Forging A New Path To Study Buddhism In The Southeast

By Ray Bassett

Published May 14, 2024 at 10:24 PM EDT

The Great Buddha statue at Bodh Gaya - considered the holiest site in Buddhism - in Eastern India.

Dr. Les Kertay is a consulting and clinical psychologist here in Chattanooga.

For many years, he has studied Buddhism - especially its philosophical aspects.

In the past few years, Les has studied with a Tibetan Buddhist monk, Lama Samten - originally from Tibet, but living in Québec for the last 25 years, along with other teachers trained by the Lama.

Les Kertay. teacher and Paramita Center director for Chattanooga.

Together, the Lama and the teachers have developed the Paramita Centers - teaching meditation and Buddhist philosophy in Canada and in France.

This week, Lama Samten and one of his senior teachers are coming to Tennessee - including Chattanooga, a first step toward opening a Paramita Center in this city.

I spoke with Les last week.

Lama Lobsang Samten, spiritual director of the Paramita Centers.