Kadampa Buddhism
To provide a vehicle for promoting Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world, in 1991 Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso founded the New Kadampa Tradition, the International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT–IKBU).
It is an international association of study and meditation centers that follow the pure tradition of Mahayana Buddhism derived from the Buddhist meditators and scholars Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa and introduced into the West by the Buddhist Teacher Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. The purpose of the NKT–IKBU is to increase the Buddhist Faith throughout the world. The New Kadampa Tradition is an entirely independent Buddhist tradition and the NKT–IKBU has no political affiliations.
The NKT–IKBU is an international nonprofit organization registered in England as a charitable company.
Our Founder
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, founder of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT-IKBU) and Modern Buddhism, spent his entire life benefiting others through helping people find true inner peace. Born in Tibet, he ordained as a Buddhist monk at the age of eight and spent the next twenty years studying the teachings of Buddha in the great Tibetan monasteries.
After being awarded the title ‘Geshe’, which means ‘virtuous spiritual friend’, he entered a life of meditation, engaging in deep retreat in Tibet and India where he soon developed a reputation as a meditation master.
After almost twenty years in retreat, in 1977, with the encouragement of his own Spiritual Guide, Kyabje Trijang Dorjechang, Gesha-la graciously agreed to teach at Manjushri Centre in England.
Since moving to the West, Venerable Geshe Kelsang has given thousands of teachings, helped establish the International Kadampa Buddhist Union, trained hundreds of Buddhist teachers, and written 23 highly acclaimed books on Buddhism and meditation, including his most prolific title Modern Buddhism which is free to download. Visit Tharpa Publications for info about or to purchase any of Geshe-la's books, mp3 downloads, or Buddhist artwork.
Teachers of the New Kadampa Tradition
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong
is the General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) and the Resident Teacher at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, the Mother Centre of Kadampa Buddhism. Gen-la has studied and practised Kadampa Buddhism for many years under the guidance of her Spiritual Guide Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. As one of Venerable Geshe Kelsang’s close disciples, Gen-la Dekyong’s teachings, humour and kindness exemplify the essence of the Buddhist way of life.
Gen-la Kelsang Jampa
is the Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) and Resident Teacher of International Kadampa Retreat Centre, Grand Canyon. Gen-la Jampa has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years. Under Geshe-la’s guidance, he has taught at many centres and events internationally. Gen-la is well-loved for his clear and inspiring teachings, and his ability to touch people’s hearts through his sincerity and loving-kindness.
Kadam Morten Clausen
is the Eastern US National Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition and Resident Teacher at the Kadampa Meditation Center, NYC. A close disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for over 30 years, who gave him the title “Kadam,” indicating that he is a senior lay teacher of the Kadampa Tradition. In addition to his local teaching responsibilities, he teaches and guides retreats regularly across the US and Europe. Kadam Morten is known for his clarity, humor & inspirational presentation of Dharma.