Kadampa Buddhism

Buddhism for the Modern World  

Kadampa Buddhism originated in the teachings of Buddha, over 2,500 years ago. It is a Mahayana Buddhist school founded by the great Indian Buddhist Master Atisha (982-1054 AD).

The Kadampa tradition was later promoted by Je Tsongkhapa and his followers, who were known as the New Kadampas. More recently it has been propagated throughout the west, and many other countries around the world by the contemporary Kadampa Buddhist Master, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Kadampa Buddhism offers modern day Buddhism designed for Westerners. It offers timeless techniques that are easy to understand and apply to daily life.

Most of Kadampa Buddhists, including the vast majority of teachers, practitioners, monks and nuns are Westerners. Thus the emphasis is on helping Westerners gain access to the beauty and wisdom of Buddhism.

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.

To find out more about Kadampa Buddhism and the worldwide network of Kadampa Buddhist Centers visit the main Kadampa Buddhism website.

The Lineage and Protector

Venerable Atisha
Je Tsongkhapa
Dorje Shugden
Kadam Lamrim