Who founded the New Kadampa Tradition?
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.
What is the history of the New Kadampa Tradition?
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.
Is the NKT a new religious movement created by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso?
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.
What is the lineage of the New Kadampa Tradition teachers?
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.
