillwater Dharma Center. He also offers one-to-one guidance for students engaged in serious study or retreat practice.
David Chen
Meditation Instructor
David came to meditation through his work as a clinical psychologist, where he observed first-hand the profound effects of mindfulness-based interventions on mental health. Seeking a deeper foundation, he spent five years studying with teachers in the Tibetan Gelug tradition and later trained in Soto Zen with teachers in Japan and the United States.
David brings a unique perspective that bridges the contemplative and scientific traditions. His teaching style is practical, evidence-informed, and rooted in a genuine appreciation of the classical sources. He leads Stillwater's Introduction to Meditation and Mindful Living courses, and is particularly skilled at working with those who come to practice through an interest in mental health and wellbeing.
David also leads mindfulness programmes for healthcare professionals and community organisations throughout the Hudson Valley.