Kadampa Buddhism has a rich history that stretches from great Tibetan Masters to Indian Pandits and all the way to Buddha Shakyamuni. There are several periods in the history and development of the Kadampa Tradition. Naturally, the appearance of Buddha Shakyamuni in this world is the hallmark event and basis for the growth of the Kadampa Tradition. But, with 84,000 teachings, a special presentation for those with enough fortunate to practice would be needed.
The Tradition began with the Old Kadampa Lineage. Over a century ago Kadampa Buddhism began as a Mahayana Buddhist school founded by the great Indian Buddhist Master Atisha (AD 982-1054) based on his understanding of Buddha’s teachings and the method to integrate them into daily life.
Atisha’s followers are known as ‘Kadampas’. Ka refers to Buddha’s teachings, and dam to Atisha’s special Lamrim instructions known as ‘the stages of the path to enlightenment’. Kadampas, then, are practitioners who regard Buddha’s teachings as personal advice and put them into practice by following the instructions of Lamrim.
Nearly 500 years later the Kadampa Tradition was promoted widely in Tibet by Je Tsongkhapa who represented the teachings Atisha gave so as to eliminate some misunderstandings about how to practice. His followers were known as the ‘New Kadampas’. Following the example of the great Kadampa Teachers, who are famous not only for being great scholars but also for being spiritual practitioners of immense purity and sincerity Je Tsongkhapa revived Kadamp Buddhism to a pure Tradition. Since then Geshe Kelsang has brought this Tradition to people around the modern world so we can benefit from this purity.
The New Kadampa Tradition today is based on Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s explanations of the teachings Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa presented. By integrating their knowledge of all Buddha’s teachings into their practice of Lamrim, and by integrating this into their everyday lives, Kadampa Buddhists are encouraged to use Buddha’s teachings as practical methods for transforming daily activities into the path to enlightenment.
We have this opportunity because the lineage of these teachings, both their oral transmission and blessings, which has passed from Teacher to disciple since Buddha Shakyamuni’s time, has spread from Asia to many countries throughout the western world.
Buddha’s teachings, which are known as ‘Dharma’, are likened to a wheel that moves from country to country, and region to region in accordance with changing conditions and people’s karmic inclinations.
The way of presenting Buddhism may change, in external ways such as analogies and examples, as it meets with different cultures and societies, but its essential authenticity is ensured through the continuation of an unbroken lineage of realized practitioners. Through the activities and dedication of the renowned Buddhist Master, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Kadampa Buddhism has spread to many countries in recent years.
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has worked tirelessly to spread Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world by giving extensive teachings, writing many books on Kadampa Buddhism, establishing the International Temples Project and founding the New Kadampa Tradition, the International Kadampa Buddhist Union. Today, over a thousand Buddhist centers and groups exist because of his efforts. He has shown an incredible kindness to the world.