What is Modern Buddhism?
Modern Kadampa Buddhism is a special, practical presentation of Buddha’s teachings that is particularly suited to the modern day. It was introduced into contemporary society by the world-renowned meditation master and scholar Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Modern Kadampa Buddhism preserves the meaning and intention of Buddha’s original teachings while presenting them in a clear and systematic way that anyone of any nationality, age or gender can easily understand and put into practice.
Our Kadampa Lineage
‘Ka’ refers to Buddha’s teachings and ‘dam’ refers to Atisha’s instructions – the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, also known as Kadam Lamrim. ‘Kadam’ therefore refers to the union of Buddha’s teachings and Atisha’s instructions. Sincere practitioners of Kadam Lamrim are called ‘Kadampas’.
There are two Kadampa traditions, the ancient and the new. Practitioners of the ancient Kadampa tradition appeared to emphasize the practice of Kadam Lamrim of Sutra more than the practice of Tantra. Later, Je Tsongkhapa and his disciples emphasized the practice of Kadam Lamrim of both Sutra and Tantra equally. This new tradition founded by Je Tsongkhapa is called the New Kadampa tradition. After Je Tsongkhapa, the New Kadampa lineage flourished for hundreds of years, reaching the present day through immensely pure lineage Gurus such as Je Phabongkhapa and Vajradhara Trijang Rinpoche.
In recent years, this precious lineage has been preserved and promoted throughout the world by the contemporary Buddhist Master, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, the present day lineage holder. In 1981, Venerable Geshe-la's Spiritual Guide, Vajradhara Trijang Rinpoche, encouraged him to develop a new presentation of Kadampa Buddhism for the modern world that everyone can easily understand and practice. Thus Modern Kadampa Buddhism was born. Venerable Geshe-la has worked tirelessly to develop and promote this precious presentation that faithfully preserves the original meanings of the lineage of Kadampa Buddhism all the way back to Buddha himself, yet in an readily accessible, contemporary way. In particular, this is a truly international presentation, not anchored in any specific country or culture.
