Celia Smith is our interpreter and translator.
Celia began studying Buddhism and Tibetan language in 1981 in Nepal and has continued that since then in India, France and most importantly, in New Zealand with Khensur Thapkhey Rinpoche from 1987. She was Khensur Thapkhey’s interpreter since 1991 and has continued to interpret for Geshe Dhonam since his arrival in 2002.
From 2008 Celia has been based predominantly in the South Island, yet continues to interpret for the Centre during teaching periods.