Founder of the New Kadampa Tradition

The Founder of Modern Kadampa Buddhism is Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, a world-renowned meditation master who holds the very essence of Buddha’s teachings in his heart. Venerable Geshe-la transmits this profound wisdom and compassion to the people of the modern world in very practical ways through the extremely accessible methods of modern Kadampa Buddhism, which he introduced.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche as an elderly Buddhist monk. He's teaching, leaning forwards, wearing glasses and smiling kindly.

A life of dedication

Since 1977, when he accepted an invitation to become Resident Teacher at Manjushri Centre in the UK, he has given thousands of teachings, composed twenty-three widely acclaimed books on Buddhism and meditation, established over 1,300 meditation centres, trained hundreds of qualified Teachers and developed practical study and meditation programs to suit the needs of the modern world. In short, he has dedicated his entire life to laying the foundation for modern Kadampa Buddhism to flourish throughout the world in this and future generations. All the auspicious developments illustrated on this website have arisen from the compassionate intention and extraordinary vision of this remarkable being.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche in US Kadampa temple teaching. He's wearing glasses, speaking into a microphone, with his hand raised in a gesture of offering the listener something.

A truly international teacher

Venerable Geshe-la is a truly international Teacher who presents Buddha’s teachings in ways that anyone, regardless of nationality, culture, gender or age can easily understand their meaning and apply them to their modern daily life. Today, many thousands of people around the world are experiencing the immense, practical benefits of applying his life-transforming teachings.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche visiting the New York Kadampa World Peace Temple. He's dressed in a red coat and red hat walking down stone steps outdoors surrounded by fallen autumn leaves.

Scientific methods for inner peace

Venerable Geshe-la’s message is as simple as it is profound — all of the problems in this world originate in the mind, and the solutions to these problems and the causes of lasting peace and happiness are also to be found in the mind. Only by developing inner peace in our minds through meditation can we solve our own problems and help others to do the same, and in this way create world peace. Thanks to the extraordinary kindness of Venerable Geshe-la, the internal scientific methods to accomplish this inner peace are now available to everyone in the modern world. This humble monk has touched the hearts of countless people around the world and inspired them to set out on a blissful journey to lasting happiness and inner peace.

Buddhist monk Gen-la Kelsang Jampa, General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU. He's smiling, wearing glasses and teaching, in front of a Kadampa Buddhist shrine with a photo of his teacher behind.

Gen-la Kelsang Jampa

General Spiritual Director

Gen-la Jampa is an internationally renowned, ordained Buddhist teacher and the General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU).

As a senior NKT teacher, Gen-la Jampa has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years, and under Geshe-la's guidance has taught at many centers and events around the world.

Gen-la is well-loved for his clear and inspiring teachings and his ability to touch people’s hearts through his sincerity and loving-kindness.

Buddhist nun Gen-la Kelsang sangden, Deputy General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU. She's smiling broadly, teaching with her hand on her heart, in front of a Kadampa Buddhist shrine with a photo of her teacher behind.

Gen-la Kelsang Sangden

Deputy General Spiritual Director

Gen-la Sangden is the Deputy Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU, and is the National Spiritual Director of Kadampa Buddhism in Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua and Peru, and the Resident Teacher at KMC Mexico.

She is admired by many for her good example and her loving and clear advice. She has practised and taught Kadampa Buddhism for over 25 years.