Editing New Kadampa Tradition (section)

===Dorje Shugden===
According to the NKT, Dorje Shugden worship is "the very essence of the New Kadampa Tradition", and the protector is presented as the deity most able to help practitioners. The NTK's ''The Heart Jewel'' and ''Wishfulfilling Jewel'' [[sādhanā]]s, as compiled by Kelsang Gyatso, incorporate elements of the Dorje Shugden sādhanā. Dorje Shugden may also have influenced Geshe Kelsang's teaching that practitioners cannot mix with other traditions, a view which has been criticised by other Buddhists and led to Kelsang Gyatso's expulsion from Sera Je Monastery and its revocation of his [[geshe]] degree.<ref name="Sectarianism">{{harvnb|Waterhouse|1997|pp=188–196, 195|ps=: "Geshe Kelsang in teaching that NKT Buddhism should not be mixed is probably referring to this dispute. Mixing Gelugpa practices with the practices of other schools is for him the process by which the pure lineage of Tsongkhapa's teaching is corrupted, a view promulgated by Pabongka Rinpoche who strongly relied on Dorje Shugdan as Dharma Protector. This view is easily understood as sectarian since it entails separation from other Tibetan schools, a matter of significant concern to the Dalai Lama who is anxious to promote unity among Tibetans in a time of exile. Geshe Kelsang takes the view that Gelugpa practice should be followed without the introduction of practices from other schools and also that Dorje Shugdan is the most appropriate protector deity for this time."}}</ref><ref name="Expulsion" /> The [[Western Shugden Society]], which received backing from the Chinese government to criticise the Dalai Lama, describes Kelsang Gyatso was the final teacher in the Dorje Shugden spiritual lineage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spiritual Lineage of the Dorje Shugden practice |url=http://wisdombuddhadorjeshugden.org/lineage.php |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=wisdombuddhadorjeshugden.org |quote=As all Buddhists know, the root of the Buddhist spiritual path is sincere reliance upon one's Spiritual Guide, and accordingly Geshe Kelsang has faithfully relied upon Trijang Rinpoche's guidance and widely taught the practice of Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden.}}</ref>