New Kadampa Tradition (NKT, Kelsang Gyatso)
Buddhist movement founded by Kelsang Gyatso (1991) breaking from the Tibetan Gelug tradition. Centred on Manjushri Centre in Cumbria, England. Notable for the Dorje Shugden controversy and documented patterns of member control and shunning of those who leave.
CLCI radar
BITE breakdown
0 — high-control breakaway from Tibetan Gelug tradition; documented isolation and shunning.
In context
NKT split from mainstream Gelug Tibetan Buddhism over the Dorje Shugden practice the Dalai Lama discouraged. The organisation owns hundreds of centres globally, charges substantial fees for residential teachings, and operates a hierarchical structure focused on founder Kelsang Gyatso. Multiple ex-members and academic researchers (David Kay, James Belither) have documented the pattern of severance from family and former teachers, financial pressure, and post-departure shunning.
Key control doctrines
- Dorje Shugden practice
- Kelsang Gyatso's books as authoritative
- Severance from non-NKT Buddhist contact
Notable public ex-members
- Multiple NKT Survivors collective members
Legal cases & controversies
- Dorje Shugden controversy and 1996+ protests against the Dalai Lama
Timeline
- 1991Kelsang Gyatso founds NKT in England
- 1996Public Dorje Shugden protests against the Dalai Lama
- 2010sMultiple ex-member testimony emerges via NKT Survivors collective
Sources
- David Kay, 'Tibetan and Zen Buddhism in Britain' (2004)
- James Belither, 'A Question of Doctrine' (1998)
- BBC 'Reverse Missionaries' coverage
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. Search the source title plus the group name to find the original.