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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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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Why We Get Frustrated With Life

The real problem is not the overtime. The real problem is this tension in our mind that comes because we're faced with not having what we wanted or having what we didn't want.

0:00 / 10:48

10:48 · November 2, 2026 Kadam Marie-Claude Martel

English

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The Modern Buddhism Podcast

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

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From Total Skeptic to Buddhist Monk: What Changed My Mind.

October 31, 2026

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November 2026

Spotlight

Catch up with events from centers around the world.

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Events · 5 Nov 2026

Weekends of Blessings, Practice and Joy

A weekend filled with inspiring blessings, meaningful teachings, and joyful gatherings! From a weekend retreat at Manjushri KMC to receiving the blessing empowerment of Dorje Shugden at Samudra KBC to meditating together at Kailash IRC. Practitioners…

Editors' Picks · 4 Nov 2026