Kadampa Buddhism

Buddhism for the Modern World

Kadampa Buddhism is a Mahayana Buddhist school founded by the great Indian Master Atisha (AD 982-1054). His followers are known as 'Kadampas'. 'Ka' means 'word' and refers to Buddha's teachings, and 'dam' refers to Atisha's special Lamrim instructions known as 'the stages to the path to enlightenment'. By integrating their knowledge of all Buddha's teachings into their practice of Lamrim, and by integrating this into their everyday lives, Kadampa Buddhists are encouraged to use Buddha's teachings as practical methods for transformaing daily activities into the path to enlightenment.

Kadampa Buddhism was first introduced into the West in 1977 by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Since that time, he has worked tirelessly to spread Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world by giving extensive teachings, writing many profound texts, and founding the New Kadampa Tradition which now has over 800 centers worldwide. Each center offers study programs and retreats for all levels of practitioner. The emphasis is on integrating Buddha's teachings into daily life to solve our human problems and to spread lasting peace and happiness throughout the world.

Kadampa Centers offer three study programs: The General Program, The Foundation Program and the Teacher Training Program.The Kadampa Buddhism of the New Kadampa Tradition is an entirely independent Buddhist tradition and has no
political affiliations. It is an association of Buddhist Centers and practitioners that derive their inspiration and guidance from the example of the ancient Kadampa Buddhist Masters and their teachings, as presented by Geshe Kelsang.

Transforming daily activities:

By integrating their knowledge of all Buddha's teachings into their practice of Lamrim, and by integrating this into their everyday life, Kadampa Buddhists are encouraged to use Buddha's teachings as practical methods for transforming daily activities into the spiritual path.

The great Kadampa Teachers are famous not only for being great scholars but also for being spiritual practitioners of immense purity and sincerity. The lineages of these teachings, both their scriptural transmission and realizations, were then passed from teacher to disciple, and spread throughout much of Asia, and now to many countries throughout the western world.

Wheel of Dharma

Buddha's teachings, which are known as Dharma, are likened to a wheel that moves from country to country in accordance with changing conditions and people's karmic inclinations.

The external forms of presenting Buddhism may change as it meets with different cultures and societies, but its essential authenticity is ensured through the continuation of an unbroken lineage of realized practitioners.