Editing New Kadampa Tradition (section)

===Teachings and books===
The NKT-IKBU's teachings are written in English and based exclusively on the teachings and published works of Kelsang Gyatso.{{sfn|Kay|2004|p=86}} These are, in turn, translations of and commentaries on [[Gelug]] works, especially those of its founder [[Je Tsongkhapa]].{{sfn|Cozort|2003|pp=230,232}}

The NKT has a [[Prasangika]] Madhyamaka philosophical orientation, and emphasises the teachings on [[Pratitya-samutpada|dependent arising]] and [[Śūnyatā|emptiness]].{{sfn|Waterhouse|1997|pp=182–3}} The main practice in the NKT-IKBU is [[Lamrim]] (the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment), [[Lojong]] (Training the Mind), and [[Vajrayana]] [[Mahamudra]] (the practices of Highest Yoga Tantra). The NKT also includes traditional [[Mahayana]] Buddhist teachings, including those on [[karma]], [[Rebirth (Buddhism)|rebirth]], [[Refuge (Buddhism)|going for refuge]], the [[Four Noble Truths]], the [[Threefold Training]], the [[Paramita#Mahayana Buddhism|six perfections]], and developing [[bodhicitta]], in addition to general teachings on meditation and the importance and value human of life.<ref>{{harvnb|Bluck|2006|pp=136–137}}</ref>

According to Helen Waterhouse, Kelsang Gyatso followed the [[Tibetan Buddhism|Tibetan Buddhist]] custom of studying texts through the teacher's commentaries and the contents of NKT teachings are "not different from that of mainline [[Gelugpa]]". She says that where the NKT is unusual is in its assertion that Geshe Kelsang's texts contain "the whole of what is necessary" and its emphasis on exclusively following the training and practices set by Geshe Kelsang. This extends to avoiding other traditions, religions, and mind training techniques, and an emphasis on maintaining the "pure lineage" of Geshe Kelsang's practices. The NKT also advises members against reading books by other teachers. Waterhouse says that some practitioners find this advice contentious and not all of them follow it.{{sfn|Waterhouse|1997|pp=182–5}} Unlike most mainstream Gelug practices, the NKT encourages the practice of Dorje Shugden, who is often considered a symbol of sectarianism in Tibetan Buddhism.<ref name="Repressive rule" />{{sfn|Hertog|2018}}