The New Kadampa Tradition

Through Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Ripoche's tireless activities and kindness there are now more than 1300 centers offering Buddha's wisdom advice to people in 40 countries across the world.

The New
Kadampa
Tradition (NKT)

The New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) is an international association of Mahayana Buddhist study and meditation centers founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche in 1991 to offer the practical wisdom of Kadampa Buddhism to the people of our modern 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 Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

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.

The Founder of The NKT

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

Spiritual Directors of New Kadampa Tradition

Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong

General Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU
Resident Teacher at Manjushri KMC, the Mother Center of Kadampa Buddhism

Gen-la Dekyong has studied and practiced 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, humor 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.

Gen-la Kelsang Jampa

Deputy Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU
Resident Teacher at IKRC Grand Canyon

Gen-la Jampa has studied under Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche and taught internationally for many years and is greatly admired for his warm personality and clear, inspiring teachings.

Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab

Retired General Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU
National Spiritual Director of Canada
Resident Teacher at KMC Canada

Gen-la Khyenrab is deeply respected throughout the Kadampa world as a sincere practitioner and powerful teacher.

Gen-la Kelsang Kunsang

Retired Deputy Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU
National Spiritual Director of Switzerland
Resident Teacher at KMC Edinburgh

Gen-la Kunsang has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for many years, during which time she has won the admiration and affection of many students through her pure example and loving-kindness.

Gen-la Kelsang Thubten

International Kadampa Internet Director

Gen-la Thubten has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for forty years and was the principal editor for many of his books. Having taught internationally for many years, Gen-la brings a wealth of practical and meditative experience to his teachings.

U.S. National Spiritual
Directors of NKT

Kadam Morten

Eastern US National Spiritual Director
Resident Teacher at KMC New York

Kadam Morten Clausen is the Eastern US National Spiritual Director and a senior disciple of renowned teacher and author Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. He has been teaching Buddhism for over 25 years and is a clear, humorous and compelling speaker.

Gen Kelsang Rigpa

Western US National Spiritual Director
Resident Teacher at KMC Hollywood

Gen Rigpa is a close disciple of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, having received lineage blessings and oral transmissions directly from him. Gen Rigpa's heartfelt and practical teachings are presented with warmth and humor, making them accessible to everyone.

Gen Kelsang Demo

Midwestern US National Spiritual Director
Resident Teacher at KMC Washington DC

Gen Demo has been a student and disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than 20 years and has been teaching for 18 years. She demonstrates a wealth of practical knowledge and provides clear and inspiring teachings for people of all levels of interest.

How to Build a Pure World

The development of Kadampa Buddhism worldwide through the kindness of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche