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.

Kadampa Buddhism is a tradition of Buddhist practice that originated in 11th-century Tibet with the great Indian Buddhist master Atisha. He presented the teachings of Buddha in a clear, step-by-step format known as Lamrim, or “Stages of the Path to Enlightenment,” making the spiritual path accessible and practical for all.

In the 14th century, these teachings were further clarified by the fully realized scholar and meditation master Je Tsongkhapa, who emphasized the union of wisdom and compassion, Sutra and Tantra.

Followers of this tradition up to the time of Je Tsongkhapa are known as “Old Kadampas”, and those after the time of Je Tsongkhapa are known as “New Kadampas”. “Ka” is Tibetan for ‘word’ and refers to all Buddha’s teachings, “dam” refers to Atisha’s special Lamrim instructions and “pa” refers to a follower of Kadampa Buddhism who integrates all the teachings of Buddha they know into their Lamrim practice.

Today, the New Kadampa Tradition follows this lineage, making the essential practices of Kadampa Buddhism available to people around the world through Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s beneficial activities.

Gen-la Kelsang Jampa is an internationally renowned, ordained Buddhist teacher and the General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU).

As a senior NKT teacher, Gen-la Jampa has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years, and under Geshe-la’s guidance has taught at many centers and events around the world.

Gen-la is well-loved for his clear and inspiring teachings and his ability to touch people’s hearts through his sincerity and loving-kindness.

Gen-la Sangden is the Deputy Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU, and is the National Spiritual Director of Kadampa Buddhism in Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua and Peru, and the Resident Teacher at KMC Mexico.

She is admired by many for her good example and her loving and clear advice. She has practised and taught Kadampa Buddhism for over 25 years.

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.