New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union

The New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) is an international association of study and meditation centres that follow the pure tradition of Mahayana Buddhism derived from the Buddhist meditators and scholars Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa, introduced into the West by the Buddhist teacher Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the NKT-IKBU; and that follow the three New Kadampa Tradition Study Programmes.

'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 instructions and put them into practice by following the instructions of Lamrim.

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.

Local NKT Centres interact directly with schools. If schools contact the NKT Office, however, information can be provided about Buddhism and contact details given for the nearest NKT Centre.