Dechen Kelden

Dechen Kelden is a Tibetan and Kalmyk Mongolian storyteller whose work reflects themes of identity, memory, and belonging. Her stories draw from her roots- her father, a former monk of Nechung Monastery, revered as the seat of the State Oracle of Tibet, and her mother, a Kalmyk American whose family was among the first Kalmyks to immigrate to the United States in 1951. Kalmyks, also known as the Oirats of the Dzungar tribe, originate from western Mongolia and trace their ancestral origins to the Altai Mountains. Dechen’s work reflects the complexities of diaspora and the spiritual traditions that shape her worldview.She produced My Sweet Pala, a short film directed by Tao Okamoto, about a Tibetan American child navigating the tension between her family’s past and her American present. As a cultural consultant at Avatar Studios, a division of Nickelodeon, Dechen collaborates with the original creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender across film, TV, publishing, and gaming.She has used storytelling and community organizing to amplify the stories of her people.

Upcoming Programs by Dechen Kelden

“Menla means Medicine Buddha in Tibetan, but I think the esoteric translation must be ‘magic’. Menla is a place unto itself.”

Isa Gucciardi

“It’s such an amazing and spiritual location–I came back feeling rejuvenated and recharged… It was so very special knowing the place belongs to the Dalai Lama! I loved our room. My favorite things were that there was no TV in the room, the beds were so comfortable, and it was so quiet and relaxing there with the windows opened. The grounds were amazing…”

Magda

“Of all the places I have traveled for retreats, Menla is the BEST!

Sarah S.

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