New Kadampa Tradition

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New Kadampa Tradation

Discover the New Kadampa Tradition’s modern presentation of Buddha’s timeless wisdom—practical, accessible, and relevant for everyone. Explore this worldwide spiritual community and its core teachings on inner peace, compassion, and wisdom.

What is the New Kadampa Tradition and Modern Buddhism?

Understanding the basics

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.

Kadampa Buddhism is a tradition of Buddhist practice that originated in 11th-century Tibet with the great Indian Buddhist master Atisha. He presented the teachings of Buddha in a clear, step-by-step format known as Lamrim, or “Stages of the Path to Enlightenment,” making the spiritual path accessible and practical for all.

In the 14th century, these teachings were further clarified by the fully realized scholar and meditation master Je Tsongkhapa, who emphasized the union of wisdom and compassion, Sutra and Tantra.

Followers of this tradition up to the time of Je Tsongkhapa are known as “Old Kadampas”, and those after the time of Je Tsongkhapa are known as “New Kadampas”. “Ka” is Tibetan for ‘word’ and refers to all Buddha’s teachings, “dam” refers to Atisha’s special Lamrim instructions and “pa” refers to a follower of Kadampa Buddhism who integrates all the teachings of Buddha they know into their Lamrim practice.

Today, the New Kadampa Tradition follows this lineage, making the essential practices of Kadampa Buddhism available to people around the world through Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s beneficial activities.

You can read more about the life and teachings of Je Tsongkhapa in the book, Heart Jewel and more about the life and teachings of Atisha in the book Joyful Path of Good Fortune.

In the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT), the key purpose of Kadampa teachings is to help people to develop wisdom and compassion in order to transform their minds and their lives.

By applying the teachings of Buddha in everyday situations, anyone—regardless of background—can learn how to reduce suffering, develop inner peace, and cultivate positive qualities like love, patience, and wisdom. This practical integration of Dharma with daily life is known as the union of Kadam Dharma and daily life, and it lies at the heart of the NKT’s approach.

Ultimately, the purpose is to enable everyone to make progress on the path to liberation and enlightenment, while also finding deeper happiness and meaning right now, in the midst of modern life.

Kadampa Buddhists combine study, meditation and work. They place a lot of importance on the study of Buddhist texts, the practice of meditation, and working in practical ways to benefit others. The way practitioners try to benefit others is by showing how to put the teachings into practice to improve their lives, and working to make Buddhist teachings widely accessible. This focus on study, meditation and work is intended to deepen practitioners’ understanding, internalization, and practical application of Buddhist principles.

Meditation practices taught in the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) are practical, accessible, and deeply transformative. Just doing ten or fifteen minutes of breathing meditation each day will:

  • Enable you to experience peace and contentment
  • Give you greater control over your mind
  • Reduce stress & help you to cope
  • Develop a calm & spacious mind
  • Improve your relationships

By engaging in the deeper Lamrim meditations such as in The New Meditation Handbook, we learn to recognize and reduce delusions like anger, attachment, and jealousy–the true sources of suffering. At the same time, we focus on cultivating positive minds, such as love, compassion, patience, and wisdom. Through regular practice, we create the causes of lasting happiness and make steady progress toward liberation and enlightenment.

Being a Buddhist means finding 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.

Core Beliefs & Practices

Modern Buddhism in the New Kadampa Tradition refers to the presentation of Buddha’s ancient teachings in a way that is clear, practical, and directly applicable to modern daily life–regardless of a person’s background, culture, or belief system.

This approach was developed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, the founder of the NKT, who dedicated his life to making the essence of Buddha’s wisdom accessible and relevant to people today. In his words:

“Modern Buddhism is a special presentation of Buddha’s teachings that retains their original meaning while making them easy to understand and practise in modern society.”
— from the book Modern Buddhism

The book Modern Buddhism is available as a free eBook and widely used in Kadampa centers around the world.Understanding the BasicsUnderstanding the Basics

  • 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.

One unique feature of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) is its structured approach to studying and practising Buddhism through three specially designed study programs:

  • The General Program – open to everyone and ideal for beginners,
  • The Foundation Program – for those who want to deepen their understanding and meditation practice,
  • The Teacher Training Program – for those who wish to train as qualified Dharma teachers.

These programs provide a clear, step-by-step path for learning and applying Buddha’s teachings in daily life, making spiritual progress accessible and practical for everyone. This systematic structure is one of the reasons the NKT has grown into a strong, worldwide community of sincere practitioners.

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.W

In the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT), several special holy days are celebrated each year to honor significant events in the Buddhist calendar and to deepen our connection with enlightened beings. These days are powerful opportunities to engage in collective prayer, purification, and the accumulation of merit.

All holy days in the NKT are observed according to the Western calendar, making it easy for practitioners around the world to participate together on the same dates.

Celebrating these special days helps to keep our spiritual life vibrant and meaningful. They offer a chance to step back from our busy routines, connect with others in the Kadampa community, and receive deep inspiration and blessings that support and strengthen our ongoing practice.

NKT celebrates:

  • NKT Day (First Saturday in April)
  • Buddha’s Enlightenment Day (April 15)
  • Turning the Wheel of Dharma Day (June 4)
  • Buddha’s Return from Heaven Day (September 22)
  • Je Tsongkhapa Day (October 25)
  • International Temples Day (First Saturday in November)

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.

The Lineage modern Buddhism

Spiritual Teachers & Guidance

The New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT–IKBU) was founded in 1991 by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, a fully accomplished and highly respected Tibetan Buddhist monk, scholar, and meditation master.

He established the NKT to preserve and share the teachings of Kadampa Buddhism, an unbroken lineage of teachings that comes from Buddha Shakyamuni, in a way that is both faithful to their original meaning and suited to the modern world. Through his extraordinary kindness, Geshe Kelsang made Buddha’s teachings easily accessible to people everywhere—regardless of background—by offering clear instructions, practical guidance, and a structured path of study and meditation.

Geshe Kelsang has written 23 authoritative books on Buddhism and meditation—including How to Understand the Mind, The New Heart of Wisdom, and Modern Buddhism. These works offer clear, step-by-step guidance on topics such as meditation, compassion, karma, emptiness, and the path to enlightenment.

His work has led to the creation of hundreds of qualified Kadampa Meditation Centers, International Retreat Centers and beautiful World Peace Temples around the world, helping thousands of people find inner peace and spiritual meaning in their lives.

The New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) is a modern presentation of the ancient Kadampa lineage of Buddhism. Its roots lie in the teachings of the Indian master Atisha (11th century) and the great Tibetan teacher Je Tsongkhapa (14th century), who emphasized a clear, practical path to enlightenment.

In the late 20th century, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, a highly respected teacher trained in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, brought these teachings to the West. In 1991, he established the New Kadampa Tradition to make them accessible and relevant to the modern world.

Since then, the NKT has grown into a global network of meditation centers and temples, offering study, meditation, and retreat programs for people of all backgrounds. Its focus is on integrating Buddha’s timeless wisdom into busy modern lives, helping people develop inner peace, compassion, and wisdom.

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.

Yes, the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) can be considered a new religious movement, created by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. It was established in 1991 as an independent Buddhist tradition. While it is rooted in the ancient teachings of Mahayana Buddhism, specifically the Kadampa teachings of Atisha and Tsongkhapa, the NKT represents a distinct interpretation and organization of these teachings under the guidance of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s approach to teaching and organizing the NKT reflects a modern adaptation of Buddhist principles, aimed at making them accessible and relevant to people in the contemporary world. This modernization and adaptation, along with the creation of a new organizational structure (comprising meditation centers, study programs, and a distinct community), are characteristics that align with the concept of a new religious movement.

Therefore, while the NKT is based on traditional Buddhist teachings, its formation, under the specific vision and leadership of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, classifies it as a new religious movement within the broader scope of Buddhism.

The New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) traces its teacher lineage back to the ancient Kadampa tradition, founded on the teachings of the Indian master Atisha (982–1054 CE) and the Tibetan master Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419 CE). Atisha introduced the “Stages of the Path” (Lamrim), which Tsongkhapa later developed further, founding the Gelug school known for its clarity and discipline.

All NKT teachings are firmly grounded in the Buddha’s original teachings and scriptures, ensuring authenticity and continuity.

The modern NKT was established by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso (1931–2022), who adapted the presentation of these teachings and wrote extensive commentaries to make them accessible and relevant to today’s practitioners. Current NKT teachers have trained under Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and continue to share his teachings worldwide through meditation classes, study programs, and books.

This lineage preserves the core wisdom of Buddha, Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa, uniquely presented by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso to support modern spiritual practice and this ensures the pure lineage of these teachings is maintained for future generations.

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Books on modern Buddhism

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has written 23 books explaining simply and clearly the entire Buddhist path to enlightenment. These include introductory books, intermediate books, and more advanced books.

All Geshe Kelsang’s books are published by NKT’s publishing company, Tharpa Publications, which is based at Manjushri KMC.

This remarkable series of authoritative books represents the most complete and integrated presentation of the Buddhist path to enlightenment available in any western language. Originally written in English they are currently being translated into many of the world’s major languages.

Meditation CDs, audiobooks, prayer booklets, Buddhist art prints, postcards and posters, stationery and much more are are also available from Tharpa Publications.

To browse and buy online at the Tharpa Publications website.

The International Temples Project

When Venerable Geshe-la opened the first Temple for World Peace at Manjushri Centre in 1997, he expressed the wish to develop a modern Buddhist Temple in every major city of the world. To accomplish this and many other purposes, he founded the International Temples Project (ITP).

The scope and activities of the ​ITP are constantly evolving in response to the needs of the ever-changing demands of busy lives. It presently achieves ​its aim through ​developing and ​building traditional and non-traditional temples, meditation and retreat centres, and through the activities of World Peace Cafés and Tharpa Publications.

All profits generated through the activities of the International Temples Project are dedicated to public benefit through the continual development of this fund.

Make a Donation to International Temples Project