The lineage of Spiritual Guides of Kadampa Buddhism

Some notable Lineage Gurus

Buddha Shakyamuni (Sixth Century BC)
The founder of Buddhism. He performed the twelve principal deeds of an Enlightened being and presented comprehensive teachings on Sutra and Tantra that are the basis of all Buddhist Traditions. Buddha taught how to examine our mind and see which states produce misery and confusion and which states produce health and happiness; sincerely engaging in this process can lead us to the bliss of full enlightenment.

Atisha (982 - 1054 AD)
A great indian teacher, who re-introduced Buddhism to Tibet during degenerate times. The followers of Atisha are known as 'Kadampas'. Atisha compiled a special presentation of all Buddha's teachings called the 'Lamrim' which is still the main practice of Kadampa Buddhists today. Practitioners of Lamrim take all Buddha's teachings as personal advice and try to apply them to their everyday lives by practising meditation.

Je Tsongkhapa (1357 - 1419 AD)
A Tibetan Master who completely revitalised Buddhist teachings in Tibet. Je Tsongkhapa showed a perfect example of how to build the foundation of the spiritual path, how to progress on that path, and how to complete it. Since then thousands of practitioners have achieved full enlightenment in one life by following the example of Je Tsongkhapa and sincerely practising his teachings.

Je Phabongkhapa (1878 - 1941 AD)
A Tibetan Master, holder of the lineage of all Buddha's teachings as passed down by generations of great teachers. Je Phabongkhapa was the most highly regarded Gelugpa Teacher of his day and was the Root Guru, or teacher, of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. Like previous practitioners of this lineage, he showed a perfect example of how to teach and practice all Buddha's teachings.

Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche (1901 - 1981 AD)
A Tibetan Master, the Heart Disciple of Je Phabongkhapa, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche was also the most highly regarded Gelugpa Teacher of his generation and showed a perfect example of how to practice the Buddhist path. He is the Root Guru of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and was the lineage holder of all Buddha's teachings during his life.

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche (Born 1931 AD)
A highly respected Tibetan Meditation Master and scholar, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition and the holder of the lineage of all Buddha's teachings as passed down by Atisha, Je Tsongkhapa, Je Phabongkhapa and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. He is now a naturalised British Citizen and lives at Manjushri Buddhist Centre in Cumbria. His tireless and pure example is a source of great inspiration to all of his students world-wide.

The New Kadampa Tradition
The New Kadampa Tradition is a special Kadampa Tradition of Mahayana Buddhism founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Although established as a distinct tradition in 1991, the New Kadampa Tradition arose, as with all Buddhist traditions, from the original teachings, example and blessings of Buddha Shakyamuni (Sixth Century BC). Buddha Shakyamuni is the source of all Buddhist Teachings. The teachings and practices of the New Kadampa Tradition are exactly the same as those Buddha gave 2500 years ago. His teachings have been passed from teacher to disciple ever since that time, and this pure unbroken transmission of scripture and realisation forms the lineage of the New Kadampa Tradition.