Kadampa

Kadampa Buddhism is a Mahayana Buddhist school that traces its roots back to the 11th century Indian Buddhist master, Atisha. Atisha skillfully arranged all of Buddha’s teachings (Dharma) into a clear, step-by-step presentation known as “Lamrim” in Tibetan, which translates to “the stages of the path to enlightenment.” The followers of Atisha became known as “Kadampas.” The term “Ka” refers to all of Buddha’s teachings, and “dam” refers to Atisha’s special Lamrim instructions. A Kadampa is a practitioner who takes Buddha’s teachings as personal advice and puts them into practice by following Atisha’s Lamrim teachings.

The Founder of Modern Kadampa Buddhism: Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

The founder of the modern Kadampa tradition and the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) is Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. He is a highly accomplished meditation master and scholar who moved to the West in 1977 at the request of students at Manjushri Center in the UK, the Mother Center of the New Kadampa Tradition. Since his arrival, Venerable Geshe-la has worked tirelessly to introduce Kadampa Buddhism to the contemporary world. His dedication has led to the creation of a global infrastructure that supports the growth of Kadampa Buddhism, ensuring its continuation for future generations.

Learn More About the Founder

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s contributions to modern Buddhism and his guidance in establishing the New Kadampa Tradition have been instrumental in shaping a path that makes Buddha’s teachings accessible and practical for today’s world. His work has made it possible for people everywhere to learn and practice authentic Buddhist teachings in a modern context.

Our Tradition: From Atisha to Modern Kadampa Buddhism

The Kadampa lineage has a rich history, starting with the Indian master Venerable Atisha, who reintroduced the entirety of Buddhism to Tibet in the 11th century. His teachings, especially the Lamrim instructions, became central to the practice of Buddhism in Tibet. Centuries later, in the 14th and 15th centuries, the great Buddhist scholar and yogi Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419) further popularized Atisha’s teachings and founded the “New Kadampas,” emphasizing the practice of Lamrim as a path to enlightenment. His immaculate example and teachings inspired thousands of Tibetans during Tibet’s golden age.

Following in the footsteps of these great masters, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche brought Kadampa Buddhism to the West. His efforts have ensured that the essence of the teachings—rooted in Atisha’s Lamrim instructions—are preserved while making them accessible and practical for modern people. This vision has led to the establishment of Modern Kadampa Buddhism, a tradition that retains the profound insights of Buddha’s teachings while adapting them for contemporary society.

Modern Kadampa Buddhism: Practical and Accessible for All

Modern Kadampa Buddhism is a unique presentation of the ancient teachings, designed to suit the needs and lifestyle of today’s practitioners. The teachings retain the essential meaning and insights of Buddha’s original instructions but are presented in a practical and straightforward manner, making them relevant and applicable for individuals in modern life. Through Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s teachings, Kadampa Buddhism has evolved into a tradition that is vibrant, relevant, and accessible to people across the globe.