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Template:Totally-disputed The New Kadampa Tradition ~ International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) is a global Buddhist organization founded by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in England in 1991. In 2003 the words "International Kadampa Buddhist Union" (IKBU) were added to the original name "New Kadampa Tradition". The NKT-IKBU is an international non-profit organization registered in England as a charitable company.
The NKT-IKBU states that it follows the tradition of Kadampa Buddhism derived from the Buddhist meditators and scholars Atisha (AD 982-1054), and Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419 AD), as taught by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. The NKT-IKBU was established as an independent Buddhist organization principally in order to become free from the mixing of Dharma and politics that it says characterizes Tibetan Buddhism. The main emphasis of the NKT-IKBU is integrating Buddha's teachings into the many diverse cultures of the modern world.
Oxford professor Peter Clarke has characterised the NKT-IKBU as a "controversial Tibetan Buddhist NRM" for doctrinal reasons (namely, Geshe Kelsang's "rigid, exclusive" approach and its position on Dorje Shugden).
Mission Statement
- The New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) is an international association of Mahayana Buddhist study and meditation centres that follow the Kadampa Buddhist tradition founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. The purpose of the NKT-IKBU is to preserve and promote the essence of Buddha Shakyamuni’s teachings in a form that is suited to the modern world and way of life.
Introduction to the NKT-IKBU
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The NKT-IKBU describes itself in the booklet "Modern Day Kadampas" as a Mahayana Buddhist school founded by the Indian Buddhist Master Atisha (AD 982-1054). "Ka" refers to Buddha Shakyamuni's teachings, and "dam" to Atisha's instructions known as "the stages of the path to enlightenment". By integrating their knowledge of all Buddha's teachings into their practice of the stages of the path to enlightenment (Tib. Lamrim), and by integrating this into their everyday lives, NKT-IKBU members (who call themselves "Kadampa Buddhists") are encouraged to use Buddha's teachings as practical methods for transforming their daily activities into the path to enlightenment, improving their love, compassion and wisdom.
The NKT-IKBU is an association of over 1100 Buddhist Centers and groups that derive their inspiration and guidance from the example of the ancient Kadampa Buddhist Masters and their teachings, as presented to the modern world by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. The NKT-IKBU is an independent religious organization aiming to "principally follow the teachings and example of Je Tsongkhapa".
Practitioners of the NKT-IKBU follow The Internal Rules of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union. These legally-binding rules define the organization and contain numerous checks and balances on the behavior, election and dismissal of the administrators, teachers, and spiritual directors.
Historical Development of the NKT-IKBU
- see also: Prehistory of the New Kadampa Tradition
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In 1976 Lama Thubten Yeshe asked Trijang Rinpoche to invite Geshe Kelsang from India, where he was engaged in a 16-year retreat, to teach at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre (then Manjushri Institute) in England. At the request of his root Guru, Trijang Rinpoche, Geshe Kelsang taught the General Program at Manjushri KMC from 1976 to 1987.
In 1987, Geshe Kelsang entered a 3-year retreat at Tharpaland in Dumfries, Scotland. During Geshe Kelsang's retreat he wrote five books and established the foundations of the NKT-IKBU. Since that time, the NKT-IKBU has grown to comprise over 1,100 Centres and groups throughout 40 countries.
After completing his retreat in the Spring of 1991, Geshe Kelsang announced the creation of the NKT, an event which was celebrated by his students in the magazine Full Moon as "a wonderful development in the history of the Buddhadharma." In 1992, the NKT-IKBU was legally incorporated under English law, which constituted the formal foundation of the NKT-IKBU. The many Centres which were following Geshe Kelsang's spiritual direction were gathered under the common auspices of the NKT-IKBU and their General Spiritual Director (GSD). The NKT-IKBU's GSD is elected to manage the NKT-IKBU for a single four-year term.
Teachings, spiritual programs, teachers and religious observance days
Teachings
The NKT-IKBU's teachings are based exclusively on the teachings and published works of Geshe Kelsang, which in turn are derived from Je Tsongkhapa's Mahayana and Vajrayana texts. The main practice in the NKT-IKBU is Lamrim (the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment), Lojong (Training the Mind), and Vajrayana Mahamudra (the practices of Highest Yoga Tantra). Cozort confirms that the textbooks of Geshe Kelsang "are commentaries on Gelug works, especially those of its founder Tsongkhapa."
Geshe Kelsang regards all his books as:
"coming from Je Tsongkhapa, with himself as being like a cassette recorder into which the Wisdom Buddha, the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden, has placed the cassette of Je Tsongkhapa's teachings".
In the preface of one of his books, Geshe Kelsang states:
"I have received these teachings from my Spiritual Guide, Trijang Dorjechang, who was an emanation of Atisha; thus the explanations given in this book, Joyful Path of Good Fortune, actually come from him and not from myself."
About the textbooks of Geshe Kelsang, the NKT-IKBU says: "This remarkable series of authoritative books represents the most complete and integrated presentation of the Buddhist path to enlightenment available in any western language. Originally written in English they are currently being translated into many of the world's major languages." They have received many good reviews and two of them, Introduction to Buddhism and The Meditation Handbook, have appeared on the Waterstones Bestseller List. Sample reviews include:
- 'Geshe Kelsang Gyatso both delights in and has a profound insight into the entire range of the teachings of the Buddha'
- '... induces calmness and compassion into one’s being'
- 'This book offers peace of mind in these troubled times'
- 'A work of deep spiritual insight'
- 'A laudable and thought-provoking read'
Spiritual programs
At the heart of the NKT-IKBU are its three study programs. Giving an overview of the purpose of the programs, the NKT-IKBU says: "Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has designed three special spiritual programs for the systematic study and practice of Kadampa Buddhism that are especially suited to the modern world." It is believed by NKT-IKBU followers that the teachings transmit the pure lineage of Je Tsongkhapa in its entirety.
Describing the introduction of these programs in 1990, Geshe Kelsang said:
- At present in our Centers we have a Foundation Program and a Teacher Training Program. This is not a new tradition. In the past there have been other programs specially designed for Dharma students according to their particular circumstances. All of these programs involved studying a certain number of texts, memorizing material, passing examinations, and being awarded a degree or certificate. For example, the ancient Kadampa Geshes had a program in which they studied six texts. Later Je Tsongkhapa introduced a program based on ten texts, and later still Tibetan Monasteries such as Ganden, Sera, and Drepung introduced a program based on five texts. I studied this program at Sera Monastery.
The three spiritual programs are:
- The General Program, which provides an introduction to basic Buddhist ideas and meditation.
- The Foundation Program, which includes the study of six commentaries written by Geshe Kelsang on the following classical texts:
- Joyful Path of Good Fortune - based on Atisha's teachings on Lamrim or The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment
- Universal Compassion - a commentary on Bodhisattva Chekhawa's Training the Mind in Seven Points
- Eight Steps to Happiness - a commentary on Bodhisattva Langri Tangpa's Eight Verses of Training the Mind
- Heart of Wisdom - a commentary on the Heart Sutra
- Meaningful to Behold - a commentary on Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life
- Understanding the Mind - a commentary and detailed explanation of the mind based on the works of the Buddhist scholars Dharmakirti and Dignaga
- The Teacher Training Program is intended for people who wish to train as NKT-IKBU Dharma Teachers. All Resident Teachers of NKT-IKBU Centers follow this program of study and practice. The program involves the study of 14 texts of Geshe Kelsang, including all of those in the Foundation Program, and the additional 8 listed below. This program also includes commitments concerning one's lifestyle, based on the 5 lay vows of the Pratimoksha, and the completion of specific meditation retreats.
- The Bodhisattva Vow - a commentary on Mahayana moral discipline and the practice of the six perfections
- Ocean of Nectar - a commentary on Chandrakirti's Guide to the Middle Way
- Clear Light of Bliss - a commentary on meditations of Highest Yoga Tantra
- Great Treasury of Merit - a commentary on the puja Offering to the Spiritual Guide by the First Panchen Lama
- Mahamudra Tantra - meditation on the nature of mind according to Tantra
- Guide to Dakini Land - a commentary on the Highest Yoga Tantra practice of Vajrayogini
- Tantric Grounds and Paths - an explanation of the practice of the lower and upper classes of Tantra
- Essence of Vajrayana - a commentary on the Highest Yoga Tantra practice of Heruka
In 1990 Geshe Kelsang said:
- These programs...are real wishfulfilling jewels for Dharma practitioners. By participating in them we can improve our wisdom and Dharma experience and use Dharma to solve our daily problems. We can become our own protector by protecting ourselves from danger and suffering, and our own doctor by curing our mental pain with Dharma medicine. We shall be able to set a good example for others to follow and help others by giving teachings and advice. Eventually we will be able to give extensive teachings and benefit others in many ways by organizing special programs and so forth. In this way we will make both our own and others' human lives extremely meaningful.
Teachers
Geshe Kelsang expounded on the qualifications of NKT-IKBU teachers in 1990:
- Buddhadharma is beneficial to others only if there are qualified Teachers. Without Teachers, Dharma texts alone are of little benefit. To become a qualified Dharma Teacher requires special preparation and training. It is not easy to become a Dharma Teacher because special qualities are needed: wisdom, correct view, faith, conviction, and pure conduct as an example to others. Also a Teacher needs an inexhaustible reservoir of Dharma knowledge and experience to teach from, otherwise he or she will dry up after one or two years. If a Teacher lacks qualities such as wisdom, experience, faith, and pure motivation, it will be difficult for others to develop faith in them or their teachings, and there will be little benefit. Also, without proper training and preparation there is a danger of Teachers mixing worldly, samsaric activities with their teaching activities. Therefore we definitely need to train well if we wish to be a genuine benefit to others.
Regarding the qualifications of NKT-IKBU teachers, Kay observed that "Whilst personal experience of the teachings is considered important, the dominant view within the NKT is that the main qualification of a teacher is their purity of faith and discipleship."
According to Bluck's research:
- Most teachers are appointed to centres by Geshe Kelsang before they have completed the Teaching Training Programme and continue studying by correspondence, with an intensive study programme at Manjushri each summer. After 4 years as a successful resident teacher, monastics take the title 'Gen' and lay teachers become 'Kadam'. Most Resident Teachers, and many branch teachers are ordained..
Kay found that lay people were almost as likely as monastics to be given teaching and leadership roles; and he sees this as an important modern Western adaptation of Gelug Buddhism, again because this includes Tantric practices which Tsongkhapa recommended to those with 'a solid grounding of academic study and celibate monastic discipline'.
Unlike traditional Tibetan Buddhist organizations, which tend to favor Tibetans and monks over Westerners, nuns and lay people, Geshe Kelsang has said that monks, nuns, lay men and lay women can all become Spiritual Guides if they have the necessary experience, qualities and training. . All NKT-IKBU teachers, lay and ordained, study on the same study and retreat programmes.
The Internal Rules specify the criteria for completing the programme:
15§6. A practitioner shall be deemed to have completed the Teacher Training Programme if he or she:
• Has attended the classes related to each of the twelve subjects; • Has memorised all the required materials; • Has passed examinations in all twelve subjects and received a certificate to that effect; and • Has completed the required meditation retreats
In addition to the TTP commitment, all Resident Teachers have to attend International Teacher Training Program each year, taught in repeated rotation according to a sixteen-year study scheme.
Religious observance days
From its inception, NKT-IKBU Dharma centres followed a common calendar for religious observances, including some of the traditional Buddhist religious days. These include the following:
Monthly observances of Buddha Tara, Je Tsongkhapa, Eight Mahayana Precepts, and Dorje Shugden practices:
- Tara Day (8th of each month)
- Tsog Day (10th and 25th of each month)
- Precepts Day (15th of each month)
- Protector Day (29th of each month)
Annual holidays common to other Buddhist traditions:
- Buddha's Enlightenment Day (April 15th)
- Turning the Wheel of Dharma Day (June 4th - 49 days after Buddha's Enlightenment Day)
- Buddha's Return from Heaven Day (September 22th)
- Je Tsongkhapa Day (October 25th)
Annual holidays unique to the NKT-IKBU:
- NKT Day (the first Saturday in April)
- International Temples Day (the first Saturday in November)
In 2004, the dates of these observances were changed to the respective days in the common calendar. For example, Tsog Days were previously designated as the 10th and 25th days of each lunar month: "We should … make sure that we do not miss tsog offerings on these two days - ten days after the new moon and ten days after the full moon". This sentence has been deleted from the 2005 reprint, and these days are celebrated on the 10th and 25th days of each solar month.
Turning the Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) Day is also the day on which Geshe Kelsang was born in 1931.
NKT Day commemorates the founding of the NKT-IKBU, while International Temples Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of building Kadampa Buddhist Temples throughout the world.
Throughout the year and in different places around the world, the NKT-IKBU hosts a number of religious festivals. These feature teachings and empowerments from Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and senior NKT-IKBU teachers. The longest running are the Spring and Summer Festivals at Manjushri Centre in Ulverston, England.
Lineage of teachers
The NKT-IKBU traces its spiritual lineage through these main figures:
- Buddha Shakyamuni
- Vajradhara
- Manjushri
- Atisha
- Je Tsongkhapa
- Pabongka Rinpoche
- Kyabje Trijang Dorjechang
- Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Successor to Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
History
From 1991 to 1995 Gelong Thubten Gyatso was appointed as Geshe Kelsang's future successor. He disrobed in 1995 and Geshe Kelsang provisionally appointed 4 'Gen-las', i.e. Losang Kelsang, Kelsang Jangsem, Kelsang Dekyong and Samden Gyatso. After about a year, the former two resigned as Gen-las and were re-appointed as Resident Teachers. Samden Gyatso became the Deputy Spiritual Director and successor to Geshe Kelsang while Kelsang Dekyong was appointed US National Spiritual Director. From this time onward, the Deputy Spiritual Director also held the appointment of Resident Teacher at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre.
Present Day
In August 2001, Geshe Kelsang established a system of democratic succession for the General Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU. The Internal Rules state:
5§8. The term of office of the GSD shall be four years. At the end of his or her term of office, a person serving as the GSD shall not be eligible for immediate re-election. The term of office of the DSD shall be four years.
...
5§10. If the office of GSD becomes vacant, then in normal circumstances the serving DSD shall automatically become the new GSD and vacate the office of DSD.
...
5§15. Elections for the offices of GSD and DSD shall be organised by the Secretary.
In February 2007, Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab was elected the new Deputy Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU.
Ordination
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The ordination tradition of the NKT-IKBU differs from that of other Buddhist groups in that it is based on the Mahayana Perfection of Wisdom Sutras instead of the Hinayana Vinaya Sutras. According to Geshe Kelsang, "The Perfection of Wisdom Sutras are our Vinaya and Lamrim is its commentary." This tradition is based on Buddha advising his disciple Ananda, "If it is desired, Ananda, the Sangha may, when I am gone, abolish the lesser and minor rules."
Buddha established both lay and ordained Pratimoksha vows, and established several levels of ordination vows. Traditionally, the different levels of ordination were distinguished by the specific vows taken, and by the ceremony in which they were received. In the NKT, Geshe Kelsang established a simplified tradition of ordination with ten vows and a single ordination ceremony that apply to all levels of ordained practitioner. When a person is first ordained they receive a Rabjung (preliminary) ordination; when their renunciation improves and deepens their ordination transforms into a Getsul (sramanera) ordination; and when their renunciation becomes spontaneous their ordination transforms into a Gelong (bhikkhu) ordination.
The 10 vows of the NKT's ordination as a monk or nun are to "throughout my life ... abandon killing, stealing, sexual conduct, lying and taking intoxicants" and also to "practise contentment, reduce my desire for worldly pleasures, abandon engaging in meaningless activities, maintain the commitments of refuge, and practise the three trainings of pure moral discipline, concentration and wisdom." Geshe Kelsang describes these vows as being easier to integrate into today's society. In The Ordination Handbook, he says:
The verbal explanation of the Kadampa ordination is brief — there are just ten commitments — but their practice is very extensive. These ten commitments that you promise to keep are a condensation of the entire Lamrim teachings. Although we can finish a verbal explanation of these vows in a few hours, their practice is all embracing. You should do this—few words but always practice, practice extensively.
Monks and nuns in the NKT-IKBU abandon the physical signs of a lay person by shaving their head and wearing the maroon and yellow robes of an ordained person. They are given a new name which starts with "Kelsang," since it is traditional for ordinees to receive part of the ordaining master's name (Kelsang Gyatso).
They also engage in a Sojong ceremony twice a month to purify and restore their vows. A monk or nun who breaks their ordination vows must leave their Centre for at least a year. After that year, "with some conditions" they can return but cannot teach.
Within the NKT-IKBU community there are over 700 monks and nuns. Ordination ceremonies are usually held twice a year in the main NKT Temple at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Center in Cumbria (UK), Ulverston.
Practitioners approach their Buddhist teacher when they feel ready, and request formal permission once they have their teacher's consent. They may decide to live in one of the NKT's many Buddhist centers, but this is not a requirement. They are, in general, not financially provided for by the NKT. And, if they live in an NKT-IKBU Dharma center, they still have to pay rent for their accommodation and pay for meals and the spiritual programs. To finance this, some have part-time or full time work. According to Belither, "a few people are sponsored because of their NKT work but others are on 'extended working visits' or work locally, and some are legitimately on employment benefit." For doing so they wear ordinary clothes if this is more convenient.
Growth and financing
As of 2008, the NKT-IKBU has over 1,100 centres and groups worldwide. The centres are independent charitable corporations, and the groups are branch groups that meet weekly in places such as Quaker meeting houses and community centres.
In a 1996 newspaper article whose neutrality was disputed at the time, Madeleine Bunting stated:
- The method of expansion is that residential centres support branch centres, which are often no more than a group meeting in someone's house; or a hall is rented to run the NKT courses. When the group has reached a size sufficient to sustain a centre, a property is bought. The NKT maintains that each centre is entirely autonomous and is only "spiritually joined" to the NKT, although it admits that the two principal officers of each centre are NKT members. The aim is to establish a centre in every major UK town with the NKT as the biggest umbrella Buddhist organisation in the West.
There exists no literature to suggest that the NKT-IKBU has expressed an "aim" to become the "biggest umbrella Buddhist organization in the West". Many changes have been made in the NKT-IKBU since 1996, expressed in the Internal Rules, a legally binding document that contains accurate details about NKT-IKBU aims, financing, growth, members, and the non-autonomous Kadampa Meditation Centers.
The NKT-IKBU has established a Kadampa Buddhist Temple in the United Kingdom, as well as in Canada, the United States, and Spain; and it is currently developing a Temple in Brazil, with plans to build one in Germany too. The NKT-IKBU stated that "The International Temples Project was established by Venerable Geshe Kelsang in the early nineties. The vision is to build a Kadampa Temple for World Peace in every major city in the world. The project is funded entirely by voluntary donations and revenue from International Buddhist Festivals."
World Peace Cafes have been opened at some residential centres, and in 2005 the NKT-IKBU opened their first World Peace Hotel, called Hotel Kadampa, a no-smoking, alcohol-free hotel in Southern Spain. A second Hotel Kadampa has opened in Montecatini in Tuscany, Italy.
Origins of the name "New Kadampa Tradition"
The Kadampa tradition (or Kadampa Buddhism) was founded by Atisha in the 11th century, reformed by Je Tsongkhapa in the 14th century as the 'New Kadampa tradition.' Although teaching Kadampa Buddhism in the west since 1977, in 1991 Geshe Kelsang Gyatso founded The New Kadampa Tradition - International Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU), which organized the Kadampa Buddhist centers following his spiritual direction as a legally independent organization.
According to an NKT-IKBU brochure, written by James Belither while secretary of the NKT:
Geshe Kelsang first introduced the title 'New Kadampa Tradition' to give the centres under his spiritual direction a distinct identity within the wider Buddhist world. Although the Gelugpas were sometimes referred to as new Kadampas, the name New Kadampa Tradition had never been used previously in a formal sense. Nevertheless, by using this title Geshe Kelsang is making it clear that practitioners of this tradition are principally following the teachings and example of Je Tsongkhapa. The word 'New' is used not to imply that it is newly created, but is a fresh presentation of Buddhadharma in a form and manner that is appropriate to the needs and conditions of the modern world. Furthermore, by using the title 'Kadampa', Geshe Kelsang encourages his disciples to follow the perfect example of simplicity and purity of practice shown by the Kadampa Geshes."
Followers of the NKT-IKBU refer to themselves as "Kadampa Buddhists", the Temples of the NKT-IKBU are referred to as "Kadampa Buddhist Temples", and more recently NKT-IKBU teachers are named "Kadampa Teachers". Additionally, the Dharma centers of the NKT-IKBU are called "Kadampa Buddhist Centers" and the hotels "Hotel Kadampas".
James Belither, the former secretary of the NKT, described the NKT-IKBU as "a Mahayana Buddhist tradition with historical connections with Tibet", rather than a Tibetan tradition, and explained that Geshe Kelsang wishes his followers always "to present Dharma in a way appropriate to their own culture and society without the need to adopt Tibetan culture and customs".
Geshe Kelsang's views
In 1998 Geshe Kelsang Gyatso expressed his views in an interview with Donald S. Lopez, Jr. as follows:
His reason for founding the NKT-IKBU:
- I wanted to encourage people to practice purely. Just having a lot of dharma knowledge, studying a lot intellectually but not practicing, is a serious problem. This was my experience in Tibet. Intellectual knowledge alone does not give peace.
He has also reiterated that the intention of the NKT-IKBU is not to convert people to Buddhism:
"Our intention in teaching Dharma is not just to spread Buddhism. We are trying to help the people of this world by giving them special methods to solve their daily problems and to achieve the permanent happiness of liberation. In itself, the flourishing of Buddhadharma is not important unless it benefits others. This is the main purpose of Buddhism."
Asked about the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Geshe Kelsang replied:
- We believe that every Nyingma and Kagyupa have their complete path. Not only Gelugpa. I believe that Nyingmapas have a complete path. Of course, Kagyupas are very special. We very much appreciate the example of Marpa and Milarepa . Milarepa showed the best example of guru devotion. Of course the Kagyupas as well as the Nyingmapas and the Sakyupas, have a complete path to enlightenment. Many Nyingmapas and Kagyupas practice very sincerely and are not just studying intellectually. I think that some Gelugpa practitioners need to follow their practical example. But we don't need to mix our traditions. Each tradition has its own uncommon good qualities, and it is important not to lose these. We should concentrate on our own tradition and maintain the good qualities of our tradition, but we should always keep good relations with each other and never argue or criticize each other. What I would like to request is that we should improve our traditions while maintaining good relations with each other.
Controversies
Separation from Tibetan Buddhism
Oxford professor Peter Clarke has characterised the NKT-IKBU as a "controversial Tibetan Buddhist NRM" for doctrinal reasons (namely, Geshe Kelsang's "rigid, exclusive" approach and its position on Dorje Shugden). The NKT-IKBU reply that they are not a "new" movement in terms of doctrine but an ancient Mahayana tradition whose presentation has been adapted to the modern world. They agree that they are not part of Tibetan Buddhism as they have separated out from the Tibetan hierarchy in order to avoid the theocratical mixture of religion and politics. They argue that there is nothing "rigid" about following exclusively one tradition, that of Je Tsongkhapa.
Bluck states that there is still disagreement about how to interpret the NKT-IKBU's history. He sees an "an apparent contradiction between claiming a pure Tibetan lineage and separating completely from contemporary Tibetan tradition." The NKT-IKBU disagrees that there is a contradiction, saying it is possible to be a follower of Je Tsongkhapa's tradition but not a Tibetan Buddhist, just as a child of Russian immigrants to America may consider themselves American but not Russian. According to the BBC, "Critics have described the New Kadampa Tradition as a breakaway movement and argue that the New Kadampa Tradition, as it is known today, is not part of the ancient Kadampa Tradition but a split from the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism." Kadampa Buddhists reply by agreeing that they are not part of the Tibetan Buddhist establishment, including other Tibetan groups practicing the Gelugpa tradition. However, the NKT-IKBU is Tibetan its antecedents and follows all of Je Tsongkhapa's and Atisha's doctrine.
In 1998 Geshe Kelsang stated in an interview:
We are pure Gelugpas. The name Gelugpa doesn't matter, but we believe we are following the pure tradition of Je Tsongkhapa. We are studying and practicing Lama Tsongkhapa's teachings and taking as our example what the ancient Kadampa lamas and geshes did. All the books that I have written are commentaries on Lama Tsongkhapa's teachings. We try our best to follow the example of the ancient Kadampa Tradition and use the name Kadampa to remind people to practice purely.
Dorje Shugden
The NKT-IKBU and its General Spiritual Director, Geshe Kelsang, engage in the practice of the protector deity Dorje Shugden, which the current Dalai Lama has consistently spoken out against and has now banned.
References
- www.kadampa.org
- Official Kadampa Website, Kadampa Buddhism at
- http://kadampa.org/en/buddhism/modern-kadampa-buddhism/
- Official Kadampa Website, Kadampa Buddhism at
- Clarke, Peter Bernard. New Religions in Global Perspective, page 92, ISBN 0-415-25748-4, Routledge 2006
- http://kadampa.org/en/buddhism/modern-kadampa-buddhism/
- http://kadampa.org/Modern_Kadampa_Buddhism.pdf
- The New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union | The New Kadampa Tradition (NKT)
- ^ Modern Day Kadampas - published by the NKT-IKBU
- http://www.newkadampatruth.org/internalrules.php
- http://newkadampatradition.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/geshe-kelsangs-retreat-in-india/
- http://www.newkadampatruth.org/newkadampatradition2.php#20
- http://www.kadampa.org/en/centers
- Kay page 78
- The New Kadampa Tradition, charity registration number: 2758093, October 1992 designed to study and experience Geshe Kelsang's presentation of Buddhism (see page 233 of Kay's research)
- ^ Kay page 86
- Cozort page 232
- Books on Buddhism and Meditation,
- http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/navigate.do?pPageID=1005
- TIBET REVIEW
- NEW HUMANITY JOURNAL
- PUBLISHING NEWS
- THE NAPRA REVIEW
- MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
- Special Spiritual Programs in Kadampa Buddhism,
- ^ Wishfulfilling Jewels for Dharma Practitioners: the Benefits of the Foundation and Teacher Training Programs
- Kay page 95
- Bluck, Robert (2006). British Buddhism Teachings, Practice and Development. RoutledgeCurzon, page 146, ISBN 0-415-39515-1
- Prasad, 2004
- Kay 2004: 85
- http://www.fpmt.org/teachers/fpmt_lamas.asp
- Great Treasury of Merit,
- The Internal Rules of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union
- Published NKT calendars 2000-3
- NKT yearly calendars 2000 onwards
- NKT calendar 2004-7
- Published NKT calendars 2004-7 and the web calendar at kadampa.org
- Geshe Kelsang, Guide to Dakini Land, page 191, 1st and 2nd editions, ISBN 0948006-40-4
- Geshe Kelsang, Guide to Dakini Land, 2005 reprint, page 191, ISBN 978-0948006-40-1
- Sect disrobes British monk, World Tibet Network News, Sunday, August 18, 1996,
- Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
- The Internal Rules of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union.
- Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab | The New Kadampa Tradition (NKT)
- The Ordination Handbook of the New Kadampa Tradition
- Maha-parinibbana Sutta http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.16.1-6.vaji.html
- The Bodhisattva Vow Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Tharpa Publications.
- Geshe Kelsang Gyatso - the Ordination Handbook
- ^ www.kadampa.org
- Bluck interview with Namgyal, 2004, see Bluck:2006
- Bluck Interview with Belither 2004, see Bluck:2006
- Bluck interview with Namgyal, 2004, see Bluck:2006, Bunting:1996
- Bunting, Special Report - Shadow boxing on the path to Nirvana, The Guardian, 1998,
- Internal Rules ~ A Moral Discipline Guide.
- Buddhist Temples for World Peace,
- Hotel Kadampa, "A place of Dreams",
- Official Kadampa Website at
- Joyful Path of Good Fortune (p. 622)
- Gyatso, Kelsang: 2002; Clear Light of Bliss, page 294
- Official Kadampa Website at
- Official Kadampa Website at ,
- Official Kadampa Website at , 12/02/08
- Belither, 1997:7—8, see also Bluck
- An Interview With Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso discusses Dorje Shugden as a benevolent protector god. Spring 1998. Tricycle
- http://www.newkadampatruth.org
- Clarke, Peter Bernard. New Religions in Global Perspective, page 92, ISBN 0-415-25748-4, Routledge 2006
- http://www.newkadampatruth.org
- Bluck, Robert (2006). British Buddhism Teachings, Practice and Development. RoutledgeCurzon, ISBN 0-415-39515-1
- Bluck, Robert (2006). British Buddhism Teachings, Practice and Development. RoutledgeCurzon, ISBN 0-415-39515-1
- BBC (bbc.co.uk), The New Kadampa Tradition, http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/kadampa.shtml
- Modern Day Kadampas
- An Interview With Geshe Kelsang Gyatso by Donald S. Lopez, Jr.; Geshe Kelsang Gyatso discusses Dorje Shugden as a benevolent protector god, Tricycle Magazine, Spring 1998, Vol. 7 No. 3
External links
Official websites
- Official NKT-IKBU website
- Tharpa Publications - The publisher of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's books
- Modern Day Kadampas: The History and Development of the New Kadampa Tradition
- Geshe Kelsang talks about the NKT-IKBU study programs
- Internal Rules of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union
Supporters of the NKT-IKBU
- Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in his own words
- The Wisdom Buddha Protector of Je Tsongkhapa's Tradition
- Replying to the smear campaign against the NKT
Reviews of the NKT-IKBU
- Retreat Guide from Daily Telegraph
- Account of weekend retreat in The Guardian
- BBC on NKT
- 'Beliefs of a Kadampa Buddhist' - NKT-IKBU at BBC
Critics of the NKT-IKBU
- Internal conflicts in Tibetan Buddhist sect, by Mike Wilson
- Spiritual Split by Colman Jones
- Movements In British Buddhism by Ken Jones - a founder and the present secretary of the UK Network of Engaged Buddhists