Monks on move to new HQ

Jennifer Williams

January 13, 2010

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Monk Phra Paiboon Likhasitthananount in the new centre

A RUNDOWN church is to be transformed into the new home of Buddhism in the north west.

Thai monks have been given permission to transform the dilapidated Edgeley Road United Reformed Church, in Stockport, into a religious centre.

The venue, which will be the first Buddhist temple in the town, will replace the monks’ current home in Salford, where they have been based for the past five years.

Members of Stockport council’s planning and highways committee granted permission for living quarters to be created for the monks as well as a car park at the church.

Monk Phra Paiboon Likhasitthananount is looking forward to welcoming local people. He said: "I try to say to people who have never been to Thailand: make this your home. Make yourself at home, and relax.

"This is not only for Buddhist people or Thai people, it’s for everyone.

"The plan is to hold monthly meditation classes once the renovations are complete.

"Meditation is the start for world peace. When you do it, you calm down – world peace starts from inner peace."

The monks have already been working hard, with the help of their friends and supporters, to clear up the site.

Mr Likhasitthananount said: "We don't have a lot of money so a lot of people around the area have come to help. One family came all the way from Accrington to help."

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blizzard, derbyshire (13/01/2010 at 16:00)

Alas, I don't think the local yobs from Cheadle Heath, Adswood and Bridgehall will welcome them with open arms. They will become targets within weeks.
Good luck to you all.

Marquis de Sade et la petit monge tout (14/01/2010 at 09:21)

They offer lots of things to get people destressed.So, instead of the pub try a bit of meditation.

Ken Wood (14/01/2010 at 09:47)

Unfortunately blizzard is right about this. They will be driven out within weeks.

IRENE JONES (14/01/2010 at 16:35)

Buddhists are the most unassuming people. They welcome anyone into their temples.Race, gender,politics, religions - nothing matters to them.They accept all as a human beings and never question your reasons.Their door is always open with meditation.Sound difficult? When you are at your wits end with no light at the end of the tunnel (which I found myself in, in Australia) I have to thank them for the peace they showed me to carry on. Feel obliged to give money which you do not have a lot of ? A packet of tea or bag of fruit is accepted with genuine gratitude.They ask for nothing but give so much.Unlike churches or other organisations - they receive NOTHING in help. If you should see them in the street in a yearly foray into the public space - just look carefully and see if there are any fat, obese looking Buddhists.Some exist on rations for a week that are just a snack to many.They do not beg for money - just let you see they are there.I thank them many times in my mind for the strength and peace to carry on my life.Wasn't easy, but a chance sighting of a temple and the invisible draw from that sight will always be with me.

Roy Gregory, Exile (14/01/2010 at 19:19)

IRENE JONES. You clearly have first hand experience of these remarkable people. As an atheist, I can say without reservation, if only more people in the World were like them.

Ken Wood and blizzard, I share your concerns. As violence is not in their nature, they are unlikely to offer resistance.

I'm one of the first to complain about uncontrolled immigration but I'm not blind to the value some of our "guests" posess. For what it's worth, I truly believe these people deserve our respect and friendship. If you ever visit places like Thailand and Sri Lanka (not the sterile, sanitised and "Westernised resorts), you will know what I mean.

blizzard, derbyshire (18/01/2010 at 11:45)

I find it hard to believe that nobody has suggested to them that Edgeley and surrounding areas would NOT be the best place to make a home. You are bullied around there if you have the wrong coloured eyes. God help them.

maria wild (14/05/2010 at 00:36)

utter rubbish. I have lived in Edgeley all my life and believe it or not, the youths , are more concerned with what they can steal than who they can hurt, as these monks live very simple lives , and do not have a high profile within the area, no one has had any interest in them that would harm them. You have no idea what you are talking about.. in fact!! a lot of the so called thugs in the area , have offered help and have also pitched in in helping the monks settle into the area.. You are tarring all the youths from those areas with the same brush, and you are very wrong to do that, you are very judgemental and that in itself is not very spiritual.Many people in these areas , and around those areas will also say what a wonderful job the young people are doing and how welcoming they have been, i may add too , that many times i have passed the centre , and youths wearing hoodies , trainers , the usual attire , that is categorised as thuggish , are always helping out, obviously there are the odd youths that cannot be helped and hell bent on ruining their own lives and others lives, but again, this is the MINORITY , and this is the same in any area, including areas where you are from, Next time you want to judge , go to the centre , ask the monks what the youths are doing , ask them have the youths , made them welcome in the area.. they openly, praise the youths of the area for the help they give and the way they are always willing to pitch in and help.. so these so called thugs , in these areas, are better people than yourself, if you want to be judgemental , start with home and your own area, and when you have nothing better to do perhaps you could get off your judgemental pedestal, and join the thugs in helping the monks at the centre..... maria .... stockport

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