Over the last year, we have been eagerly awaiting Ven. Geshe-la’s new book, Modern Buddhism. Recently Gen-la Dekyong said, “This is the book we’ve all been waiting for!”. The title, Modern Buddhism, is a beautiful reflection of the history of the New Kadampa Tradition and the special way that Ven. Geshe-la has integrated the wisdom of Buddha’s teachings into our lives. To understand it’s significance, we can consider how Modern Buddhism was born.

When Geshe-la arrived in the West in 1977, he began to teach Western people and learn about their lifestyle. After three years, he returned to India and spoke with his Spiritual Guide Trijang Rinpoche about his experience. He explained that Western lifestyle and commitments were different then those of the Tibetan people and he wanted to present teachings that were suitable for us. How could he teach appropriately and remain true to the pure tradition he had been given? Trijang listened attentively and then replied, “There is no problem. My students are Tibetan. Your students are Western. You should arrange suitable teachings according to their lifestyle and understanding.” From this, Ven. Geshe-la realized that he had been given permission by his Spiritual Guide to present Buddhism in a modern form. This was the beginning of Modern Buddhism.

Over the last 30 years, Ven. Geshe-la has continued to arrange all the conditions for people to enter, progress along and complete the spiritual path. How wonderful that we have found a modern teacher with whom we can share the journey to enlightenment! This fall there will be a unique opportunity to meet Ven. Geshe-la and receive teaching directly from him. Please visit the Fall Festival website to learn more.

To read learn more about this precious new book please visit Modern Buddhism.