A huge block of bush land at the back of Springfield Lakes, away from all the new housing estates, is starting to take shape.
More than 20 hectares is being transformed into a centre of cultural diversity. A place where people of all religions will be welcomed to eat, pray and love.
The normally orange-robed Swami Atmeshananda, 56, is wearing an even brighter orange safety vest to greet local Division 9 Councillor Sheila Ireland at the work site.
After a seven-day delay because of the recent wet weather, trucks have returned and work has resumed constructing the multi-purpose building just out of sight from the Vedanta Drive entrance.
This is the $3 million stage one of the Vedanta Centre, which will feature a meditation hall, community space, yoga room, residence for monks, and soup kitchen.
The latest building trend, lightweight polymer (plastic) walls, are being quickly erected. It is a cheaper and more efficient way of construction.
They easily clip together and are concrete-filled, creating load-bearing walls. The panels remain in place and can be rendered or painted.
While the land was gifted to the Vedanta by Greater Springfield “guru” and SLC boss Maha Sinnathamby, money is still an issue and has to be extensively fund-raised within this religious community.
“Maha is a follower of the Vedanta philosophy, because of its inclusiveness. But it was still an extremely generous gesture on his part to donate the 20.4 hectares,” Swami said.
“He doesn’t have any financial interest or any other control. He has left it entirely to us to decide … me and my senior, a 93-year-old Swami in Sydney.”
Vedanta has Hindu origins, but its philosophy is one of “universal religion”. It is the core of a worldwide spiritual movement, known as Ramakrishna or Vedanta.
Swami, who leads the Brisbane centre from his Springfield Lakes home, said it speaks of unity and diversity, with the door open to people from any religious persuasion.
“We cater for everyone. We consider all beings as part of the Divine.”
Swami said once the Ashram was up and running in May 2018, followers would turn attention to future stages, including a residential community, Institute of Culture and Civilisation, auditorium, monastery and childcare centre.
“Eventually we will have 200 families living here. We don’t want to call it a retirement village, although it will be mostly retirees,” he said.
“There will be a research and study centre, a yoga hall, communal gardens, bush paths and walks … it is an exception site with splendid views in several directions.”
Swami said the neighbours had been very receptive to the prospect of a religious centre in their midst.
“There has been a bit of dust, but overall no complaints. There will always be someone who is not happy. But we are free to make friends with them and I am sure they will like what they see when it is finished.”
Swami planned to make an appearance before Council soon, talking about the Vedanta Centre and hoping to persuade Councillors to provide some rates relief.
The land, while gifted, had already been designated as having potential for 200 homes to be built and therefore rateable.
“The Centre has sought the cooperation of Council for exemption of rates as all activities are supported by individual donations of members and we are not receiving any government grants,” he added, with a hope and a prayer.
Cr Sheila Ireland has been to a couple of yoga sessions with instructor, Jayshree Kapadia, the Vedanta Centre secretary/treasurer.
The Council’s Chair of Health, Security and Community Safety said the yoga, while relaxing in parts, included some challenging moves.
“I can’t get into all the positions,” Cr Ireland said. “But I enjoyed myself trying.”
Cr Ireland promised to return for more when the yoga room opened at the new centre in her thriving division.
The centre overlooks the sprawling Spring Mountain estate, which has been cleared to make way for 4500 homes, schools, shops and offices.
Cr Ireland said the religious centre would add an extra element to the area.
“It will be wonderful to have the presence of so many cultural offerings in our community,” she said.
“This is such a marvellous opportunity right here in Springfield Lakes. The land gifted to the Vedanta Centre presents the chance to build something unique for many people and many religions.”
Cr Ireland said her division and Ipswich as a whole was extremely multi-cultural and the neighbours and wider community had been welcoming.
“The centre has a very bright and long future and offers so much for everyone.”
Cr Ireland said the centre would provide food for people in need, programs for parents and children, and of course yoga.
“This is a major change to how our society functions. The benefits on offer to the general public are outstanding.
“People will get on board and welcome them with open arms. They are very gentle people and do not try to push religion on anyone.
“And I will be signing up to do some more yoga sessions.”
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