Devotees believe their leader is a living God. Welcome to the Radha Soami Satsang Beas in Auckland. It is a spiritual organization with roots in India. The Radha Soami Satsang Beas has been in New Zealand since the 1960s. Eastern spirituality began gaining traction in the West then.
Local membership has grown significantly. It started with fewer than 50 members. Now it has around 1000. The group does not seek publicity. It does not engage in recruiting or marketing. People find them.
Radha Soami Satsang Beas NZ is a religious sect. Its members worship a guru. The guru is considered a spiritual leader. This leader is believed to be in human form. Members believe it is possible to realize God within themselves through meditation. Members commit to a lifestyle. This lifestyle supports spiritual growth. They also carry out their responsibilities to family friends and society. This way of life includes vegetarianism. It also includes abstaining from alcohol and drugs. Members are expected to lead a life of high moral values. Inherent to the philosophy is selfless service or voluntarism.
The Science of the Soul Study Center is taking shape here in Auckland. It is a multi-million-dollar center. It is for worshippers of a guru. The center sits east of Manukau Harbour. It is among the stone walls of the historic Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve.
The Science of the Soul is the board’s name. It oversees the premises for followers of Radha Soami Satsang Beas NZ. The center will have a large main hall. It will cater to events and meditation sessions. It will open onto a courtyard. The courtyard is flanked by a north and south block. The blocks contain a library dormitory kitchen crèche and a family area.
The project has enjoyed support from local iwi and hapu. The group has worked closely with them. This was especially true in the consent process.
The new hub was designed to harmonize with the landscape. It avoids areas of cultural significance. It accounts for the environmental context. It maximizes natural daylighting. The main building comprises a hall for spiritual activities. It has a semi-enclosed open space for circulation. Wide verandas surround the building.
The entrance of the main hall faces a large courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by two wing buildings. A library and dormitory facilities are in the north block. The north block is next to the Otuataua Stonefields Reserve. The south block has communal activities. Dining kitchen and family areas are there.
The church facility caters to no more than 500 people. There are 163 car parks. There is an on-site wastewater disposal system. There is also a stormwater management system.
The Science of the Soul Study Center represents a significant commitment. It reflects the growth and dedication of the Radha Soami Satsang Beas community in New Zealand. It is a place for spiritual practice and community engagement. The center is designed to harmonize with the natural and cultural landscape. It provides a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection. The Radha Soami Satsang Beas continues to offer a path of spiritual growth. It emphasizes selfless service and a commitment to high moral values. It welcomes all who seek to realize the presence of God within themselves.