About Buddhism

Buddhism is a major world religion that arose from the inspiration and teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni (624 BC). It is a complete way of life concerned with the wholesome development of the individual, and is a profound and practical philosophy.

Buddhism can best be summarized by the words of Buddha Shakyamuni himself:

Learn to do good,
Cease to do harm,
Control the mind,
And benefit others.

Buddhism teaches us how to overcome our problems by understanding and preventing their causes and how to find inner peace and happiness.

Whereas we usually blame external circumstances for the causes of our problems, Buddha teaches us to look inwards. He shows how our feelings of dissatisfaction arise from negative states of mind--primarily anger, attachment and lack of wisdom--and offers practical methods to eliminate these by developing generosity, compassion, wisdom and other positive states of mind.

Through cultivating these qualities, we discover an inner state of peace and strength.

Kadampa Buddhism - Buddhism for the Modern World

Kadampa Buddhism is a Mahayana Buddhist school founded by the great Indian Buddhist Master Atisha (982-1054 AD).

His followers are known as 'Kadampas'. 'Ka' refers to Buddha Shakyamuni's teachings, and 'dam' to Atisha's special instructions known as 'Lamrim', or 'The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment'. Therefore, Kadampas are practitioners who regard Buddha's teachings as personal advice and put them into practice by following the instructions of Lamrim. The Kadampa Tradition was later promoted widely in Tibet by Je Tsongkhapa and his followers who were known as the 'New Kadampas.'

Kadampa Buddhism today

Through the activities and dedication of the renowned Buddhist Master, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Kadampa Buddhism has spread to many countries over the last 30 years. He has given extensive teachings, written many profound books on Kadampa Buddhism and founded the New Kadampa Tradition ~ the International Kadampa Buddhist Union.

Kadampa Buddhism is a tradition of modern-day Buddhism. It explains Buddha's timeless techniques in a way that is easy to understand and apply in our daily lives.

The Lineage

The great Kadampa Teachers are famous not only for being great scholars, but also for being spiritual practitioners of immense purity and sincerity. The lineage of these teachings - both their scriptural transmission and realization - has been passed from teacher to disciple from the time of Atisha and spread throughout much of Asia. Now, thanks largely to the tireless work of Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, they are spreading to many countries throughout the world.

Find out more information about the New Kadampa Tradition.

Please don't hesitate to call (415) 503-1187 or click 'Contact' at the top of this screen, if you have any questions.