“The Centre has come to be due to the good hearts, clear minds and skilful hands of many, many people over the years, both near and far, living and now past on, who have all contributed in various ways to the project. It would not have been been possible without the inspiration of Rinpoche and his example, encouragement, guidance and teachings. As well as Rinpoche I wish to thank all of our Bodhicharya brothers and sisters for their support and goodwill, especially Dirk de Klerk of Bodhicharya London, my dear friend and guide who encouraged me to start Bodhicharya Kent back in 2013 and speak to Rinpoche about doing so.

I must also thank out Trustees, Michele Sisto, Jay Rao, Sally MacKinnon, Stuart McLeod and the late David Fry, who all too often are the unsung heroes as they quietly get on with their work and guidance diligently behind the scenes, but without which nothing would go well. We are also indebted to Medway Council, the steadfast support of the Deputy Leader Teresa Murray who from the outset of the Centre project through to its completion has been a constant force of progress. Councillor Nina Gurung who was Medway’s very first female, Nepalese and Buddhist Mayor at the outset of the Centre project and continued to support in various ways throughout, and David England who has arranged so many of the practicalities to make this all possible. David would even come to the Centre early in the morning before work to personally remove graffiti in his own time! It has been a joy and pleasure collaborating with the Council and we could not have wished for better partners or people to collaborate with. So, we look forward to a continuing fruitful relationship as we help support the Medway Community together.

I must also mention our kind and generous benefactors, of which there have been many, with donations often coming at just the right time to keep the project moving forward. I would especially like to thank the Nina and the Nepalese community who gave so generously, as well as Margaret Richardson and Dirk de Klerk and everyone else who donated. Thank you also to those who have pledged to give an amount every month to help pay for the utilities and keep the Centre operational. And of course I must thank our most wonderful volunteers who did all the manual work and who contributed their energy, skill, creativity and hours upon hours of their free time since February. They have collectively created a most beautiful and peaceful space to be in with their meticulous attention to detail and a devotion to the project that surpassed all expectations. Special thanks goes to Peter S, Brad and Joe who became the back bone of the renovations team and for everyone that helped and contributed in any way. Also to Martha who coordinated the volunteers for the opening event and all the volunteers who worked so joyfully for the opening to be a success and welcome our guests with such warmth and hospitality. And most importantly, as Rinpoche always says, his host and even more importantly his cook, Sally for looking after Rinpoche and Bernie during their visit here with us.

So, on the behalf of all sentient beings, from the bottom of our hearts, we truly and deeply thank everyone for their pure motivation, generosity, joyful and selfless efforts plus prayers and good wishes that have all helped towards creating this Centre. A Buddhist Meditation Centre dedicated to helping us heal and comeback home to ourselves and each other, what truly matters in life, a place to help those in need in whatever way we can, and foster harmony and understanding amongst peoples and diverse communities. All things that the world is in desperate need of. My hope is that as this Centre opens and its activities grow and develop, that it can be a beacon for all who are seeking refuge on stormy waves and that we can help provide a boat to help them to calmer shores, so they then too can ferry over others who are struggling at sea.

And we will not do this alone, as this Centre, as well as hosting our Bodhicharya activities will also be home to the Kent Western Chan Fellowship and The Jodo Shinshu Tradition, under the steady leadership and guidance of our Dharma brothers, Stuart McLeod and David Quirk-Thornton, respectively. Furthermore, this isn’t only a place for Buddhists or people interested in Buddhism, so come September we shall begin opening our doors to other providers who are involved with activities that revolve around our key objectives of healing, helping and harmony, for the benefit of all.”

– Cesare Saguato