What we Teach

Modern Kadampa Buddhism is a special, practical presentation of Buddha’s teachings that is particularly suited to the modern day. It preserves the meaning and intention of Buddha’s original teachings while presenting them in a clear and systematic way that people of any nationality, age or gender can easily understand and put into practice in daily life.

Find out more below.

Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World

Handed down in an unbroken lineage, Buddha’s practical methods for solving real-world problems are now available in the modern world.

The authenticity of these teachings:

Buddhism doesn’t have a ‘bible’, a single scriptural authority for all Buddhists. Instead, every authentic Buddhist tradition has a living lineage going back to the historical Buddha. Each Guru, or teacher in that lineage gained perfect realisations of Buddha’s teachings, enabling them to pass on those teachings using new words while keeping the essential meaning exactly the same. This living tradition ensures Buddha’s teachings are kept fresh and relevant for each generation, an authentic, living tradition whose treasures are available for everyone to use.

For these reasons a qualified teacher always respects and gives credit to their lineage. Here are a few of Kadampa Buddhism’s most prominent Lineage Gurus who we can thank for modern Buddhism thriving today:

Suited Perfectly to Modern Life

The methods revealed within Buddhism have stood the test of time and are as relevant today as they were 2,500 years ago. The presentation and way of practising found in Kadampa Buddhism integrates perfectly with modern daily life; we eat the same food as before, do the same work and meet the same people. All we change is our mind set.

“In general, all Buddha’s teachings, the Dharma, are very precious, but Kadam Dharma or Lamrim is a very special Buddhadharma that is suitable for everyone without exception... This is because Kadam Dharma accords with people’s daily experience; it cannot be separated from daily life.”

— Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, 'Modern Buddhism'

In Kadampa Buddhism we emphasise combining our practise of meditation with all daily activities. We simply carry on with life as normal but gradually adopt positive mind sets, such as patience, compassion and wisdom. These minds transform everything we do, the good times and the bad times, into a path to happiness. In this way our actions naturally improve our outer world, including our relationships.

“Activities such as cooking, working, talking and relaxing are not intrinsically mundane; they are mundane only if done with a mundane mind.”

— - Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, 'The New Eight Steps to Happiness'

A community that reflects our society:

It’s not just the teachings that are tailor made for modern people. Venerable Geshe-la has trained teachers who have been raised within the societies where they teach and who understand what life is like for people in these societies. Our centres are lived in and used by everyone, lay and ordained, female and male, with people from all walks of life supporting each other around their common interest in meditation. When you come to Jangchub Ling Centre you will have the sense of a place both connected to an ancient wisdom and at the same time familiar and comfortable.

‘Modern Buddhism’

free ebook

Download this free ebook or buy a paper copy here, and enjoy this concise and profound introduction to the entire Buddhist path to lasting peace.

Practical Solutions You Can Believe In

Buddha’s teachings are scientific methods for improving our human nature and qualities through developing the capacity of our mind.

“Since happiness and suffering are parts of the mind, if we want to avoid suffering and find true happiness we need to understand the nature and functions of the mind.”

— - Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, 'How to Transform Your Life'

Buddha taught the science of internal cause and effect, logically showing the internal origins of all our experiences and practical methods for harnessing that knowledge into positive change. He did this in a way that speaks to our lived experience of these truths, so we can be inspired to apply effort to practising them. In this way Buddha helps us to help ourselves.

“Do not accept my teachings simply because I am called Buddha.”

— Buddha Shakyamuni

At Jangchub Ling Centre you will be encouraged to question. You will be encouraged to explore at your own pace and to test Buddha’s teachings against your own experience using your reason. We never encourage blind faith. Whatever we’re teaching, from breathing meditation and overcoming anxiety, to teachings on karma, reincarnation, and the true nature of things, we will always present logical reasons for you to consider, and then encourage you to make up your own mind. You are welcome to use what makes sense to you and leave to one side everything that does not. This is something we never waver on.

Download this free ebook or buy a paper copy here, and enjoy this special introduction to Buddhist meditation and practice that everyone can appreciate and take meaning from.

‘How to Transform Your Life’, free ebook

Everyone is Welcome

Buddhist, non-Buddhist, experienced or new to meditation, with classes to suit different schedules and levels of interest.

There’s nothing better than seeing how quickly newcomers to Jangchub Ling Centre feel welcome and relaxed. People often worry about ‘doing the wrong thing’, or that they will find something strange, then five minutes later they’re making themselves a cup of tea and socialising with other people who’re just like them.

We look forward to making you feel welcome.

Here are some things people have said about Jangchub Ling Centre: