The New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) is a global Buddhist organization and registered charitable company^[1] founded by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso 1991 in England. In 2003, the words "International Kadampa Buddhist Union" (IKBU) were added to the name, making its official full name the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU). A replica of an ancient statue found among the ruins of a temple at Sarnath Buddhism is a philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha, Siddhārtha Gautama, a prince of the Shakyas, whose lifetime is traditionally given as 566 to 486 BCE. It had subsequently been accepted by... For the article about the seventh Dalai Lama, see Kelsang Gyatso, 7th Dalai Lama. ...

While the NKT-IKBU describes itself as Kadampa Buddhism and as a time-honored tradition, stating that "Kadampa Buddhism is a Mahayana Buddhist school founded by the great Indian Buddhist Master Atisha (AD 982-1054).",^[2] Peter Bernard Clarke, a theology professor at Oxford, has characterised the NKT as a "controversial Tibetan Buddhist New Religious Movement (NRM)".^[3]Throughout 2007, a number of questions were raised in the UK Parliament concerning allegations of cultish behaviour against the organisation.^[4] AtiÅ›a Dipamkara Shrijnana (Bangla: অতীশ দীপঙ্কর শ্রীজ্ঞান) (982 - 1054 CE) was a Buddhist teacher who reintroduced Buddhism into Tibet after King Langdharma had nearly destroyed it. ... Events Greenland founded by Erik the Red ; first contact of Europeans with North America Births Emma of Normandy Atisha the Bengali Buddhist Saint Deaths Categories: 982 ... Events Cardinal Humbertus, a representative of Pope Leo IX, and Michael Cerularius, Patriarch of Constantinople, decree each others excommunication. ... The University of Oxford, located in the city of Oxford in England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. ... A new religious movement or NRM is a term used to refer to a religious faith, or an ethical, spiritual or philosophical movement of recent origin that isnt part of an established denomination, church, or religious body. ...

Historical background of the formation of NKT

In 1976 the students of Lama Thubten Yeshe founded the Manjushri Institute, a registered charitable company^[5] with Lama Yeshe as the Spiritual Director and purchased the assets of Conishead Priory, a sadly neglected Victorian mansion in Ulverston (Cumbria), England for the price of £70,000.^[6][7] In the same year Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited Geshe Kelsang in India and invited him over to teach at the Manjushri Institute, which was a part of their FPMT network.^[7] Thubten Yeshe (1935-1984) was a Tibetan lama who, while exiled in Nepal, co-founded Kopan Monastery (1969) and the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (1975). ... Cumbria (IPA: ), is a shire county in the extreme North West of England. ... Thubten Zopa Rinpoche (born 1946) is a lama from the Solo Khumbu region of Nepal. ... The Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (F.P.M.T.) is a well-known network of Buddhist centers focusing on the Gelugpa tradition of Tibet. ...

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher, monk and scholar from the Gelug Tradition, is a contemporary of Lama Yeshe's from the time they spent studying at Sera Monastery.^[7] For the article about the seventh Dalai Lama, see Kelsang Gyatso, 7th Dalai Lama. ... The Geluk (dge lugs) School was founded by Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), Tibets best known religious reformer and arguably its greatest philosopher. ... Sera Monastery is one of the great three Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet. ...

According to researcher David N. Kay, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso was invited in 1976 by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who sought the advice of HH the 14th Dalai Lama when choosing Geshe Kelsang.^[7] Whereas according to a NKT brochure, "Lama Yeshe requested Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche to ask Geshe Kelsang to become Resident Teacher of Manjushri Institute. Geshe Kelsang later recounted that Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche asked him to go to England, teach Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, Chandrakirti's Guide to the Middle Way and Lamrim, and then check whether there was any meaning in his continuing to stay." ^[8] For the article about the seventh Dalai Lama, see Kelsang Gyatso, 7th Dalai Lama. ... Thubten Zopa Rinpoche (born 1946) is a lama from the Solo Khumbu region of Nepal. ... Tenzin Gyatso (born 6 July 1935) is the fourteenth and current Dalai Lama. ... Kyabje Trjang Rinpoche Gelug Lama of the 20th Century (b. ... Shantideva (sometimes Śantideva, Zh: 寂天) was an 8th-century Indian Buddhist scholar at Nalanda University and an adherent of the Prasangika Madhyamaka philosophy. ... The Bodhicharyāvatāra, sometimes translated into English as A Guide to the Bodhisattvas Way of Life, is a famous Mahāyāna Buddhist text written in Sanskrit by Shantideva (Śāntideva), a Buddhist monk at Nālandā Monastic University in India around 700 CE. It has ten chapters dedicated... Lam Rim (Tib: lam path, rim stages) is the presentation of Buddhas doctrine of Tibetan Buddhism based on extensions of Atishas root text A Lamp for the Path. ...

Geshe Kelsang was requested by Lama Yeshe to lead the "General Program" of Buddhist study. In 1979 Lama Yeshe installed another Geshe at Manjushri Institute, Geshe Jampa Tekchok, to teach a parallel twelve-year Geshe Studies Programme, which was recognized and validated by the Dalai Lama and which was modeled on the traditional Geshe degree.^[7] From 1982 to 1990 this program was led by Geshe Konchog Tsewang.^[9] According to a disciple of Lama Yeshe from this time, Lama Yeshe intended the institute "to become the central monastery of the FPMT... one of the early jewels of the FPMT crown" and "the pioneer among the western centers".^[7] Geshe is a Buddhist academic degree for scholars. ... The Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (F.P.M.T.) is a well-known network of Buddhist centers focusing on the Gelugpa tradition of Tibet. ...

In the late 1970s, Geshe Kelsang, without consulting Lama Yeshe, opened up a Buddhist Centre in York under his own spiritual direction. Kay sees this as the beginning of a conflict between Lama Yeshe and Geshe Kelsang.^[10] However, according to Geshe Kelsang, "the opening of the Centre in York caused not one moment of confusion or disharmony".^[11] Geshe Kelsang was asked to resign so that another Geshe, described by Kay as "more devoted to FPMT objectives", could take over as a resident teacher of Manjushri Institute.^[10] Many students of Geshe Kelsang petitioned him to stay and teach them, and on this basis he decided to remain.^[10] In the following years prior 1990 Geshe Kelsang established 15 centers under his own direction in Great Britain and Spain.^[12] The 1970s decade refers to the years from 1970 to 1979, also called The Seventies. ... This article is about the English city. ...

Both David Kay and Daniel Cozort describe the management committee of Manjushri Institute from 1981 onwards as made up principally of Geshe Kelsang's closest students, also known as "the Priory Group".^[10][13] According to Kay, "The Priory Group became dissatisfied with the FPMT's increasingly centralized organisation."^[10] Cozort states that different disagreements "led to a rift between Lama Yeshe and his students and Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and his, and eventually the Manjushri Board of directors (comprised of Geshe Gyatso's students) severed the connection of the between institute and FPMT."^[13] According to Kay, Lama Yeshe tried at different times to reassert his authority over the Institute, but his attempts were unsuccessful.^[14] Kay goes on to describe an open conflict of authority which developed between the Priory Group and the FPMT administration in 1983.^[10] In February 1984 the conflict was mediated by the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in London.^[10] Kay states that after the death of Lama Yeshe in March 1984, the FPMT lost interest because they saw it as a fruitless case.^[14] Since that time, Kay states, the Manjushri Institute has developed mainly under the guidance of Geshe Kelsang without further reference to the FPMT^[10], but legally remained part of the FPMT until late 1990.^[15] The Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (F.P.M.T.) is a well-known network of Buddhist centers focusing on the Gelugpa tradition of Tibet. ... The 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso (1876-1933). ... The Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (F.P.M.T.) is a well-known network of Buddhist centers focusing on the Gelugpa tradition of Tibet. ...

According to Kay, of the two Geshes at Manjushri Institute, it was Geshe Kelsang who had always taken the greater interest in the running and direction of the Institute, and most of the students there were closer to him.^[16] The courses offered by both Geshes complemented each other, but as Kay remarked, they "differed in one important respect: only Geshe Kelsang's General Programme included courses on Tantric Buddhism, and attendance upon these required the reception of a Tantric empowerment."^[17] Further, Kay argues that "Lama Yeshe's and Geshe Kelsang's different ideological perspectives provided the conditions for the organisational dispute between the Institute and the FPMT to escalate. Geshe Kelsang was already predisposed to support his students in their struggle with the FPMT administration because the organisation was inspired by a vision that he did not totally agree with."^[18] A mandala used in Vajrayana Buddhist practices. ...

Kay writes that, "the determination of Geshe Kelsang and the Priory Group to separate from the parent organisation was uncompromising, and this was a position that only hardened during the following years." He goes on to describe the split from the Gelug school and FPMT as follows: The Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (F.P.M.T.) is a well-known network of Buddhist centers focusing on the Gelugpa tradition of Tibet. ...

Geshe Kelsang made a 3-year retreat from 1987-1990 in Dumfries, Scotland and asked Geshe Losang Pende from Ganden Shartse monastery to lead the General Program in his absence, whilst Geshe Konchog Tsewang continued to teach the Geshe Studies Programme at Conishead Priory (Manjushri Institute).^[20] Different Lamas, including Lama Zopa Rinpoche, were still invited.^[20] Especially the visit of Lama Zopa Rinpoche in 1988 "is significant, indicating the ongoing devotion of the students to this lama and their desire to leave the negativity of the schism with the FPMT in the past."^[20] In 1988 and 1990 the uncle of Geshe Kelsang, Ven. Choyang Duldzin Kuten Lama - the oracle of Dorje Shugden - also visited Manjushri Institute.^[20] Before that time Song Rinpoche, Geshe Lhundup Sopa, Geshe Rabten, as well as other lamas such as Ajahn Sumedho and Thich Nhat Hanh have taught at Manjushri Institute.^[21] The Gelug School Je Tsongkhapa, whose name means The Man from Onion Valley, also known as Je Rinpoche and by his ordained name Lobsang Drakpa, is recorded as the founder of the Gelugpa school in Tibetan Buddhism. ... Look up retreat in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Buccleuch St Bridge Devorgilla Bridge Overlooking Dumfries The Old Bridge House Dumfries ((IPA: ) pronounced dum-freece, not dum-fries) (Dùn Phris or Druim Phris in Scottish Gaelic, meaning either fort or ridge of the thicket respectively) is a former royal burgh and town with a population of around... This article is about the country. ... Dorje Shugden is a deity of Tibetan Buddhism whose precise nature — enlightened tutelary deity (Yidam) or bound protector (Dharmapala) or an evil and malevolent force[1] (Rakshasa) — is disputed among adherents of Tibetan Buddhism, especially its Gelug sect. ... Ajahn Sumedho is a widely venerated modern figure of Theravada Buddhism. ... Thich Nhat Hanh Thích Nhất Hạnh (born 1926) is an expatriate Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist, and prolific author in English. ...

During Geshe Kelsang's period of retreat he wrote some of his books and worked out the foundations of the NKT. Kay states: "The first major development that took place during Geshe Kelsang's retreat was the introduction of the 'Teacher Training Programme' (TTP) at the Manjushri Institute."^[22] Kay comments the developments at that time: "By giving his study programmes a textual basis, Geshe Kelsang not only provided accessible materials to enhance the focus and commitment of his students, but also laid down structures through which spiritual authority could later be concentrated exclusively on him."^[23]

According to Kay,

According to Kay, Geshe Kelsang was gravely concerned that the purity of Tsongkhapa's tradition was being undermined by the lingering inclusivism of his Western students, something he had been outspoken for some years, "but he now acted more forcefully in his opposition to it by discouraging his students both from receiving guidance from teachers of other traditions and from reading their books."^[25] Kay states that another result of these "radically exclusive policies" was that after the foundation of NKT the Manjushri Institute Library, with over 3000 books,^[26] was removed.^[27] Kay goes on to state that, "this began with non-Gelug books being removed, but as Geshe Kelsang's vision crystallised, even books by Gelug teachers became unacceptable to him and the library disappeared altogether. He thus became convinced that the Tibetan Gelug tradition as a whole no longer embodied Tsongkhapa's pure teachings and that he and his disciples must therefore separate from it. From this point onwards, Tibetan Gelug lamas would no longer be invited to teach within his network. This perceived degeneration extended to include its highest-level lamas, and so even veneration for the Dalai Lama was now actively discouraged."^[27] The pictures of the Dalai Lama were removed from the gompas and shrines of Geshe Kelsang's centres.^[27] In 1990 Geshe Kelsang became also outspoken against the Geshe Studies Programme^[25], and "made the pursuit of his new programmes compulsory."^[25] According to Kay "As it was no longer possible for students to follow the programmes of both Geshes, the basis of Geshe Konchog's teaching programme at the Institute was undermined, and in 1991 he retired to Gyuto Monastery in Assam, India."^[25] Gompas are Buddhist temples, located in Tibet, Ladakh (India), Nepal, and Bhutan. ... Assam   (Assamese: অসম Ôxôm) is a north eastern state of India with its capital at Dispur, a part of Guwahati. ...

The foundation of the New Kadampa Tradition

According to David Kay, "in 1991, through the successful exploitation of a legal loophole, the assets of Manjushri Institut finally fell under the sole control of the Priory Group"(the close disciples of Geshe Kelsang).^[15] In the Spring of that same year, Geshe Kelsang announced the creation of the 'New Kadampa Tradition', an event which was celebrated in the NKT-Magazine Full Moon as "a wonderful development in the history of the Buddhadharma."^[15] In 1992, the Manjushri Institute developed a new constitution^[28], which constituted the formal foundation of the NKT. The Manjushri Institute was renamed the Manjushri Mahayana Buddhist Center^[10], and later the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Center. Since then, it has remained Geshe Kelsang's home and the NKT's flagship center.^[29]

With the foundation of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, he established a new and independent religious movement^[30] aiming to "principally follow the teachings and example of Je Tsongkhapa".^[8] This also gave a new identity to his followers. The many NKT centres which were built up rapidly by his followers could gather under the common auspices of the NKT and their spiritual guide, distinguishing and disassociating themselves from other Tibetan Buddhist traditions, especially the Gelug school from which Geshe Kelsang Gyatso originated. Kay argued that with these changes, Geshe Gyatso provided a basis for the NKT to become a Western tradition whose "spiritual authority could later be concentrated exclusively on him."^[31] Cozort describes this as unusual in the Tibetan tradition.^[32] The NKT described themselves as being "an entirely independent Buddhist tradition with no political affiliations^[33] ... that is appropriate to the needs and conditions of the modern world"^[8]. David N. Kay comments:

The identity of the NKT

In 1998 Geshe Kelsang, despite the NKT's separation from the Gelug tradition, stated in an interview:

According to an NKT brochure, written by James Belither while secretary of the NKT: The Geluk (dge lugs) School was founded by Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), Tibets best known religious reformer and arguably its greatest philosopher. ... The Kadampa (Bka-gdams-pa) Tradition was a Tibetan Mahayana Buddhist school. ...

Nowadays, the New Kadampa Tradition describes Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's presentation of Buddhism to the West as Kadampa Buddhism with the following statement: The New Kadampa is a synonym for the 14th Century Gelukpas (Dge-lugs-pa) school of Tibetan Buddhism, as founded by Je Tsongkhapa (Btsong-ka-pa); being great admirer of the Kadampa teachings, Tsongkhapa was an enthusiastic promoter of the 11th Century Kadampa Schools emphasis on the Mahayana principles... Je Tsongkhapa (Tsong-kha-pa) in the fifth vison of Khedrub Jey (Mkhas-grub) Tsongkhapa (Tibetan: ཙོང་ཁ་པ་; Wylie: Tsong-kha-pa) (1357 - 1419) , whose name means The Man from Onion Valley, was the founder of the Geluk (Dge-lugs) school of Tibetan Buddhism. ... The Kadampa (Bka-gdams-pa) Tradition was a Tibetan Mahayana Buddhist school. ...

"Kadampa Buddhism is a time-honored tradition that for centuries has made Buddha's teachings and meditation practices available to people throughout the world"^[36]

"It is an association of Buddhist Centers 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. The New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) is an international non-profit organization registered in England as a charitable company...,and was founded by Geshe Kelsang to provide a vehicle for promoting Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world."^[37]

Moreover, the NKT presents itself as being the continuation of the ancient Kadampa tradition by naming its school Kadampa Buddhism and equating this Kadampa Buddhism with the historical Kadampa School of Atisha: For the article about the seventh Dalai Lama, see Kelsang Gyatso, 7th Dalai Lama. ... A non-profit organization (abbreviated NPO, or non-profit or not-for-profit) is an organization whose primary objective is to support an issue or matter of private interest or public concern for non-commercial purposes, without concern for monetary profit. ... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... The Kadampa (Bka-gdams-pa) Tradition was a Tibetan Mahayana Buddhist school. ... Atiśa Dipamkara Shrijnana (Bangla: অতীশ দীপঙ্কর শ্রীজ্ঞান) (982 - 1054 CE) was a Buddhist teacher who reintroduced Buddhism into Tibet after King Langdharma had nearly destroyed it. ...

Followers of the NKT refer to themselves as Kadampa Buddhists, the Temples of the New Kadampa Tradition are referred to as Kadampa Buddhist Temples, and more recently NKT teachers are named Kadampa Teachers. Additionally, the Dharma centers of the New Kadampa Tradition are called Kadampa Buddhist Centers.^[39] The Kadampa Buddhist Temple in Ulverston, England at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre Located in Ulverston, England and consecrated in July 1997, the temple is the main meditation hall at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, and the location of annual Spring and Summer Festivals attended by Kadampa Buddhists from all over the...

Because the Kadampa tradition evetually died out and the issue of continuous lineage is so important in Tibetan Buddhism, critics argue that the New Kadampa Tradition, as it is known today, is not part of the ancient Kadampa Tradition but merely an offshoot from the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.^[40] The Kadampa (Bka-gdams-pa) Tradition was a Tibetan Mahayana Buddhist school. ... The Geluk (dge lugs) School was founded by Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), Tibets best known religious reformer and arguably its greatest philosopher. ...

James Belither described the NKT as "a Mahayana Buddhist tradition with historical connections with Tibet", rather than a Tibetan tradition, and explained that Geshe Kelsang wishes his followers always "to present Dharma in a way appropriate to their own culture and society without the need to adopt Tibetan culture and customs".^[41] For other uses, see Dharma (disambiguation). ... Tibetan women demonstrating use of the butter churn at the Field Museum The Tibetan civilization boasts a rich culture. ...

Bluck remarked that there remains an apparent contradiction between claiming a pure Tibetan lineage and separating completely from contemporary Tibetan tradition. While the NKT strongly emphasizes its unbroken 'lineage', it has no Tibetan followers and claims to stand outside current Tibetan Buddhism.^[42]

Lineage of teachers

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

The NKT traces its spiritual lineage through these main figures: Image File history File links Download high resolution version (892x1176, 1232 KB)Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso - Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (892x1176, 1232 KB)Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso - Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union. ...

1. Shakyamuni Buddha
2. Atisha
3. Je Tsongkhapa
4. Pabongka Rinpoche
5. Kyabje Trijang Dorjechang
6. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Standing Buddha, ancient region of Gandhara, northern Pakistan, 1st century CE. Gautama Buddha was a South Asian spiritual leader who lived between approximately 563 BCE and 483 BCE. Born Siddhartha Gautama in Sanskrit, a name meaning descendant of Gotama whose aims are achieved/who is efficacious in achieving aims, he... AtiÅ›a Dipamkara Shrijnana (Bangla: অতীশ দীপঙ্কর শ্রীজ্ঞান) (982 - 1054 CE) was a Buddhist teacher who reintroduced Buddhism into Tibet after King Langdharma had nearly destroyed it. ... Je Tsongkhapa (Tsong-kha-pa) in the fifth vison of Khedrub Jey (Mkhas-grub) Tsongkhapa (Tibetan: ཙོང་ཁ་པ་; Wylie: Tsong-kha-pa) (1357 - 1419) , whose name means The Man from Onion Valley, was the founder of the Geluk (Dge-lugs) school of Tibetan Buddhism. ... Pabongka Rinpoche, Jampa Tenzin Trinlay Gyatso, (1878-1941) was one of the great Gelug lamas of the modern era of Tibetan Buddhism. ... Kyabje Trjang Rinpoche (1900-1981) was a Gelug Lama and a direct disciple of Je Pabongka. ... For the article about the seventh Dalai Lama, see Kelsang Gyatso, 7th Dalai Lama. ...

Teachings, spiritual programs and teachers

Teachings

The New Kadampa Tradition has been developed exclusively^[43] on the basis of Geshe Kelsang's teachings and published books, which follow a selection of Gelug Teachings of different Buddhist Mahayana and Vajrayana texts. The main practice in the NKT is Lamrim (Stages of the Path to Enlightenment), Lojong (Training the Mind), and Vajrayana Mahamudra (The practices of Highest Yoga Tantra), with a strong emphasis on Guru devotion and the tantric Guru-Yoga. Relief image of the bodhisattva Kuan Yin from Mt. ... A mandala used in Vajrayana Buddhist practices. ... Lam Rim (Tib: lam path, rim stages) is the presentation of Buddhas doctrine of Tibetan Buddhism based on extensions of Atishas root text A Lamp for the Path. ... Lojong (often translated into English as Mind Training) is a practice in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on a set of proverbs formulated in Tibet in the 12th century by Chekawa. ... A mandala used in Vajrayana Buddhist practices. ... Mahāmudrā (Sanskrit: great seal or great symbol), (Tibetan: Chagchen, Wylie: phyag chen, contraction of Chagya Chenpo, Wylie: phyag rgya chen po), is a Buddhist method of direct introduction to the nature and essence of Mind (or Buddha-nature) and the practice of stabilizing the accompanying transcendental realization. ...

Geshe Kelsang regards all his books as "coming from Je Tsongkhapa, with himself as being like a cassette recorder into which the Wisdom Buddha, the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden, has placed the cassette of Je Tsongkhapa's teachings".^[8] Je Tsongkhapa (Tsong-kha-pa) in the fifth vison of Khedrub Jey (Mkhas-grub) Tsongkhapa (Tibetan: ཙོང་ཁ་པ་; Wylie: Tsong-kha-pa) (1357 - 1419) , whose name means The Man from Onion Valley, was the founder of the Geluk (Dge-lugs) school of Tibetan Buddhism. ... Dorje Shugden is a deity of Tibetan Buddhism whose precise nature — enlightened tutelary deity (Yidam) or bound protector (Dharmapala) or an evil and malevolent force[1] (Rakshasa) — is disputed among adherents of Tibetan Buddhism, especially its Gelug sect. ...

Cozort confirms the NKT view that the textbooks of Geshe Kelsang "are commentaries on Gelug works, especially those of its founder Tsongkhapa."^[44] The Gelug School Je Tsongkhapa, whose name means The Man from Onion Valley, also known as Je Rinpoche and by his ordained name Lobsang Drakpa, is recorded as the founder of the Gelugpa school in Tibetan Buddhism. ...

About the textbooks of Geshe Kelsang, the NKT says: "This remarkable series of authoritative books represents the most complete and integrated presentation of the Buddhist path to enlightenment available in any western language. Originally written in English they are currently being translated into many of the world's major languages."^[45]

Regarding Guru devotion, Kay has observed that:

"Teachings on guru devotion and guru-yoga naturally form an important part of the texts composed by Geshe Kelsang, and his general presentation of this concept is rooted firmly within traditional Tibetan outlines of the guru-disciple relationship. His teachings on this subject have, nevertheless, changed and developed during his time in the West and they now incorporate a number of unusual features. The main shift in his thought occurred with the creation of the NKT. Discussions of the guru-disciple relationship appearing in his publications from this time reflect an exclusivism that did not characterise his earlier presentation and which is uncommon within traditional Tibetan contexts."^[46]

Spiritual programs

At the heart of the NKT are its three study programs. Giving an overview of the purpose of the programs, the NKT says: "Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has designed three special spiritual programs for the systematic study and practice of Kadampa Buddhism that are especially suited to the modern world."^[47] It is believed by NKT followers that they embody the "pure lineage" in its entirety.^[43]

Describing the introduction of these programs in 1990, Geshe Kelsang said:

"At present in our Centers we have a Foundation Program and a Teacher Training Program. This is not a new tradition. In the past there have been other programs specially designed for Dharma students according to their particular circumstances. All of these programs involved studying a certain number of texts, memorizing material, passing examinations, and being awarded a degree or certificate. For example, the ancient Kadampa Geshes had a program in which they studied six texts. Later Je Tsongkhapa introduced a program based on ten texts, and later still Tibetan Monasteries such as Ganden, Sera, and Drepung introduced a program based on five texts. I studied this program at Sera Monastery."^[48]

The three spiritual programs are:

1. The General Program, which provides an introduction to basic Buddhist ideas and meditation.
2. The Foundation Program, which includes the study of six commentaries written by Geshe Kelsang on the following classical texts:
   • Joyful Path of Good Fortune - based on Pabongka Rinpoche's teachings on Lamrim or The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment
   • Universal Compassion - a commentary on Bodhisattva Chekhawa's Training the Mind in Seven Points
   • Eight Steps to Happiness - a commentary on Bodhisattva Langri Tangpa's Eight Verses of Training the Mind
   • Heart of Wisdom - a commentary on the Heart Sutra
   • Meaningful to Behold - a commentary on Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life
   • Understanding the Mind - a commentary and detailed explanation of the mind based on the works of the Buddhist scholars Dharmakirti and Dignaga.
3. The Teacher Training Program is intended for people who wish to train as NKT Dharma Teachers. All Resident Teachers of NKT Centers follow this program of study and practice. The program involves the study of 14 texts of Geshe Kelsang, including all of those in the Foundation Program, and the additional 8 listed below. This program also includes commitments concerning one's lifestyle, based on the 5 lay vows of the Pratimoksha, and the completion of specific meditation retreats.
   • The Bodhisattva Vow - A commentary on Mahayana moral discipline and the practice of the six perfections.
   • Ocean of Nectar - A commentary on Chandrakirti's Guide to the Middle Way
   • Clear Light of Bliss - A commentary on meditations of Highest Yoga Tantra.
   • Great Treasury of Merit - A commentary on the Puja Offering to the Spiritual Guides of Basi Chökyi Gyaltsen (1st Panchen Lama)
   • Mahamudra Tantra - Meditation on the nature of mind according to Tantra
   • Guide to Dakini Land - A commentary on the Highest Yoga Tantra practice of Vajrayogini
   • Tantric Grounds and Paths - An explanation of the practice of the lower and upper classes of Tantra
   • Essence of Vajrayana - A commentary on the Highest Yoga Tantra practice of Heruka

In 1990 Geshe Kelsang said: Pabongka Rinpoche, Jampa Tenzin Trinlay Gyatso, (1878-1941) was one of the great Gelug lamas of the modern era of Tibetan Buddhism. ... The Heart of Perfect Wisdom Sutra or Heart Sutra or Essence of Wisdom Sutra (Sanskrit: प्रज्ञापारमिताहृदयसूत्र Prajñāpāramitā Hridaya SÅ«tra; Chinese: 般若波羅蜜多心經, BōrÄ›bōluómìduō XÄ«njÄ«ng; Japanese: 般若心経, Hannya Shingyō; Korean: Pannya Shimgyŏng) is a well-known Mahāyāna Buddhist sutra that is very... Shantideva (sometimes Åšantideva, Zh: 寂天) was an 8th-century Indian Buddhist scholar at Nalanda University and an adherent of the Prasangika Madhyamaka philosophy. ... Dharmakirti (circa 7th century), was an Indian scholar and one of the Buddhist founders of Indian philosophical logic. ... Dignāga (5th century AD), was an Indian scholar and one of the Buddhist founders of Indian philosophical logic. ... Candrakīrti (born approx. ... Highest Yoga Tantra or Anuttara Yoga Tantra is the highest of four or six levels (depending on school) of Buddhist tantra, characterized by the symbolic use of sexual and wrathful energy to effect transformation and attain enlightenment. ... Vajrayogini or Vajravarahi (Tibetan: dor je phag mo, English: the Vajra Sow) is a tantric Buddhist deity whose sadhana (practice) originated in India between the 10th and 12th century. ... Heruka ( also known by his Sanskrit name Chakrasamvara, Tibetan: Korlo Demchog) is a principal Deity (Tantric Buddha) of the class of Mother Tantra in Tibetan and Indian Buddhism. ...

"These programs...are real wishfulfilling jewels for Dharma practitioners. By participating in them we can improve our wisdom and Dharma experience and use Dharma to solve our daily problems. We can become our own protector by protecting ourselves from danger and suffering, and our own doctor by curing our mental pain with Dharma medicine. We shall be able to set a good example for others to follow and help others by giving teachings and advice. Eventually we will be able to give extensive teachings and benefit others in many ways by organizing special programs and so forth. In this way we will make both our own and others' human lives extremely meaningful."^[48]

Waterhouse has observed that a fundamental element is "the notion of the purity of Geshe Kelsang's lineage and the importance of maintaining that purity in practice".^[49] In his book Understanding the mind, Geshe Kelsang states that "it is mixing different religious traditions that causes sectarianism"^[50], and he discourages the reader of doing so, claiming that "studying non-religious subjects is less of an obstacle to our spiritual progress than studying religions of different traditions."^[50] He argues further that "the practices taught by one teacher will differ from those taught by another, and if we try to combine them we will become confused, develop doubts, and lose direction."^[51] Regarding this view, Kay states that "in order to obtain spiritual realisations and to ensure that the pure tradition of Tsongkhapa remains in the world, NKT students are encouraged to 'practise purely'. This means that they must not mix their spiritual practice — their study, meditation, or sadhana recitation and visualisation exercises — with worldly or political activities or with other, non-NKT spiritual teachings. The books and sadhanas prepared by Geshe Kelsang upon which all NKT practice is based, and the infrastructure of the NKT organisation itself, are considered to have placed a boundary around Tsongkhapas’s pure tradition, the survival of which depends entirely upon a widespread diligence in boundary maintenance. As part of the emphasis on pure practice, students within the NKT are discouraged from attending teachings or reading books by other Buddhist teachers and authors^[52]. According to Geshe Kelsang, "If we follow these spiritual programmes we will steadily progress towards enlightenment, but if we try to do everything ourselves and read many different books from many different traditions we will just get confused."^[53] Sectarianism refers (usually pejoratively) to a rigid adherence to a particular sect or party or religious denomination. ...

According to Bluck, these study programmes have been widely criticised as rote learning.^[54] Waterhouse found that disciples in Bath were expected to memorize texts in full and were invited to teach through their "ability to function as a channel" for Geshe Kelsang, rather than by the extent of their own knowledge.^[55] Kay found the role of the NKT teacher described as a 'channel' for transmitting Geshe Kelsang's teachings "without colouring them with their own personal ideas", one saw himself as "a talking book" where "Geshe Kelsang's teaching come through your mouth"^[56], and another NKT teacher explained that an individual's lack of experience or 'realisations' is not an obstacle because "all you need to become a teacher is to have faith in Geshe Kelsang and know your Dharma a little bit".^[57]

In a 1998 manual for the NKT Teacher-Training Programme, the students were encouraged to: "internalise Geshe-la's books so that we can quote liberally from them, word for word." Students were advised that "if it is found in the works of Geshe Kelsang it is completely reliable", and further that "the more devotion we have to our Guru the more qualified we are as a Teacher. Every NKT Teacher must give exactly the same explanation, otherwise the NKT will disintegrate... Therefore this generation of Teachers must try very hard to come to complete consensus as to what is the correct interpretation of every single section of every one of Geshe-la's books."^[58]

According to Bluck, interviewees described a very different picture, claiming that the manual was written without Geshe Kelsang's approval and was seldom used, being "unknown to most NKT students and teachers".^[59] Study programmes were said to adopt a critical approach, with students encouraged to ask questions and explore difficulties.^[60] In 2004 James Belither explained that although only Geshe Kelsang’s books are studied at centres, there is "no rule against NKT students reading books from other traditions", as this is a matter of personal choice.^[61]

Examining the criticism that NKT training is too one-sided, Cozort says: "NKT students rely entirely upon the published works of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Kelsang Gyatso is a highly trained Geshe, and his teaching through these books is very much in the mainstream of his tradition, but it is still only one voice and one point of view. This is unusual in the Tibetan tradition. Although it is true enough that for Gelugpas, Tsongkhapa is considered virtually infallible, in general no source is considered immune from criticism."^[62]

Teachers

Geshe Kelsang expounded on the qualifications of NKT teachers in 1990:

"Buddhadharma is beneficial to others only if there are qualified Teachers. Without Teachers, Dharma texts alone are of little benefit. To become a qualified Dharma Teacher requires special preparation and training. It is not easy to become a Dharma Teacher because special qualities are needed: wisdom, correct view, faith, conviction, and pure conduct as an example to others. Also a Teacher needs an inexhaustible reservoir of Dharma knowledge and experience to teach from, otherwise he or she will dry up after one or two years. If a Teacher lacks qualities such as wisdom, experience, faith, and pure motivation, it will be difficult for others to develop faith in them or their teachings, and there will be little benefit. Also, without proper training and preparation there is a danger of Teachers mixing worldly, samsaric activities with their teaching activities. Therefore we definitely need to train well if we wish to be a genuine benefit to others."^[48]

Regarding the qualifications of NKT teachers, Kay observed that "Whilst personal experience of the teachings is considered important, the dominant view within the NKT is that the main qualification of a teacher is their purity of faith and discipleship." ^[63]

According to Bluck's research:

"Most teachers are appointed to centres by Geshe Kelsang before they have completed the Teaching Training Programme and continue studying by correspondence, with an intensive study programme at Manjushri each summer. After 4 years as a resident teacher, monastics take the title 'Gen' and lay teachers become 'Kadam' (Namgyal, 2004). Most resident teachers are ordained, with only a few centres having a lay teacher, though local branch classes are often taught by lay students^[64]. Kay^[65] found that lay people were almost as likely as monastics to be given teaching and leadership roles; and he sees this as an important Western adaptation of Gelug Buddhism, again because this includes tantric practices which Tsongkhapa restricted to those with 'a solid grounding of academic study and celibate monastic discipline'."^[66]

Ordination

Geshe Kelsang gives his followers an ordination based on five vows and five aspirations to keep for the rest of their life. The guiding principle of ordination in the NKT is the motivation of renunciation (Tib.: nge-jung). The 10 vows of the NKT's ordination are to "abandon killing, stealing, sexual conduct, lying and taking intoxicants" and also to "practise contentment, reduce my desire for worldly pleasures, abandon engaging in meaningless activities, maintain the commitments of refuge, and practise the three trainings of pure moral discipline, concentration and wisdom."^[67] They are also expected to perform a Sojong-like purification ceremony twice a month. A monk or nun who breaks their vows will be expelled from the center for at least a year. He or she can ask later for permission to reordain.^[68]

The ordination vows of monks and nuns within the New Kadampa Tradition are different than as described for monks and nuns in the Buddha's Vinaya or code of monastic discipline. However, the first five vows of the NKT's ordination are identical to the five Pratimoksha vows of a lay follower (Tib.: Genyen). The NKT's ordination includes the vow of celibacy (Brahmacharya). These five vows, including celibacy, are identical to the fifth and sixth type of lay follower, as it is laid down in the Pratimoksha. As well as receiving these vows from Geshe Kelsang, the ordaining master, the ordinee expresses the wish to not remain as a lay person but to become ordained, upon which they abandon the physical signs of a lay person by shaving their head and wearing saffron robes of the Tibetan lineage. They are given a new name which starts with "Kelsang," the family name of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Geshe Kelsang refers to the ordination as a Rabjung ordination. However, traditionally a Rabjung is an "intermediate ordained one" which "refers to someone who is preparing to become a Getsul" (Novice).^[69] A Rabjung is not a member of the ordained Sangha but on the way to becoming one. NKT ordination ceremonies seem to include some procedures of the Rabjung ceremony such as changing one's mind, name, and physical aspect. The Vinaya (a word in Pali as well as in Sanskrit, with literal meaning discipline) is the textual framework for the Buddhist monastic community, or sangha. ... The Pratimoksha (skt. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Brahmacharya (pronounced /brʌmatʃərɪə/) is a Sanskrit word. ... The Pratimoksha (skt. ... The Pratimoksha (skt. ...

The additional five aspirations of the 10 vows of NKT ordination are not listed in the Vinaya. Geshe Kelsang views them as a practical condensation of the 253 Vinaya vows of fully ordained monks. Geshe Kelsang encourages his followers to remain within the ordination he has given to them and focus their effort on improving their renunciation instead of receiving Getsul or full ordination. He also describes it as being easier to integrate those 10 vows into today's society. ^[70]

According to NKT, within the NKT community there are over 700 monks and nuns.^[71] NKT-Ordination ceremonies are usually held twice a year in the main NKT-Temple at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Center in Cumbria (UK), Ulverston. The Kadampa Buddhist Temple in Ulverston, England at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre Located in Ulverston, England and consecrated in July 1997, the temple is the main meditation hall at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, and the location of annual Spring and Summer Festivals attended by Kadampa Buddhists from all over the...

Practitioners approach their Buddhist teacher when they feel ready, and request formal permission once they have their teacher's consent. They may decide to live in one of the NKT's many Buddhist centers, but this is not a requirement. They are, in general, not financially provided for by the NKT. And, if they live in an NKT center, they still have to pay rent for their accommodation and pay for meals and the spiritual programs. To finance this, some go for housing benefit^[72] and often they have part-time work^[73]. According to Belither, "a few people are sponsored because of their NKT work but others are on 'extended working visits' or work locally, and some are legitimately on employment benefit."^[74] For doing so they wear ordinary clothes if this is more convenient.^[75]

Religious activities

Throughout the year and in different places around the world, the NKT hosts a number of religious festivals. These feature teachings and empowerments from Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and senior NKT teachers. The longest running are the Spring and Summer Festivals at Manjushri Centre in Ulverston, England. For the article about the seventh Dalai Lama, see Kelsang Gyatso, 7th Dalai Lama. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

Growth and financing

As of 2006 NKT claims the establishment of over 1000 centres and groups worldwide^[71]. The centres are residential communities, and the groups are branch groups that meet weekly in places such as Quaker meeting houses and community centres. 2006 is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

In a 1996 newspaper article, Madeleine Bunting stated: Madeleine Bunting is a British journalist and writer who is an Associate Editor and columnist on The Guardian. ...

"The method of expansion is that residential centres support branch centres, which are often no more than a group meeting in someone's house; or a hall is rented to run the NKT courses. When the group has reached a size sufficient to sustain a centre, a property is bought. The NKT maintains that each centre is entirely autonomous and is only "spiritually joined" to the NKT, although it admits that the two principal officers of each centre are NKT members. The aim is to establish a centre in every major UK town with the NKT as the biggest umbrella Buddhist organisation in the West."^[76]

Regarding the financing of NKT centres, the NKT has different means. To finance new centres, the NKT has built up a New Centres Development Fund^[8]. Further, Bluck notes that "Fees are charged for meetings, payable at the door or by a monthly 'Centre Card' covering all local classes ^[77]. The Manjushri Spring and Summer Festivals generate considerable income from the 2,000 or more lay and monastic guests. Like Samye Ling there are fixed charges for accommodation and courses, and a large shop and general stores sells Geshe Kelsang’s books, CDs of sadhanas and statues."^[66] Another important part of fund raising form brochures or bulletins which advise that "accumulating merit" is vital to "become an enlightened being" and that helping the Dharma Centers "flourish" is a great way to accumulate merit.^[78] According to Bunting, members are told that donations will "create enormous merits" in future lives and that possibly supporters are asked for giving "interest-free loans", the fund raising includes advices how to include the NKT in your will.^[79] This has drawn criticism from former members.^[79] Bluck, Bunting, and Lopez all mention the claim that some residents financed NKT centre mortgages with their housing benefit.^[80] Lopez stated: "The benefit is paid as rent and used to service the large mortages on properties."^[81] He mentioned former members who maintain that the Departement of Social Security has unknowingly played a critical part in funding the NKT's rapid expansion.^[82] However, Bluck states that such claims of misusing housing benefit were vigorously denied by interviewees, who explained that using housing benefit to support mortgages is wholly legitimate and that monastics often have part-time work and may wear ordinary clothes if this is more convenient^[83]. According to Bluck's interview with Belither: "While smaller centres may struggle financially, donations were always voluntary. Manjushri’s large community and popular courses make it financially secure, a few people are sponsored because of their NKT work but others are on 'extended working visits' or work locally, and some are legitimately on employment benefit^[84]. However, Bluck remarks, while individual rule-bending has never been sanctioned, it may sometimes have been knowingly ignored, at least in the past".^[66] Kagyu Samyé Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre is a Tibetan Buddhist complex associated with the Kagyu school located at Eskdalemuir near Langholm, Scotland. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Another aspect of expansion is the building of Buddhist Temples, called Kadampa Temples for World Peace. The NKT has established a Kadampa Buddhist Temple in the United Kingdom, as well as in Canada, the United States, and Spain, is currently developing a Temple in Brazil and plans to build one in Germany too. The NKT stated that "The International Temples Project was established by Venerable Geshe Kelsang in the early nineties. The vision is to build a Kadampa Temple for World Peace in every major city in the world. The project is funded entirely by voluntary donations and revenue from International Buddhist Festivals."(means NKT festivals)^[85] The Kadampa Buddhist Temple in Ulverston, England at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre Located in Ulverston, England and consecrated in July 1997, the temple is the main meditation hall at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, and the location of annual Spring and Summer Festivals attended by Kadampa Buddhists from all over the...

World Peace Cafes have been opened at some residential centres, and in 2005 the NKT opened their first World Peace Hotel, called Hotel Kadampa, a no-smoking, alcohol-free hotel in Southern Spain. ^[86] A second Hotel Kadampa has been bought in Italy. This place will be also the home of the Kadampa Meditation Centre Italy.^[87]

According to Bluck, the NKT has a "widespread if selective publicity and an overt proselytizing".^[88] According to Kay, "NKT students in Britain who have encountered Geshe Kelsang's 'doctrine of good fortune' have a responsibility to 'help spread his precious teachings to every corner of the world'"^[89], and he states that this is done "by establishing and teaching in centres overseas, by sponsoring and translating his books into non-English languages, or just by supporting the growth of new centres financially."^[90] Kay explains further that "according to NKT literature, whilst Buddha Sakyamuni, Tsong Khapa and Geshe Kelsang have all 'introduced the same Dharma into the world', the uncommon contribution of the latter has been 'to lay down the structures to ensure that this precious Dharma will spread throughout the world'.^[91] The publishing activity of the organisation is regarded as another key mechanism of growth.^[90] Since one of the most common ways in which people are attracted to the NKT is through reading Geshe Kelsang's books, it is considered imperative to publish them in every language and "get them into every book shop in the world".^[92][90] Kay saw this "missionary drive" as the main explanation for why the New Kadampa Tradition has expanded so rapidly.^[90]

Waterhouse found that "casual attenders" were "encouraged in enthusiastic terms to attend further courses", possibly representing an evangelical approach to Buddhism.^[93] This attitude has drawn the reproach that the NKT is presenting a form of "evangelical Buddhism".^[94]

According to Kay, the NKT aims to spread worldwide, but it is sensitive to accusations of 'empire-building' and claims that expansion "stems from a pure motivation to help others". Bluck found that interviewees also reflected this view: "In 1997 James Belither explained that all NKT centres 'should have as their goal the establishing of new centres in order to help the people in that locality' and in 2004 Belither confirmed that the movement's aim was 'simply to present the Buddhism of our tradition to as many people as possible who might be interested'".^[95] According to Bluck: "Interviewees claimed the movement's expansion was led by local demand rather than central control, as more people start groups because of their faith in Geshe Kelsang and his teachings.^[96] As Kelsang Namgyal explained,^[97] "we would like everyone to have inner peace...so we are trying to give it to as many people as possible".^[95]

Controversies

Criticism of the NKT

David Barett has characterised the NKT-IKBU as "deriving from Tibetan Buddhism" and as "one of the newest and most controversial buddhist movements".^[98] Bunting stated that "The NKT is an entirely self-referential system. The total dependence on a single charismatic figure is unorthodox in Tibetan Buddhism."^[76] Some Buddhists who are critical of the NKT and some non-Buddhists see the NKT as a cult.^[99] Tibetan Buddhism is the body of religious Buddhist doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet, the Himalayan region (including northern Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Ladakh), Mongolia, Buryatia, Tuva and Kalmykia (Russia), and northeastern China (Manchuria: Heilongjiang, Jilin). ... Madeleine Bunting is a British journalist and writer who is an Associate Editor and columnist on The Guardian. ... Tibetan Buddhism is the body of religious Buddhist doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet, the Himalayan region (including northern Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Ladakh), Mongolia, Buryatia, Tuva and Kalmykia (Russia), and northeastern China (Manchuria: Heilongjiang, Jilin). ... This article does not discuss cult in its original meaning. ...

The NKT attracted international media attention^[100] and a lot of criticism for its public demonstrations "for religious freedom" in America, England, Switzerland and Germany (1996-1998) against the Dalai Lama who had advised publicly against the Shugden practice. In a 1998 report, Donald S. Lopez, Jr. remarked on the media attention, the press criticism, and the cult allegation levied at the NKT: Dorje Shugden (also known as Drakpa Gyaltsen or Dhogyal)) is a discarnate entity whose precise nature--angelic or demonic--is disputed among adherents of Tibetan Buddhism, especially its Gelugpa sect. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Demonstration in Berlin, Germany, June 1998

In 1998, the NKT became a member of the British Network of Buddhist Organizations (NBO). Waterhouse notes^[102] that when the NKT joined the British Network of Buddhist Organizations, about thirty percent of the other Buddhist groups identifying themselves with the Tibetan Buddhist tradition left the NBO. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1772x1168, 1555 KB) This foto is taken during one of the many New Kadampa Traditions demonstration organized worldwide to protest against HH the Dalai Lamas open statements on Dorje Shugden reliance. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1772x1168, 1555 KB) This foto is taken during one of the many New Kadampa Traditions demonstration organized worldwide to protest against HH the Dalai Lamas open statements on Dorje Shugden reliance. ...

The Deutsche Buddhistische Union (DBU) refused membership for the NKT main center in Germany and its 15 branch centers in 2000.^[103] The Österreichische Buddhistische Religionsgesellschaft (ÖBR) gave a signal to the NKT that they will have no chance of becoming a member.^[103]

On August 22, 1996 the monks of Sera Je monastery, issued a formal "Declaration of Expulsion", expelling Geshe Kelsang from his monastery.^[104] Sera Monastery is one of the great three Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet. ...

The NKT's continued emphasis on the Shugden practise is another source of criticism. There are many respected Tibetan lamas who have taught the Dorje Shugden practice including Song Rinpoche, Gonsar Rinpoche^[105] and Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche^[106]. The reincarnation of Trijang Rinpoche, called Trijang Chogtrul Rinpoche, still continues to practice Shugden and was even recognised by the oracle.^[107] On the other hand, there are high-levels Lamas who have warned of its dangers. According to the The Dolgyal Research Committee (Tibetan Government in Exile), prominent opponents include the 5th, 13th and current Dalai Lamas, the 5th and 8th Panchen Lamas, Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro, the 14th and 16th Karmapas among others.^[108] Also Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, a Dzogchen master, "has been insisting on the importance of failing to appreciate the danger inherent in such cults".^[109] Dorje Shugden (also known as Drakpa Gyaltsen or Dhogyal)) is a discarnate entity whose precise nature--angelic or demonic--is disputed among adherents of Tibetan Buddhism, especially its Gelugpa sect. ... Dorje Shugden is a deity of Tibetan Buddhism whose precise nature — enlightened tutelary deity (Yidam) or bound protector (Dharmapala) or an evil and malevolent force[1] (Rakshasa) — is disputed among adherents of Tibetan Buddhism, especially its Gelug sect. ... The 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso (1876-1933). ... The 9th Panchen Lama (1883–1937) The Panchen Lama (Tibetan: པན་ཆེན་བླ་མ་; Chinese: 班禪喇嘛) is the second-highest-ranking lama after the Dalai Lama in the Gelugpa (Dge-lugs-pa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism (the sect which controlled Tibet from the 16th century until the Communist takeover). ... Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro (Jamyang Chokyi Lodro, c. ... The 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (1924 - 1981) The Karmapa (officially His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa) is the head of the Karma Kagyu, the largest sub-school of the Kagyupa (Tib. ... ... This article refers to the primordial state as considered in Tibetan Buddhism and Bon. ...

Since 1998, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and the NKT have disassociated themselves from their dispute with the Dalai Lama.^[110] Geshe Kelsang still continues to grant Dorje Shugden empowerments.^[111] Dorje Shugden is a deity of Tibetan Buddhism whose precise nature — enlightened tutelary deity (Yidam) or bound protector (Dharmapala) or an evil and malevolent force[1] (Rakshasa) — is disputed among adherents of Tibetan Buddhism, especially its Gelug sect. ...

Bunting reported on different troubles that some former NKT members had with the organization. She claimed that the NKT excluded a family for questioning "the total dependence on Kelsang", expelled one member for praising the Dalai Lama and threatened another with legal action if he published his concerns about the movement. She concluded that the movement's response to criticism is "to exonerate the organisation and throw the blame back on the dissenting individual".^[76] However, according to Bluck, "Again interviewees strenuously rejected such claims, which they saw as coming from disgruntled ex-disciples whose evidence is biased."^[112] Bluck comments: "This is certainly sometimes the case, but there is also a continued unwillingness to acknowledge that the movement itself may have made mistakes."^[113]

Geshe Kelsang's replies and views of the controversies

In 1998 Geshe Kelsang Gyatso expressed his views in an interview with Donald S. Lopez, Jr.^[114] as follows: For the article about the seventh Dalai Lama, see Kelsang Gyatso, 7th Dalai Lama. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

His reason for founding the New Kadampa Tradition:

"I wanted to encourage people to practice purely. Just having a lot of dharma knowledge, studying a lot intellectually but not practicing, is a serious problem. This was my experience in Tibet. Intellectual knowledge alone does not give peace."

His view on Dorje Shugden and his view towards HH the 14th Dalai Lama: This article is about historical/cultural Tibet. ... Dorje Shugden is a deity of Tibetan Buddhism whose precise nature — enlightened tutelary deity (Yidam) or bound protector (Dharmapala) or an evil and malevolent force[1] (Rakshasa) — is disputed among adherents of Tibetan Buddhism, especially its Gelug sect. ... The 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso (1876-1933). ...

"We believe that Dorje Shugden is a Buddha who is also a dharmapala. Problems have arisen because of someone's view [the Dalai Lama's view]. So although we say the 'Dorje Shugden problem', in reality this is a human problem, not a Dorje Shugden problem. This is not a fault of Buddhadharma, not a fault of Tibetan Buddhism, or even a fault of Tibetan people in general. This is a particular person's wrong view [the Dalai Lama's wrong view]. He can keep this view, of course, but forcing other people to follow this is not right."

Geshe Kelsang replied to Lopez' question: "In your opinion, the Dalai Lama is not a Gelugpa, and therefore has no right to tell Gelugpas which dharmapala they can worship?" with "That's right." Geshe Kelsang clarified further: "It looks as if he humiliates the Gelugpas, as if he destroys the dharma of the Gelugpas. It's not only about Dorje Shugden. If Dorje Shugden is bad, then all those Gelugpa lamas who engaged in the practice of Dorje Shugden are impure. Then, without doubt the Gelugpa dharma is impure. He publicly destroys the Gelugpa dharma, so how can he say he is a Gelugpa lama?"

Further Geshe Kelsang denied that he can see the Dalai Lama as Avalokiteshvara, as many Tibetan masters and the Tibetans do, because the Dalai Lama is "causing the spiritual life of so many people to be destroyed." Asked for the role of the Dalai Lama, Geshe Kelsang replied that from his point of view, the Dalai Lama "is not the spiritual leader of Gelugpas" but rather that "He is the political leader of the Tibetans." Dorje Shugden is a deity of Tibetan Buddhism whose precise nature — enlightened tutelary deity (Yidam) or bound protector (Dharmapala) or an evil and malevolent force[1] (Rakshasa) — is disputed among adherents of Tibetan Buddhism, especially its Gelug sect. ... Media:Example. ... In Vajrayana Buddhism, a dharmapāla (Tibetan drag-gshed) is a type of wrathful deity. ... Tibetan Buddhism is the body of religious Buddhist doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet, the Himalayan region (including northern Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Ladakh), Mongolia, Buryatia, Tuva and Kalmykia (Russia), and northeastern China (Manchuria: Heilongjiang, Jilin). ... The Geluk (dge lugs) School was founded by Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), Tibets best known religious reformer and arguably its greatest philosopher. ... The Geluk (dge lugs) School was founded by Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), Tibets best known religious reformer and arguably its greatest philosopher. ... In Mahayana Buddhism, Avalokitesvara or Avalokiteshvara is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. ...

Geshe Kelsang's view of the present Ganden Tripa, the head of the Gelugpa's, who has also denounced the worship of Dorje Shugden: The Ganden Tripa (Holder of the Ganden Throne; Wylie: Dga-ldan Khri-pa) is the title of the spiritual leader of the Gelug (Dge-lugs) school of Tibetan Buddhism, the school which controlled central Tibet from the mid-1600s until 1950. ...

"He has to follow the Dalai Lama's view, otherwise there is danger. He has no choice, no power. Even my uncle, who is the medium for the dharmapala Dorje Shugden, has to follow the Dalai Lama, otherwise there is danger. They cannot remain within Tibetan society."

About the demonstrations Geshe Kelsang said:

"Demonstrating was telling him [the Dalai Lama] that he made a mistake. Demonstrating should have been a teacher for him. Demonstrating was loving him, not disrespecting him, not harming him. But he never changed."

About the negative press NKT was confronted with, he said:

"The New Kadampa Tradition suffered, our reputation was destroyed, and we lost many things. Yes, of course we are suffering, because people believe what the Dalai Lama says. Also many other groups and centers who practice worship of Dorje Shugden including those in Europe and America are also experiencing suffering. Many people are saying Dorje Shugden practitioners are bad, they are a cult or sectarian – they are using bad names because of what His Holiness the Dalai Lama says. In reality, we haven't done anything wrong."

Asked about the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Geshe Kelsang replied: This article does not discuss cult in its original meaning. ... Sectarianism is an adherence to a particular sect or party or denomination, it also usually involves a rejection of those not a member of ones sect. ... Tibetan Buddhism is the body of religious Buddhist doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet, the Himalayan region (including northern Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Ladakh), Mongolia, Buryatia, Tuva and Kalmykia (Russia), and northeastern China (Manchuria: Heilongjiang, Jilin). ...

"We believe that every Nyingma and Kagyupa have their complete path. Not only Gelugpa. I believe that Nyingmapas have a complete path. Of course, Kagyupas are very special. We very much appreciate the example of Marpa and Milarepa [in the Kagyu lineage]. Milarepa showed the best example of guru devotion. Of course the Kagyupas as well as the Nyingmapas and the Sakyupas, have a complete path to enlightenment. Many Nyingmapas and Kagyupas practice very sincerely and are not just studying intellectually. I think that some Gelugpa practitioners need to follow their practical example. But we don’t need to mix our traditions. Each tradition has its own uncommon good qualities, and it is important not to lose these. We should concentrate on our own tradition and maintain the good qualities of our tradition, but we should always keep good relations with each other and never argue or criticize each other. What I would like to request is that we should improve our traditions while maintaining good relations with each other."

Guru Rinpoche - Padmasambhava statue - near Kullu, India The Nyingma tradition is the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism (the other three being the Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug). ... The Kagyu (Tibetan: བཀའ་བརྒྱུད་; Wylie: Bka-brgyud) school, also known as the Oral Lineage and the Spotless Practice Lineage school, is one of four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, the other three being Nyingma (Rnying-ma), Sakya (Sa-skya), and Gelug (Dge-lugs). ... The Geluk (dge lugs) School was founded by Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), Tibets best known religious reformer and arguably its greatest philosopher. ... Jetsun Milarepa (Wylie: Rje-btsun Mi-la-ras-pa), 1052-1135 (approx) was one of one of Tibets most famous yogis and poets, a student of Marpa Lotsawa, and a major figure in the history of the Kagyu (Bka-brgyud) school of Tibetan Buddhism. ... Sakya is one of four major schools (Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu and Gelug) in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana). ...

Different views on NKT

Bluck offered a number of different angles from which the NKT may be viewed:

• The NKT could be viewed from outside as a movement aiming at what Titmus (1999: 91) called 'conversion and empire-building', with a dogmatic and superior viewpoint, 'narrow-minded claims to historical significance', intolerance of other traditions and 'strong identification with the leader or a book'.
• A more scholarly external view might emphasize instead the enthusiasm, firm beliefs, urgent message and 'charismatic leadership' which Barker (1999: 20) saw as characteristic of many NRMs.
• An alternative picture from inside the movement would include a wish to bring inner peace to more people, based on a pure lineage of teaching and practice, with faith and confidence in an authentic spiritual guide.

About the possible ways how to picture the NKT, Bluck said: "Our choice of interpretation may depend on how we engage with the other viewpoint, as well as the evidence itself, and until recently the NKT's supporters and critics have largely ignored each other."^[115] A new religious movement or NRM is a term used to refer to a religious faith, or an ethical, spiritual or philosophical movement of recent origin that isnt part of an established denomination, church, or religious body. ...

Notes

Routledge is an imprint for books in the humanities part of the Taylor & Francis Group, which also has Brunner-Routledge, RoutledgeCurzon and RoutledgeFalmer divisions. ... is the 300th day of the year (301st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 274th day of the year (275th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar). ... For other uses, see October (disambiguation). ... Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ... The first cover of Tricycle magazine, Fall 1991. ... The first cover of Tricycle magazine, Fall 1991. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Antique tricycle 19th century tricycle used in Iran A tricycle (often abbreviated to trike) is a three-wheeled vehicle. ...

References

• Belither, James. "Modern Day Kadampas: The History and Development of the New Kadampa Tradition". New Kadampa Tradition.
• Bluck, Robert (2006). British Buddhism: Teachings, Practice and Development. RoutledgeCurzon, ISBN 0-415-39515-1
• Bunting, Madeleine (1996). Special Report - Shadow boxing on the path to Nirvana, The Guardian - London, [32]
• Cozort, Daniel (2003). The Making of Western Lama in "Buddhism in the Modern World", ISBN 0-19-514698-0
• Kay, David N. (2004). Tibetan and Zen Buddhism in Britain: Transplantation, Development and Adaptation - The New Kadampa Tradition (NKT), and the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives (OBC), London and New York, ISBN 0-415-29765-6
• Lopez Jr, Donald S. (1998). Prisoners of Shangri-La: Tibetan Buddhism and the West, University of Chicago Press, ISBN 0226493105
• Prohl, Inken. Book Review of Kay (2004) "Tibetan and Zen Buddhism in Britain..."

Madeleine Bunting is a British journalist and writer who is an Associate Editor and columnist on The Guardian. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

External links

About the New Kadampa Tradition

• Official kadampa.org NKT website
• Modern Day Kadampas: The History and Development of the New Kadampa Tradition
• Geshe Kelsang talks about the NKT Study Programs
• BBC on NKT
• 'Beliefs of a Kadampa Buddhist' - NKT at BBC
• New Kadampa Tradition on About.com

Reviews of NKT Courses

• Retreat Guide from Daily Telegraph
• Account of weekend retreat in The Guardian

Critical of NKT

• The Independent, London: Battle of the Buddhists by Andrew Brown
• The Guardian - London: Special Report - Shadow boxing on the path to Nirvana
• Internal conflicts in Tibetan Buddhist sect, by Mike Wilson
• Web site, Cult Information Centre, (CIC) London - some articles.
• Spiritual Split by Colman Jones
• Movements In British Buddhism by Ken Jones - a founder and the present secretary of the UK Network of Engaged Buddhists