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 1200 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.
Our Founder,
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism.
Geshe-la, as he is affectionately called by his students, is primarily responsible for the worldwide revival of Kadampa Buddhism in our time.
From the age of eight Geshe-la studied extensively in the great monastic universities of Tibet and earned the title ‘Geshe’, which literally means ‘spiritual friend’. Under the guidance of his Spiritual Guide, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, he then spent the next eighteen years in meditation retreats in the Himalayas.
In 1977 he accepted an invitation to teach at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in England, where he has lived and taught ever since, giving teachings and guidance to an ever-growing group of disciples.
He has published a series of remarkable books on Buddhism and meditation, from basic introductory books to advanced philosophical texts and meditation manuals.
Geshe-la has established three unique study programmes and 1200 centres and groups around the world, trained hundreds of qualified Teachers, created a flourishing ordained community and initiated a project to build Buddhist Temples in every major city in the world.
In his teachings Geshe Kelsang emphasizes the importance of meditation and how to apply it in daily life, the need to be truly happy, and how to cultivate a good heart to help others — and he demonstrates these qualities perfectly in his own life.
Authentic Lineage
Buddha Shakyamuni
(B.C. 563 – 483)
Je Tsongkhapa
(1357-1419)
Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
(born 1931)
Our Spiritual General Director,
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the General Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU and the Resident Teacher at Manjushri KMC in the Lake District, the Mother Centre 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 Deputy Spiritual Director,
Gen-la Kelsang Jampa
Gen-la Kelsang Jampa is the Deputy Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU and the Resident Teacher at International Kadampa Retreat Centre Grand Canyon.
He has studied under Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche and taught internationally for many years. He is greatly admired for his warm personality and clear, inspiring teachings.
Our National Spiritual Director,
Kadam Bridget Heyes
Kadam Bridget Heyes is the National Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU for the UK and Ireland and Resident Teacher of Nagarjuna KMC in Northamptonshire. Kadam Bridget is a dedicated disciple of Venerable Geshe-la, known for her powerful teachings and her compassionate heart.