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Founder Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

Discover the rich tradition of Kadampa Buddhism through its teachings, practices, and activities.

Modern Kadampa Buddhism

New Kadampa Tradition · International Kadampa Buddhist Union

Working for World Peace

About Kadampa

Modern Kadampa Buddhism is the practical application of the Buddhist path of compassion and wisdom to modern daily life. Introduced by the renowned Buddhist Master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, it brings Buddha's timeless wisdom into the modern world, showing how Buddhist meditation can be integrated into busy lives, regardless of nationality, gender, or age.

Through these practices, we can develop deep inner peace, maintain a happy mind, and realise the full potential of our human life.

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The Books of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

The Books of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Statues & Temple Art

Statues & Temple Art
Qualified Teachers

Qualified Teachers
Centres

Centres
Temples

Temples
Festivals & Celebrations

Festivals & Celebrations
Study & Meditation

Study & Meditation
Online Developments

Online Developments

The Founder

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

Meditation Master

A world-renowned meditation master and Teacher (1931–2022), affectionately known as Venerable Geshe-la. He inspired thousands to apply Buddha's teachings to solve their problems and find lasting inner peace.

Early Life & Training

After beginning monastic training from a young age in Tibet, he engaged in extensive retreats where Je Tsongkhapa appeared to him, clarifying essential teachings of Sutra and Tantra.

Arrival in the West

On 27 August 1977, he arrived at Manjushri Centre in England — the dawn of Modern Buddhism and a new spirit of hope in this world.

Centers & Temples

He established hundreds of meditation centers worldwide and designed six Kadampa Temples for World Peace, personally overseeing every detail.

23 Published Works

He authored 23 highly acclaimed books on Buddhism and meditation, now studied at centers worldwide and adopted by universities.

Study Programs

He created three study programs — General, Foundation, and Teacher Training — producing hundreds of qualified modern teachers each year.

Living Legacy

His life's work continues through the International Kadampa Buddhist Union, touching the lives of people of all nationalities and cultures worldwide.

Read about Venerable Geshe-la's life
Venerable Geshe-la teaching Venerable Geshe-la as a young monk Venerable Geshe-la arriving at Manjushri Centre Venerable Geshe-la at KMC New York Temple The 23 books of Venerable Geshe-la Kadampa festival teaching Venerable Geshe-la teaching at a Kadampa Temple in Brazil

Collected Works

23 Books to Transform Your Mind

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche has dedicated his life to writing 23 highly acclaimed books on Buddhist thought and meditation, making these precious teachings accessible to everyone.

Browse all books Visit Tharpa Shop

A Global Community

Kadampa Centers Worldwide

Explore nearly 1,000 centers and groups across nearly 40 countries

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Modern Buddhism

Free Meditation App

Guided meditations, podcasts and ebooks by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in the tradition of Modern Kadampa Buddhism — completely free on your phone.

New Now offering 5 languages with more to come

  • Guided meditations for every level
  • Full text of Modern Buddhism
  • Available in multiple languages
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Guided meditations home screen in the Modern Buddhism appGuided meditation player in the Modern Buddhism appVideo conversations in the Modern Buddhism appFree eBooks in the Modern Buddhism app

Listen

Kadampa Podcasts: Living Clarity

Listen to insights and wisdom from experienced Buddhist teachers and meditators of the New Kadampa Tradition.

Becoming the Architect of Your Destiny

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Becoming the Architect of Your Destiny

Deep within you is the potential for lasting happiness and freedom from all your problems. The future depends on what you create today.

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15:52 · September 14, 2026

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The Modern Buddhism Podcast

Kadampa practitioners discuss their experiences of dharma practice in their lives.

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A Buddhist Monk’s Candid Truths About Dissatisfaction, Anger & Finding Happiness

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September 2026

Spotlight

Catch up with events from centers around the world.

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Finding Healing, Peace, and Connection

Events · 19 Sep 2026

Finding Healing, Peace, and Connection

The Kadampa community continues to come together in joyful and meaningful ways, finding inspiration, inner peace, and strength through meditation and spiritual practice. From receiving the special blessings of Medicine Buddha in Mexico to enjoying a…

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Events

Upcoming Events

The international program of teachings comprising festival and dharma celebrations worldwide.

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International Festivals

Fall Festival 2026

Fall Festival 2026

Oct 9 – 15 · Manjushri KMC
Spring Festival 2027

Spring Festival 2027

May 28 – Jun 2 · Manjushri KMC
Summer Festival 2027

Summer Festival 2027

Jul 23 – Aug 7 · Manjushri KMC

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Explore Kadampa Buddhism

Discover the rich tradition of Kadampa Buddhism through its teachings, practices, and history.

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Kadampa Buddhism Worldwide 2026

Explore the wonderful developments in Kadampa centers and communities around the world. Available in six languages.

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