the Path of

Kadampa

the Introduction

what is Kadampa Buddhism?

Kadampa Buddhism is a modern school of Buddhism that is based on the teachings of the Indian Buddhist master Atisha (982-1054 CE). It is a form of Mahayana Buddhism and is characterized by a practical and straightforward approach to the teachings of the Buddha. The spiritual path of Kadampa Buddhism is based on the cultivation of the lamrim, or the stages of the path to enlightenment. This involves the practice of the three principal paths of renunciation, bodhichitta, and right view, which are seen as the foundations of the spiritual path. In Kadampa Buddhism, the goal of the spiritual path is to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. This is seen as the ultimate expression of compassion and is achieved through the cultivation of the lamrim and the practice of the six perfections (generosity, ethics, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom).

The practice of Kadampa Buddhism involves the study and contemplation of the teachings of the Buddha, as well as the practice of meditation and the development of good qualities such as compassion and wisdom. It also involves the cultivation of a strong ethical foundation and the cultivation of loving-kindness and compassion for all beings.

what is ultimately

the goal of Kadampa?

The goal of Kadampa Buddhism is to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. In Kadampa Buddhism, enlightenment is seen as the ultimate expression of compassion, and as the ultimate goal of the spiritual path. Enlightenment is achieved through the cultivation of the lamrim, or the stages of the path to enlightenment, and the practice of the six perfections (generosity, ethics, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom). These practices are seen as a way to purify the mind and to cultivate the qualities that are necessary for achieving enlightenment.

According to Kadampa Buddhism, the attainment of enlightenment involves the complete elimination of all negative states of mind, such as anger, ignorance, and attachment, and the cultivation of the qualities of compassion, wisdom, and love. It is a state of perfect understanding and realization of the true nature of reality, and is characterized by a state of perfect peace, happiness, and liberation. Overall, the goal of Kadampa Buddhism is to achieve enlightenment, which is seen as the ultimate expression of compassion and the ultimate goal of the spiritual path. It is a state of perfect understanding and realization of the true nature of reality, and is characterized by a state of perfect peace, happiness, and liberation.

learn more about

the Practice of Kadampa

The practice of Kadampa Buddhism involves a variety of spiritual practices that are intended to help practitioners progress along the path to enlightenment. Here is a list of some key aspects of the Kadampa Buddhism practice:

  • Study: Kadampa Buddhists place a strong emphasis on the study of the Buddha's teachings, and the study of texts such as the sutras and the lamrim. This involves reading, reflecting upon, and applying the teachings to one's own spiritual practice.
  • Contemplation: Kadampa Buddhists also engage in contemplation practices, which involve reflecting upon the teachings of the Buddha and considering their implications for one's own spiritual practice. This may involve reflecting upon the nature of reality, the nature of the mind, or the nature of suffering and its causes.
  • Meditation: Kadampa Buddhists also practice meditation, which involves cultivating a state of mental concentration and stability in order to gain insight into the nature of reality. This may involve techniques such as mindfulness meditation or loving-kindness meditation.
  • Ethical conduct: Kadampa Buddhists also place a strong emphasis on ethical conduct, and follow the five lay vows of not killing, not stealing, not engaging in sexual misconduct, not lying, and not taking intoxicants.
  • Service to others: Kadampa Buddhists also engage in selfless service and practices of compassion, such as volunteering and helping those in need.
  • Community: Kadampa Buddhists often come together in community to support each other on the spiritual path and to engage in spiritual practices together. This may involve participating in group meditations, study sessions, or other devotional activities.

Overall, the practice of Kadampa Buddhism involves a combination of study, contemplation, meditation, ethical conduct, service to others, and participation in community. These practices are intended to help practitioners progress along the path to enlightenment and to cultivate the qualities of compassion, wisdom, and love.

Kadampa Buddhisms

Origin and History

Kadampa Buddhism is a modern school of Buddhism that is based on the teachings of the Indian Buddhist master Atisha (982-1054 CE). Atisha was a highly influential figure in the development of Buddhism in Tibet, and his teachings on the path to enlightenment, known as the lamrim, form the basis of Kadampa Buddhism. Atisha's teachings were brought to Tibet by the Tibetan translator Marpa in the 11th century, and they formed the basis for the development of the Kadampa tradition within Tibetan Buddhism. The Kadampa tradition was characterized by its emphasis on the study and practice of the lamrim, and it became one of the most influential traditions within Tibetan Buddhism.

In the 14th century, the Kadampa tradition was further developed by the Tibetan master Je Tsongkhapa, who founded the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Gelug school became the dominant school of Tibetan Buddhism, and the teachings of Je Tsongkhapa and the Kadampa tradition continue to be highly influential in Tibetan Buddhism to this day. In the 20th century, Kadampa Buddhism was brought to the West by the Tibetan Buddhist teacher Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who founded the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT). The NKT is a modern organization that is based on the teachings of Kadampa Buddhism and is active in countries around the world.

Kadampa Buddhism has a long and rich history that stretches back to the 11th century, and it is based on the teachings of the Indian master Atisha and the Tibetan master Je Tsongkhapa. It is a modern school of Buddhism that is known for its practical and straightforward approach to the teachings of the Buddha and its emphasis on the lamrim and the cultivation of the six perfections.

the Lineages of Kadampa and

the Prominent Teachers

There are many prominent Kadampa Buddhism teachers and teaching lineages around the world. Here are a few examples:

  • Geshe Kelsang Gyatso: Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is a Tibetan Buddhist teacher and founder of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT). He is a highly influential figure in the Kadampa tradition and has written many books on the teachings of Kadampa Buddhism.
  • Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab: Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab is a senior teacher in the NKT and the Resident Teacher at the Kadampa Meditation Center in Toronto, Canada. He is a highly respected teacher in the Kadampa tradition and has been a student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years.
  • Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong: Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the General Spiritual Director of the NKT and the Resident Teacher at the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Center in England. She is a highly respected teacher in the Kadampa tradition and has been a student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years.
  • Gen-la Kelsang Jampa: Gen-la Kelsang Jampa is the Deputy Spiritual Director of the NKT and the Resident Teacher at the Kadampa Meditation Center in New York City. He is a highly respected teacher in the Kadampa tradition and has been a student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years.

These are just a few examples of the many prominent Kadampa Buddhism teachers and teaching lineages around the world. There are many other teachers and lineages that have made significant contributions to the Kadampa tradition and have had a lasting impact on the spiritual community.

here are our

Kadampa

Places

Below you will find the places around the world, that practice this path.

proudly written by

Simon Ester

Simon is the founder and designer of Relight. Born and raised in Germany Simon grew up with a passion for human potential and spirituality. Obsessed with the study of human nature, Simon is currently studying as a guest student at universities in San Francisco and Bonn (Germany). Integrating insights from his studies in psychology, philosophy, spirituality and anthropology into creating impactful organizations.

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Simon Ester