Tradition
A Teacher for the Modern World
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, often affectionately called ‘Geshe-la’ by his students, is the Founder of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU), and a Spiritual Guide for the modern world
World-renowned Meditation Master
A world-renowned meditation master, he has pioneered the introduction of modern Kadampa Buddhism for contemporary society. Presenting Buddha’s teachings in a way that is relevant and suitable for modern people with busy daily lives, he shows how these teachings can be used by anyone, Buddhist or non-Buddhist, to solve daily problems, improve personal relationships, and eventually attain a deep, lasting happiness and inner peac
International Teacher
Venerable Geshe-la is a truly international Teacher who presents Buddha’s teachings in ways that anyone, regardless of nationality, culture, gender or age can easily understand their meaning and apply them to their modern daily life. The teachings are open to everyone, not anchored in any specific country or culture. Today, many thousands of people around the world are experiencing the immense, practical benefits of applying his life-transforming teachings.
A life of dedication
Since 1977, when he accepted an invitation to become Resident Teacher at Manjushri Centre in the UK, he has given thousands of teachings, composed twenty-three widely acclaimed books on Buddhism and meditation, established over 1,300 meditation centres, trained hundreds of qualified Teachers and developed practical study and meditation programs to suit the needs of the modern world.
In short, he has created all the necessary conditions to support the study and practice of Kadampa Buddhism in modern society and laid the foundation for it to flourish throughout the world in this and future generations.
All of his activities are dedicated to bringing about world peace by helping us to develop its true cause – inner peace – through meditation and other practices.
Scientific methods to accomplish inner peace
Venerable Geshe-la’s message is as simple as it is profound – all the problems in this world originate in the mind, and the solutions to these problems and the causes of lasting peace and happiness are also to be found in the mind. Only by developing inner peace in our minds through meditation can we solve our own problems and help others to do the same, and in this way create world peace.
Thanks to the extraordinary kindness of Venerable Geshe-la, the internal scientific methods to accomplish this inner peace are now available to everyone in the modern world.
This humble monk has touched the hearts of countless people around the world and inspired them to set out on a blissful journey to lasting happiness and inner peace.
Extract from a Teaching - Keeping a Happy mind -
A video extract from a teaching by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, 2009 NKT-IKBU Summer Festival 2009
FAQs
The New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) is a global Buddhist community founded in 1991 by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Its aim is to uphold and make available the authentic teachings of Kadampa Buddhism for the benefit of all.
Rooted in the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni as passed down from the great Buddhist masters Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has made the timeless wisdom of Buddha's teachings accessible to people everywhere.
Through its international network of affiliated centers and community-based initiatives, the NKT shares the practical benefits of these teachings with people of all backgrounds and walks of life.
The New Kadampa Tradition is an independent Buddhist tradition with no political affiliations. Legally registered as a non-profit charitable organization in England under the name New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU).
The NKT main office is located at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Center in Ulverston, UK, which is the Mother Center of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union.
Being a Buddhist means taking refuge in the Three Jewels–Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—as the true and reliable protection from suffering. Going for refuge is the foundation of the Buddhist path and the essential step that marks the beginning of someone’s life as a Buddhist.
Going for refuge means developing heartfelt trust in:
- Buddha as our guide and perfect example
- Dharma (Buddha’s teachings and our own inner experience of them) as the actual protection from suffering
- Sangha (the spiritual community) as our companions and support on the path
In the NKT, we train in this inner refuge by learning to turn inward for solutions to our problems, relying on the wisdom and methods taught by Buddha to transform our mind. We gradually let go of external objects or conditions as our main source of happiness or protection, and instead turn to Dharma practice to find real peace and freedom.
For those who wish to formally become Buddhist, there is the opportunity to take the Refuge Vow—a beautiful and meaningful ceremony in which one makes a conscious decision to rely on the Three Jewels and commit to living in accordance with Buddhist principles. This vow marks the beginning of a new life, one based on spiritual practice, ethical conduct, and the intention to progress toward liberation and enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
The New Kadampa Tradition is a modern presentation of Kadampa Buddhism that includes the Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana paths. They are rooted in the teachings of Buddha and the great Indian and Tibetan masters such as Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa.
All practices are grounded in love and compassion for all living beings. With the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, these teachings are presented in a way that speaks to modern people — clear, accessible, and relevant to the pace and problems of contemporary life.
The three key teachings are:
- Lamrim, or “Stages of the Path to Enlightenment.” This practical, step-by-step guide takes us from the basics of developing a kind heart, through cultivating deep wisdom all the way to the attainment of enlightenment to benefit all living beings.
- Lojong, or “Training the Mind.” These teachings show how we can use everyday difficulties as opportunities to grow stronger spiritually, developing greater patience, compassion, and wisdom—and learning to keep a calm and positive mind, whatever life brings.
- Mahamudra. According to Sutra, this refers to the profound view of emptiness. A direct realization of emptiness enables us to accomplish complete liberation from the sufferings of samsara. According to Tantra, or Vajrayana, Mahamudra is the union of spontaneous great bliss and emptiness through which we can attain full enlightenment.
In the New Kadampa Tradition, practitioners rely principally upon four enlightened beings, known as the Four Kadampa Deities.
Buddha Shakyamuni – the founder of Buddhism. Buddha Shakyamuni is the principal object of refuge for all Buddhists.
Avalokiteshvara – the Buddha of Compassion. By relying upon Avalokiteshvara we naturally increase our own compassion.
Green Tara – the female Buddha of wisdom and compassion. Kadampas rely on her especially in times of difficulty and for quick help in removing obstacles.
Dorje Shugden – the Wisdom Dharma Protector for modern Kadampas, who helps, guides and protects sincere practitioners from inner and outer obstacles by granting blessings, increasing their wisdom and fulfilling their virtuous wishes.
Through relying on these four Deities, Kadampa practitioners emphasize the essential practices of Kadampa Buddhism that enable them to gain pure Dharma realizations and make progress on the spiritual path.
All Buddha’s teachings help to improve our mental well being and happiness. However, we are not mental health experts and always recommend people with mental health problems to seek help from professional medical health practitioners.
Although there are healing practices taught within Kadampa Buddhism, those suffering from physical illness are always advised to seek medical attention.
As a tradition, the focus is on operating independently, without political affiliations or ties to specific cultural, national, or ideological identities. Emphasis is placed on pure spiritual practice, free from worldly concerns.
The New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) holds a respectful and inclusive view towards other religions.
As explained in Modern Buddhism by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the NKT, there are many different forms of Buddhism–such as Zen, Theravāda, and others–and all are regarded as equally precious. Though their presentations may differ, they are all pure lineages of Buddha’s teachings, and suited to the needs and dispositions of different people.
This spirit of respect also extends beyond Buddhism. The NKT respects any religion that teaches a path to true happiness.
The New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) takes complaints of misconduct seriously and follows a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, adopted in 2018. This policy applies to all individuals in positions of responsibility within the tradition, including teachers, staff, and volunteers.
The policy aims to protect everyone–especially children and adults-at-risk–and reflects the NKT’s commitment to maintaining a pure, peaceful, and respectful environment.