Kadampa Buddhism

Compassion Buddhist Centre is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition, The International Kadampa Buddhist Union.

Kadampa Buddhism is a Mahayana Buddhist School founded by the great Indian Buddhist Master Atisha (982-1054 AD). His followers are known as Kadampas: 'ka' means 'word' and refers to Buddha's teachings, and 'dam' refers to Atisha's special Lamrim instructions known as the stages of the path to enlightenment.

By integrating their knowledge of all Buddha's teachings into their everyday life, Kadampa Buddhists are encouraged to use Buddha's teachings as practical methods for transforming daily activities into the path to enlightenment. The great Kadampa teachers are famous not only for being great scholars but also for being spiritual practitioners of immense purity and sincerity.

Kadampa Buddhism was first introduced to the west by the renowned Venerable Buddhist Master Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in 1977. Since that time he has worked tirelessly to spread Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world by giving extensive teachings, writing many profound texts on Kadampa Buddhism, and establishing over 1,000 Dharma Centres and groups. Each Centre offers study programs, meditation instruction and retreats for all levels of practitioner. The emphasis is on integrating Buddha's teachings into daily life to solve our human problems and to spread lasting peace and happiness throughout the world.

The Kadampa Buddhism of the NKT (New Kadampa Tradition) is an entirely independent Buddhist Tradition and has no political affiliations. It is an association of Buddhist Centres and practitioners that derive their inspiration and guidance from the example of the ancient Kadampa Buddhist Masters and their teachings, as presented by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Kadampa Buddhist centres also support the International Temples Project which aims to build a Kadampa Buddhist Temple in every major city of the world.

For more on the New Kadampa Tradition, visit www.kadampa.org.