The New Kadampa Tradition
Modern Kadampa Buddhism is a new presentation of ancient Kadampa teachings that are easy to apply to modern daily life. The New Kadampa Tradition, International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) follows the pure tradition of Mahayana Buddhism passed down from Buddhist masters Atisha (982-1054 AD) and Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419). In the late 1970s Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche came to the UK and began developing a modern presentation of Kadampa Buddhism that was contemporary and easy to access by modern cultures. Since then more than 1300 centers have emerged worldwide which preserve the Kadampa lineage teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni.
Origins of Kadampa Buddhism
Buddha Shakyamuni was the founder of Buddhism 2500 years ago and he taught scientific methods for solving all of our problems by developing positive minds such as peace, love, and compassion. Modern Kadampa Buddhism makes the pure teachings of Buddha available in a modern form to people throughout the world. Modern Kadampa Buddhism was founded by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, a modern Buddhist master and teacher.
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, or Geshe-la, dedicated his life to flourishing Dharma in our modern world so that everyone can find inner peace and happiness and truly benefit others. He was born in Tibet in 1931 and ordained as a monk at age 8. He practiced and studied under the guidance of Trijang Dorjechang Rinpoche, his Spiritual Guide, and spent nearly 20 years in solitary meditation retreat after leaving Tibet in 1959. In 1977 he accepted an invitation to become the Resident Teacher in the UK at Manjushri Centre and, with the blessing of his Spiritual Guide, began presenting Buddha’s teachings in a contemporary format. Since then, he gave thousands of teachings at centers around the world and composed 23 books on Buddhism and meditation that are pure commentaries and translations of Buddha’s teachings adapted to modern times.
Spiritual Directors of Modern Kadampa Buddhism
General Spiritual Director, Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the Resident Teacher at KMC Manjushri, the Mother Center of Kadampa Buddhism. Gen-la has studied and practiced Kadampa Buddhism for many years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, as one of his close disciples. Gen-la Dekyong’s teachings, humor, and kindness exemplify the essence of the Buddhist way of life and is the perfect example of a Kadampa Teacher. Each year, Gen-la Dekyong teaches at the International Festivals.
Deputy Spiritual Director, Gen-la Kelsang Jampa
Eastern US National Spiritual Director, Kadam Morten Clausen
Kadam Morten is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center New York City and has been a close disciple of Venerable Geshe-la for more than 40 years. He is a greatly admired meditation teacher known for his clarity, humor, and inspiration presentation of Dharma. His teachings are always practical and easy to apply to everyday life. Through his gentle and joyful approach and his peaceful example, he has helped many people find true happiness in their hearts.
International Kadampa Festivals
Every Year the New Kadampa Tradition, International Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) organizes three International Festivals taught by senior spiritual leaders: Spring Festival, Summer Festival, and Fall Festival. These festivals are incredible opportunities to come together as a spiritual community and go deeper into our Dharma practice.
