About us

Vajravarahi Kadampa Meditation Centre

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

The Founder of Modern Kadampa Buddhism is Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, a world-renowned meditation master who holds the very essence of Buddha’s teachings in his heart.

Venerable Geshe-la’s message is as simple as it is profound – all the problems in this world originate in the mind, and the solutions to these problems and the causes of lasting peace and happiness are also to be found in the mind.

Since 1977, when he accepted an invitation to become Resident Teacher at Manjushri Centre in the UK, he has given thousands of teachings, composed twenty-three widely acclaimed books on Buddhism and meditation, established over 1,300 meditation centers, trained hundreds of qualified Teachers and developed practical study and meditation programs to suit the needs of the modern world.

This humble monk has touched the hearts of countless people around the world and inspired them to set out on a blissful journey to lasting happiness and inner peace.

‘When our mind is governed by compassion it is always at peace.’

About the Centre

Everybody Welcome!

Vajravarahi Kadampa Meditation Centre in Preston is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union.

This is an international association of Mahayana Buddhist study and meditation centres that follow the Kadampa Buddhist tradition founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.

The Centre is at 38 West Cliff, Preston, PR1 8HU, and has a large meditation room, lounge, and dinning area.

There has been meditation classes in the local area since the 1980s, with the present building being used since the early 2000s.

It is a registered charity, number 292304.

About Kadampa Buddhism

Ancient Wisdom For Modern Times.

Kadampa Buddhism is a Mahayana Buddhist school founded by the great Indian Buddhist Master Atisha (AD 982-1054).

In the word, ‘Kadampa’, ‘Ka’ refers to Buddha’s teachings, and ‘dam’ to Atisha’s special Lamrim instructions. Kadampas, then, are practitioners who regard Buddha’s teachings as personal instructions and put them into practice by following the instructions of Lamrim.

By integrating their understanding of all Buddha’s teachings into their practice of Lamrim, and by integrating their experience of Lamrim into their everyday lives, Kadampas use Buddha’s teachings as practical methods for transforming daily activities into the path to enlightenment.

Modern Kadampa Teachers

Fully qualified Teachers of both Sutra and Tantra.

Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU and Resident Teacher and Special Teacher Training Programme Teacher at Manjushri KMC, the mother centre of modern Buddhism

She has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for over 30 years, sincerly training under his guidance in all aspects of modern Buddhism. Gen-la is recognized as a fully qualified Buddhist Teacher of both Sutra and Tantra.

Gen-la Kelsang Jampa is the Deputy Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU and the Resident Teacher at IKRC Grand Canyon.

He has studied under Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche and taught internationally for many years and is greatly admired for his warm personality and clear, inspiring teachings.

Kadam Bridget Heyes is the NKT-IKBU National Spiritual Director for the UK. She is known for her powerful teachings, compassionate heart, and deep understanding of Buddha’s wisdom advice. Her teachings are exceptionally clear and she presents profound ideas in a way that are easy to practice and integrate into daily life. She is Resident Teacher at Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre.

Gen Kelsang Pagpa is the Resident Teacher for Vajravarahi Centre in Preston. He is well known for his warm and compassionate nature, his ability to present Buddha’s teachings in a clear and practical way, and his 20 years experience in teaching and studying meditation. He has led many retreats and courses at Buddhist Centres around the country.