Paranayaka reflects on his years of working in the Centre Team as that time comes to an end

Eight and a half years ago I left my role as a Chartered Engineer in the corporate world to take over the Bookshop Manager position, then four years later the job of Maintenance Manager.

Would I recommend the move to others? Definitely. It’s been an absolute delight to co-create this beautiful environment with the many volunteers without whom this Centre would just not function. Working with my dharma brothers and sisters in the Centre Team has been a great context to learn about my working grounds, and also to become aware that not everybody thinks the way I do!

Although the Manchester Sangha may seem large, it is made up of many smaller sanghas filled with love and commitment. One of the joys of spending a lot of time at the Centre is the opportunity to get to know many more people than I would have otherwise.

The Manchester Centre is in great shape. We have strong leadership, a committed team, amazing volunteers and a huge heart. I see this every day. What we have is a gateway to something really profound. This is as true for someone coming into the Centre for the first time as much as it is for us folk who have been around for ages.

My plan now is to have a bit of a rest. After 47 years of continuous paid employment I am looking forward to some time off. But not time off from the Buddhist path: I will still be involved with the wonderful Stockport Group, school visits, outreach, groups and so on. And the Manchester Centre will always be my spiritual home.