New Kadampa Tradition

[ballaratocker]

Hey guys,
I have a question about NKT and it's status as a 'cult'. Recently, I have been to a few meditation classes run by a group faithful to the teaching of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. I was a little concerned about the commercial side of things when I went to a meditation retreat and they had a book stall set up. I felt that while they needed to cover their costs, it seemed a bit vulgar to be flogging all that merchandise.
I was also a little perturbed when I asked the teacher about Buddhism's take on mental disorders such as schizophrenia. I was told that essentially there were no discriminations between mental illness and that 'Buddhism' viewed everyone as equally mad.
I also found that the courses themselves tended to have a whiff of worshipping 'figureheads' which I felt was kind of against the spirit of Buddhism though I am at best a beginner/lay person.
My interest piqued by these issues, I am starting to do some research on them and have found some articles describing them as a 'cult'. I want to know what others in the group think about the new Kadampa tradition and Kelsang Gyatso? It sounds as though a cult of personality within the sect has sprung up around him and what he says goes without qualification (I have noticed a trend of being preached to with little room for personal interpretation).

[white_wolf]

1. I've heard some good and bad.

Some people say some of the books, especially those written by one of the group's nuns (I'm at a loss for the name), are really good, but I've also heard some negative things. Here is thread on a Buddhist website discussing it. One of the posters mentioned that the main controversy is within Tibetan Buddhism. The group encourages devotion to Dorje Shugden, a practice the Dalia Lama opposes.

Link: http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/7206/new-kampada-tradition

[tinrobot]

2. I went to one for a short time.

Took a 10 week class that met once a week. I kinda got an slightly odd vibe at times, but the class was good as was the book.

As with most things like this, be a little skeptical, take what you want and leave the rest. If a class is worth the asking price, then take the class. You don't have to bow at the foot of the guru if you don't feel like it.