'The monk radiated kindness and love. I thought: I want to be like that': Pierrick's conversion to Buddhism

Pierrick Wattez, 49, is president of the secular association managing the Plouray Buddhist center in Brittany. Here, he counts his mala (Buddhist prayer beads), which practitioners use during prayer, Plouray, France, November 23, 2025. ALINE DESCHAMPS FOR LE MONDE

I don't believe in coincidence. When I think back on the path that led me to Buddhism, I realize that small events that are often not understood at the time usually end up making sense.

I grew up in Boulogne-sur-Mer [northern France], in what could be considered a "well-off" family – my father was a business owner, my mother a teacher of classical literature. I have two brothers and an older sister, and we all attended catechism and Sunday mass together. But my parents themselves were not very devout – I think the impetus came more from my paternal grandparents, who were Catholic.

Around age 10 or 11, when it came time for first communion, we were given the choice to continue. At that age, I was practicing gymnastics, which already filled my schedule. After some thought, I decided to give up catechism and mass. Looking back, that may have been the first time I really reflected on my own. The decision was not easy, because my interest in spirituality was genuine. In fact, I continued reading the Gospels and remained attached to the figure of Christ.