Tsongkhapa was a big promoter of the Kadampa ( Bka ' - gdams-pa ) teachings and the mahÄ yÄ na principle of universal compassion as the fundamental spiritual orientation . A great admirer of the Kadampa ( Bka ' - gdams-pa ) teachings , Tsongkhapa was an enthusiastic promoter of the Kadam School 's emphasis on the mahÄ yÄ na principle of universal compassion as the fundamental spiritual orientation .