Geshe Michael Roach is a renowned American Buddhist monk, author, teacher, and businessman. Born on December 17, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, Roach spent his early years studying mathematics and physics at Princeton University. After graduation, he worked as a scientist at the Aerospace Corporation in Los Angeles for a few years before turning to Buddhism.
In 1979, Geshe Michael Roach began his formal Buddhist studies at Sera Monastery in South India, where he spent the next 25 years studying Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and practice under the guidance of the great Tibetan lamas of the Gelug tradition. In 1995, he became one of the few Westerners to be awarded the degree of Geshe, or Master of Buddhist Studies, the equivalent of a PhD in Buddhist philosophy.
After completing his studies, Geshe Michael Roach returned to the West to share his knowledge and experience with others. He co-founded the Diamond Cutter Institute in Arizona, USA, with the aim of providing practical teachings on how to integrate the principles of Buddhism into everyday life. He also founded the Asian Classics Input Project, which aims to preserve and translate ancient Buddhist texts.
Geshe Michael Roach is the author of several books on Buddhism, including “The Diamond Cutter: The Buddha on Strategies for Managing Your Business and Your Life,” which has been translated into over 20 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide. He has also co-authored books on Tibetan language and culture, as well as on yoga and meditation.
In addition to his work as a teacher and author, Geshe Michael Roach is also a successful businessman. He has used his understanding of Buddhist principles to develop a number of successful business ventures, including Andin International, a jewelry company that he founded in 1979 and which became one of the largest jewelry manufacturers in the world. He also founded the Global Leadership Center, which offers leadership training based on Buddhist principles.
Geshe Michael Roach has been recognized for his contributions to Buddhism and to society at large. In 2004, he was awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion by the President of the United States in recognition of his contributions to education. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from several universities in recognition of his work in preserving and disseminating Buddhist knowledge.
Today, Geshe Michael Roach continues to teach and share his knowledge and experience with others through his writings, talks, and teachings. He is a respected teacher and leader in the Buddhist community, and his work has inspired countless people to embrace the principles of Buddhism and to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.