General Questions

New Kadampa Buddhism is a distinctive form of Mahayana Buddhism established in 1991 by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. This modern interpretation of Buddhism is based on the ancient teachings of the Buddhist scholars Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa. Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who introduced these teachings to the Western world, founded the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU). The NKT-IKBU operates as an international network of study and meditation centers, focusing on the dissemination of Mahayana Buddhist teachings worldwide. Registered in England as a non-profit organization, the NKT-IKBU is committed to spreading Buddhist teachings and practices globally, maintaining no political affiliations.

Kadampa Buddhism is a Mahayana Buddhist school founded by the great Indian Buddhist Master Atisha (AD 982-1054).

In the word, ‘Kadampa’, ‘Ka’ refers to Buddha’s teachings, and ‘dam’ to Atisha’s special Lamrim instructions. Kadampas, then, are practitioners who regard Buddha’s teachings as personal instructions and put them into practice by following the instructions of Lamrim.

By integrating their understanding of all Buddha’s teachings into their practice of Lamrim, and by integrating their experience of Lamrim into their everyday lives, Kadampas use Buddha’s teachings as practical methods for transforming daily activities into the path to enlightenment.

History & Origin

The history of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) is relatively recent, beginning in the late 20th century:

 

  1. Origins in Tibetan Buddhism: The roots of the teachings of the New Kadampa Tradition lie in the ancient Kadampa tradition, which was founded by the Indian Buddhist master Atisha in the 11th century and later developed by the Tibetan master Je Tsongkhapa in the 14th century. These teachings were part of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.

 

  1. Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso: The key figure in the formation of the New Kadampa Tradition is Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Born in Tibet, he trained in the Gelug tradition and later moved to the West. His teachings and writings have been instrumental in spreading Kadampa Buddhism outside of Tibet.

 

  1. Establishment in the West (1991): Geshe Kelsang Gyatso founded the New Kadampa Tradition in 1991. He established it as an independent Buddhist tradition to make the teachings of Atisha and Tsongkhapa more accessible and relevant to people in the contemporary world, especially in Western countries.

 

  1. Global Expansion: Since its establishment, the NKT has rapidly expanded globally. It has set up numerous meditation centers, temples, and communities worldwide. These centers provide teachings, meditation classes, and retreats based on Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s books and teachings.

 

  1. Educational and Charitable Activities: The NKT emphasizes educational activities, such as study programs and meditation classes, to disseminate Buddhist teachings. It operates as a charitable organization in various countries, focusing on spiritual development and community service.

 

  1. Contemporary Approach: The NKT is known for its modern approach to Buddhist practice, emphasizing practical applications of traditional teachings in daily life, making it attractive to those seeking a contemporary spiritual path.

 

The New Kadampa Tradition, while maintaining the core principles of Mahayana Buddhism, distinguishes itself through its independent structure, global reach, and emphasis on adapting ancient Buddhist teachings to the needs and circumstances of modern practitioners.