Modern Buddhism

Modern Buddhism is a special presentation of Buddha’s teachings on compassion and wisdom that communicates their essence in a way that is easy to understand and put into practice.

This new presentation perfectly captures the simple essence of Buddha’s teachings in a way that everyone can understand and practise in daily life to bring about profound inner change.


Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

The New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (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 Gyatso. The NKT-IKBU is a legally and entirely independent Buddhist tradition, and it has no political affiliations.

Protection from suffering and problems

By practising Buddha’s teachings, or Dharma, we can protect ourself from suffering and problems. All the problems we experience during daily life originate in ignorance, and the method for eliminating ignorance is to practise the Dharma.

The history and lineage of this tradition

Je Tsongkhapa

The lineage of the NKT-IKBU originally came from Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and was passed through an unbroken successsion of Buddhist Masters to Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419CE), who was a manifestation of the Wisdom Buddha. He lived at a time when, although outwardly Buddhism appeared to be flourishing in Tibet, in fact confusion about both doctrine and practice was destroying its spiritual essence. Through teachings and writings of unparalleled clarity and comprehensiveness, an immaculate personal example, and tireless energy, Je Tsongkhapa single-handedly revitalized Buddhism in Tibet, giving it a new lease of life that has lasted until the present day. Many qualified practitioners and scholars of all other Tibetan Buddhist traditions respected and deeply appreciated him.
Je Tsongkhapa’s books are commentaries to Buddha Shakyamuni’s teachings and all of Geshe Kelsang’s twenty three books are commentaries to Je Tsongkhapa’s teachings. Ranging from highly accessible books for beginners to detailed and lucid expositions of Buddhist philosophy, Geshe Kelsang’s books form the most comprehensive presentation of the Buddhist path to enlightenment available in any western language. Geshe Kelsang is the only Tibetan Lama to have provided a complete re-presentation of the Buddhist path in accordance with the needs and inclinations of the modern world.

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New Kadampa Tradition