.CHICAGO - Over the last three decades, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj has impacted the lives of millions of people throughout the world with his message of personal transformation through meditation on the inner Light and Sound. As witness to his global influence, thousands of people from 30 different countries gathered in Lisle, near Chicago on July 28, for the inauguration of the new National Headquarters for the Science of Spirituality.
Accompanied by a delegation of dignitaries from local cities, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj cut the ribbon to inaugurate the iconic building. The organization’s new home embodies love, grace, and universality, bringing together design elements from the East and the West, just as the spiritual Master’s message brings together people from all walks of life.
Newly inauguarted Science of Spirituality Meditation Center
The ribbon-cutting took place in front of the reflecting pool where a three-ton sculpture named “The Meditator” embodies the Science of Spirituality logo and represents a person in meditation. The gently rippling pool in which it sits echoes the inner stillness and peace a person experiences in meditation. In the middle of the main building, the circular, gold-colored main hall rises up from the tinted, curved glass arms that surround it, evoking two hands cupped in prayer and reaching to the heavens for divine inspiration and love.
Perhaps one of the most interesting features of the building is a separate golden circular structure designed as a meditation sanctuary. It sits on a floor that was poured separately so that sound or vibration cannot travel from any other part of the building. The sanctuary is only for meditation. With its transitional lighting and serene atmosphere, the sanctuary will serve the community as a place to sit in silence and discover the peace and joy embedded within.
The architect, Gensler, is widely recognized as the world’s largest and leading collaborative architectural design firm, while the general contractor, Skender, has been the builder of choice for many of the world’s leading brands. The Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, built in accordance with green standards, represents one of Gensler’s and Skender’s most recent iconic successes.
The inauguration program, featuring a panel of honored guests as speakers, took place on the stage of the main hall immediately following the ribbon-cutting. Speaking first, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj expressed his appreciation to the guests, after which he outlined the four main purposes of the Meditation Center. He said, “We have a wisdom awaiting us deep within. Instead of only logging onto the Internet, we can take some time daily to log into our own inner essence to lead to a wisdom to enrich our lives. We can discover how to enter our personal sanctuary through meditation, leading to inner and outer peace and lasting joy. Meditation can help us uncover our spiritual side and discover the wonders within.”
U.S. Congressman Bill Foster, from the 11th District of Illinois, commented on how the Science of Spirituality has brought together people from all backgrounds. “I cannot tell you how proud I am to look out at the wonderful diversity in this audience and think how it reflects the diversity of these communities, of the state of Illinois, the United States and all of humanity. Thank you for representing them.”
Kathryn Kruger, PhD read a welcome letter from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Illinois: “There’s an old saying: travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light. The Science of Spirituality has been the light in Lisle, Illinois for years, and today, with the inauguration of its new meditation center, that light shines a little bit brighter. Thank you for all you do and all you will continue to do in this community. Your work matters and makes a meaningful difference in all the lives you touch.”
Marina Faz-Huppert, the Chicago Director for U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Illinois, read the Senator’s congratulatory letter, in which she said, “I am particularly appreciative of the Center’s mission to support people from all walks of life in coming together to encourage peace. Your efforts are vital in uniting people all over the world and emphasizing the values of kindness, goodness, and harmony.”
U.S. Representative Grace Meng from New York, after mentioning the organization’s affiliation with the United Nations as an NGO and praising its commitment to enriching the lives of those it serves, wrote: “I commend Science of Spirituality for its unwavering dedication to supporting its community and beyond.”
All the thanks and appreciation are a testament to the tireless efforts of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj whose vision for humanity is both individual and global. It is one in which all people can realize the true value of their deepest self. Through meditation we deepen our commitment to serving the world with love and compassion. Through meditation we realize that all life forms are vital and valuable members of one family of God.
When the Meditation Center opens its doors to the public in September, not only will the community find a sanctuary of peace where they can spend time in meditation, but they will also be able to register for a variety of classes, programs, and events. These, as with all Science of Spirituality programs, are free. From vegetarian cooking classes, to learning how to meditate or participating in retreats, the Meditation Center will offer the community a full schedule of activities. All are welcome.