Founder Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

Discover the rich tradition of Kadampa Buddhism through its teachings, practices, and activities.

Modern Kadampa Buddhism

New Kadampa Tradition · International Kadampa Buddhist Union

Working for World Peace

About Kadampa

Modern Kadampa Buddhism is the practical application of the Buddhist path of compassion and wisdom to modern daily life. Introduced by the renowned Buddhist Master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, it brings Buddha's timeless wisdom into the modern world, showing how Buddhist meditation can be integrated into busy lives, regardless of nationality, gender, or age.

Through these practices, we can develop deep inner peace, maintain a happy mind, and realise the full potential of our human life.

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The Founder

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

Meditation Master

A world-renowned meditation master and Teacher (1931–2022), affectionately known as Venerable Geshe-la. He inspired thousands to apply Buddha's teachings to solve their problems and find lasting inner peace.

Early Life & Training

After beginning monastic training from a young age in Tibet, he engaged in extensive retreats where Je Tsongkhapa appeared to him, clarifying essential teachings of Sutra and Tantra.

Arrival in the West

On 27 August 1977, he arrived at Manjushri Centre in England — the dawn of Modern Buddhism and a new spirit of hope in this world.

Centers & Temples

He established hundreds of meditation centers worldwide and designed six Kadampa Temples for World Peace, personally overseeing every detail.

23 Published Works

He authored 23 highly acclaimed books on Buddhism and meditation, now studied at centers worldwide and adopted by universities.

Study Programs

He created three study programs — General, Foundation, and Teacher Training — producing hundreds of qualified modern teachers each year.

Living Legacy

His life's work continues through the International Kadampa Buddhist Union, touching the lives of people of all nationalities and cultures worldwide.

Read about Venerable Geshe-la's life

Venerable Geshe-la arriving at Manjushri Centre

Venerable Geshe-la at KMC New York Temple

Venerable Geshe-la teaching at a Kadampa Temple in Brazil

Collected Works

23 Books to Transform Your Mind

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche has dedicated his life to writing 23 highly acclaimed books on Buddhist thought and meditation, making these precious teachings accessible to everyone.

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A Global Community

Kadampa Centers Worldwide

Explore nearly 1,000 centers and groups across nearly 40 countries

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Modern Buddhism

Free Meditation App

Guided meditations, podcasts and ebooks by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in the tradition of Modern Kadampa Buddhism — completely free on your phone.

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Guided meditations for every level
Full text of Modern Buddhism
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Listen

Kadampa Podcasts: Living Clarity

Listen to insights and wisdom from experienced Buddhist teachers and meditators of the New Kadampa Tradition.

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Become a Friend of the World

A bodhisattva is a friend of all the world, not just some of the people who are friendly to me. It's someone who consciously chooses to view the world from a place of love, from a place of compassion.

0:00 / 14:36

14:36 · October 5, 2026 Kadam Adam Starr

Compassion English Loving kindness Wisdom

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The Modern Buddhism Podcast

Kadampa practitioners discuss their experiences of dharma practice in their lives.

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A Buddhist Monk Explains What Gives Life Meaning

September 23, 2026

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October 2026

Spotlight

Catch up with events from centers around the world.

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Events · 6 Oct 2026

A Weekend of Inspiration and Blessings

Across the Kadampa community, practitioners recently came together to celebrate, receive precious teachings, and deepen their spiritual practice. From a weekend of Green Tara teachings and empowerment in Amsterdam to the 30th anniversary celebration in Ottawa,…

Events · 5 Oct 2026