Our Tradition

The New Kadampa Tradition

The New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) is an international association of Mahayana Buddhist study and meditation centres founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in 1991 to offer the practical wisdom of Kadampa Buddhism to the people of our modern world.

Through Geshe Kelsang’s tireless activities and kindness there are now over 1100 centres and groups offering Buddha’s wisdom advice to people in 40 countries across the world.

The NKT-IKBU follows the pure tradition of Mahayana Buddhism handed down in an unbroken lineage from Buddha Shakyamuni through the ancient Kadampa teachers Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa and introduced into the West by Geshe Kelsang.

The purpose of the NKT-IKBU is to increase the Buddhist faith throughout the world. It is an entirely independent Buddhist tradition that has no political affiliations.

The NKT-IKBU is an international non-profit organization registered in England as a charitable company.

Video about the benefits of our Tradition

The New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) is an international association of Mahayana Buddhist study and meditation centres founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in 1991 to offer the practical wisdom of Kadampa Buddhism to the people of our modern world. Learn more in our video.

Authentic Lineage

Linage Gurus Kadampa 1536x1536 1

Atisha (982-1054)

Je Tsongkhapa Lineage Gurus

Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419)

Ven Geshe La Lineage

Ven.Geshe Kelsang Gyatso (Born 1931)

Modern Buddhism

We offer a modern presentation of Buddhism that enables people with busy lives to experience deep and lasting happiness.The instructions given at our classes are grounded in ancient wisdom and have been handed down in an unbroken lineage since the time of Buddha. Revitalised by contemporary Meditation Master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso especially for the people of the modern world, our classes offer practical methods for solving the real-world problems we face, as well as scientific methods for improving our human nature and qualities through developing the capacity of our mind.

Everyone is welcome

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 the International Temples Project

Our Founder

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU). He is a remarkable and humble Buddhist monk dedicated to helping people throughout the world find true happiness in their hearts through the practice of meditation. Venerable Geshe-la is a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism.

In his teachings, Geshe-la emphasises the importance of how to integrate the practice of meditation and of Buddha’s teachings into our modern day lives, showing how to transform daily activities into a spiritual path.

Geshe Kelsang has worked tirelessly to spread Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world by giving extensive teachings, writing many books on Kadampa Buddhism, establishing the International Temples Project and founding the New Kadampa Tradition, the International Kadampa Buddhist Union.s

Our General Spiritual Director

Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the General Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU and the Resident Teacher at Manjushri KMC, the Mother Center 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. She is a perfect example of a Kadampa Teacher.

Each year Gen-la Dekyong teaches at the International Festivals, National Festivals and Dharma Celebrations throughout the world.

Our National Spiritual Director

Kadam Bridget Heyes is our National Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU for the UK and Ireland and Resident Teacher of Nagarjuna KMC at Thornby Hall near Leicester.

A senior disciple of Geshe Kelsang, she has been practising Kadampa Buddhism for over 30 years. In 1994, she helped to found Nagarjuna Centre and has been teaching there ever since. In 2009, Kadam Bridget was also elected as the NKT-IKBU National Spiritual Director of the UK.

Kadam Bridget is known for her powerful teachings, compassionate heart, and deep understanding of Buddha’s wisdom advice. Her teachings are exceptionally clear and she presents profound ideas in a way that are easy to practise and integrate into daily life. Kadam Bridget shows an inspiring example for everyone on the spiritual path.

Tharpa Publications – Our Publishers

Podcasts

How do you say thank you? – Kadampa Buddhism