Samden Gyatso (Steve Wass) was the Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition and Resident Teacher of Manjushri KMC, the Mother Center of Kadampa Buddhism, from 1995 through 2006. He replaced the previous deputy Director, Thubten Gyatso (Neil Elliot).
During his tenure, Gen-la Samden Gyatso taught in Europe, Malaysia, Canada, Brazil, England, Australia and the United States. Gen-la Samden led the International Teacher Training Program, one of the certified study programs for all resident teachers of the tradition. He also regularly granted blessing empowerments to students. His teachings were regarded for their clarity, humor, and skill at relating to real-life experience.
In February 2007 he resigned as Deputy Spiritual Director under pressure from allegations of ethical misdemeanours. Kelsang Khyenrab was appointed as his replacement.