Offering our Faith | Celebrations 2026 ~ Part 1
Jun 9, 2026
Modern Kadampa Buddhism
New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union
Founder:
The Founder of Modern Kadampa Buddhism is Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, affectionately known as Venerable Geshe-la, a world-renowned meditation master and Teacher. He inspired thousands of people around the world to apply the pure teachings of Buddha to their modern lives to solve their personal problems and discover a deep and lasting inner peace and happiness. Today, the legacy of his life's work touches the lives of people of all nationalities and cultures.
"The day will come when you will do my job."
VENERABLE GESHE KELSANG GYATSO RINPOCHE
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche devoted his entire life to making the pure teachings of Buddha available in a modern form to people throughout the world.
Now Venerable Geshe-la's followers holding him at their hearts continue his work with auspicious projects in every region of the world.
The conclusion of the 2026 Spring Festival offers us an opportunity to reflect on this truly inspiring event.
The temple is full of dedicated practitioners from around the world meditating in two final sessions on deepening our mind of compassion until it transforms into the compassion of a Buddha. In this way we awaken our Buddha nature – wishing to attain Enlightenment for all living beings.
The main function of the Buddha Jewel is to reveal the spiritual path to disciples by giving perfect Dharma teachings; the main function of the Dharma Jewel is to protect living beings from fear and suffering; and the main function of the Sangha Jewel is to help others by setting a good example. If we go for refuge knowing this, this is going for refuge understanding the different functions of the Three Jewels.
On Dharmachakra Day, we celebrate Buddha’s first turning of the Wheel of Dharma and the birthday of our precious Spiritual Guide, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Here we share how Kadampa communities around the world rejoiced in these two special celebrations as one.