Gen Kelsang Pagpa was ordained in 1995 and is now the residential teacher at Preston’s Vajravarahi Buddhist Centre. The decision to be ordained was an easy one for Pagpa who felt that he wanted to devote his life to Buddhism, the centre and the people around him, helping them through their problems. Originally from Birmingham, Pagpa moved to Preston as a student when he joined The University of Central Lancashire to study Psychics and Astronomy, he did not enjoy the course though saying, “I felt that I could get answers from doing this course, answers about the world and why things are as they are. This was not the case however; I feel that I’ve found more answers from Buddhism than I ever could from science.” When I asked Pagpa what he believed to be the best thing about his faith he said: “It leads to real peace and happiness and solves your human problems.” He is a cheerful character who laughs at the enormity of his statement. Despite his love for Buddhism he chooses not to especially discuss his faith with friends and colleagues unless they ask him. He claims that Buddhism is not about trying to preach or convert people. He admits that many people are unclear of what his faith is about and says he constantly hears the claim that Buddhism is selfish and the practice of meditation is all about finding personal happiness. He dismisses this claim however, “Meditation is about finding inner peace with will in turn help you to help others, which is the main principle of Buddhism.” He first discovered Buddhism in India and has never looked back since. His teacher Gen Kelsang Gyatso has been an enormous inspiration to him for simple reasons, “He is wonderful person, always thinking of others and being constantly happy with what he has and his life.” Pagpa has travelled across the world for his faith visiting Australia, Canada, America and Germany for teachings and admits he’d be happy to travel twice as far. Pagpa’s day is split between doing teaching, meditating and personal study. He also does school and hospital visits which he loves and finds to be a real eye opener, “I really enjoy the school visits, the children have some great questions for me, they are very honest and direct which is great. I’m involved with the schools religious education department as I think it’s important to teach people about religion. Where there is ignorance there is prejudice and I believe it helps the children to respect and understand each others beliefs.” Sarah Athey | 
