Today we’d like to introduce you to Noreen Flack.
Hi Noreen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I first became interested in Buddhism and meditation when I was 25 and had just moved from Detroit to Seattle. I think, like many people at that age, I was trying to find myself. One day I picked up a flyer in a café for a Buddhist General Program class—an introduction to Buddhist psychology and philosophy—and decided to go. The class was called Dealing with Anger, and the teachings immediately resonated with me. I had never been moved so deeply by anything before, so in many ways the connection was immediate.
Later that year, I met my Spiritual Guide, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the Founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. I began reading all of his books and became increasingly involved with the local center. After about two years, my teacher in Seattle asked me to offer some basic instruction in a small rural town north of the city called Mount Vernon. That’s really where my teaching journey began.
In 2022, I was invited to move to Austin, Texas, to become the Resident Teacher at KMC Austin. The community already had dedicated practitioners, but they were struggling without a local teacher—especially after the pandemic. Although some teachers can relocate easily, I’m married, and even though my son is grown, I needed to make sure my husband was comfortable with the move. He has always been very supportive of my spiritual life and is a Kadampa practitioner himself. We both had some reservations, but ultimately decided to make the move. We’ve been here now for more than three years and really love it. The community is wonderful and sharing Dharma and meditation instructions is very rewarding.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. We’ve faced a number of obstacles to establishing stability here in Austin, and the biggest challenge has consistently been space. For many years we operated out of a house in South Austin, and even the process of selling that property took longer than expected.
We eventually found a wonderful new location in the Mueller neighborhood, but purchasing a commercial space is never simple. We’ve been actively fundraising and working closely with the International Temples Project to secure the property, and that process requires patience, coordination, and persistence.
In the meantime, we’ve had to continually search for temporary meditation spaces. As you can imagine, finding places in Austin that are quiet, affordable, and available at the right times is not easy. But despite the challenges, the community has stayed committed and flexible, and that has made all the difference.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Modern Kadampa Buddhism is a special presentation of Buddha’s teachings designed especially for the people of the modern world. It is a practical way of life based on wisdom and compassion that is open to everyone regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation or faith.
Founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, Kadampas aim to integrate their knowledge of Buddha’s teachings (dharma), the stages of the path to enlightenment (Lamrim), and apply these teachings to their everyday lives. The great Kadampa teachers are famous not only for being great scholars, but also for being spiritual practitioners of immense skill and sincerity
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is sharing Buddha’s teachings here in Austin. For the past three years, this has really become the center of my life. I believe everyone is searching for peace and happiness, but many people look for it only in the external world, where it’s impossible to find lasting satisfaction.
Helping people discover happiness within their own minds feels like the most meaningful public service we can offer. When individuals develop inner peace, it naturally creates more harmony in families, workplaces, and communities. My teacher, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, said, “Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible.” Those words guide me every day—they remind me why this work matters.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: meditate.in.austin
- Facebook: Kadampa Meditation Center Austin
Image Credits
*Most of these images were taken by Kathleen Ramos and offer images of our group trip to Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Center in Ulverston England, the main center for the New Kadampa Tradition.
