Introducing the New Temple of Light

Designed by Patkau Architects, the concept incorporates essential symbolic and historical elements, such as the eight sides, the many doors and windows and the dome shape.

The new design moves beyond a geometrical form. The building is an organic collection of windows and panels that come together to create a luminous inner space. The Patkaus’ intent was always to use light as “a primary building material.” They accomplished this by creating portals of light that extend from the foundation to the oculus. Light then enters the building from every angle, washing the interior surfaces.

The new Temple promises to be a beautiful, luminous, sacred space. A lotus opening to the Light.

Browse images of the design on our new website dedicated to the Temple build project. The website offers news, updates, information on the design and well as ways you can help us build the new Temple of Light.

Our aim is to complete the new Temple by the end of 2016. This is a unique and ambitious project that will span two years of planning and building. We are currently estimating a total cost of 2 million dollars.

Watch this video update to get an idea of how the new Temple concept will look at the current building site.

Namaste!

(US donors click here to donate to the ADHP)

It began as a dream and transformed into a lifelong aspiration that she saw realized when the original Temple of Light was completed in 1992.

Her inspirational vision – for a Temple open to people from all spiritual traditions, a centre of Light, hope and unity – continues to guide us today.

We are honouring her vision by ensuring a Temple of Light stands for future generations and Yasodhara Ashram continues to be a spiritual home to all who come.

The fire showed us our strength as a spiritual community. We reached out to each other, and others reached out to us in a continuous expression of loving. It was all at once and ongoing – loss, letting go and opening to the next phase. It was a profound teaching.

Swami Radha says that part of the practice of yoga is letting go of the ideas in the mind. For me, part of the grieving has been letting go of the image I held in my mind of how the Temple used to be. As I began to let go of my old ideas, the lightness and the beauty of the new design delighted me. The architects, Patricia and John Patkau, used the word “luminosity” right from the start and it is that element that shines through – a reminder of the Light and our lineage.

The Temple of Light was always more than a building. The Temple is promise, manifestation and trust…

In 2007, I was part of a group that realized the Ashram needed steady donors. At the same time, I wondered about my own financial situation – “Would I have enough to retire?”Reading about money from both spiritual and secular sources, I learned that experts – including Swami Radha – agree that money is an expression of energy. And it needs to move.

In the Temple one day, I made a promise to tithe – to give a percentage of my gross income to the Ashram. I went from donating $25 a month to giving 20 percent of my gross annual income. Because of the contribution, I considered that 20 percent of my employment was actually Karma Yoga. Now that I’m retired, this commitment continues to make me feel light and happy.

Donations are needed more than ever now for the Temple Rebuild. I encourage people to review what they are giving. Join the Circle, increase monthly donations, or make a one-time gift. It’s such an opportunity to practise gratitude.

(US donors click here to donate to the ADHP)

Vancouver-based Governor General award-winning architects, John and Patricia Patkau welcomed the opportunity to work with our community to explore the creation of sacred space. The design for the new Temple of Light honours its original form and the rich history of the site, all the while capturing an unknowable, luminous essence.

Our approach to the Temple building project keeps this commitment at the forefront. We are currently exploring energy saving approaches such as ‘Passive House’ construction.
Our many creative contributing partners in this endeavour have been chosen for their expertise in resilient design. Together, we are developing solutions towards a highly efficient, environmentally sensitive building.

Swami Radha often spoke of the Cathedral of Consciousness or inner temple within each of us. Use the reflections below to explore how to enter that sacred space and keep the connection alive.

1. The first Temple of Light at the Ashram came into being through Swami Radha’s commitment to her long-term vision. What is your inner vision and how do you keep it alive?
2. Sit quietly, focusing on your breath. With each inhalation, draw Light into your being; with each exhalation, relax and be receptive. Imagine that you are in a beautiful place; look around and see the beauty around you. See yourself walking along a path. As you turn a corner you see a beautiful, white building. It is a kind of church or temple. It has many windows and doors – it is open to the Light. Walk towards it and walk around it – what do you see inside?Know that you can come back to this sacred place any time you like. Draw and color your inner temple, using crayons.
3. Put your drawing on a wall at eye level. Stand in front of it in the Mountain pose (Tadasana). Find your foundation in the pose. Ask yourself, what is my foundation for my inner temple? Write. Now do the Divine Light Invocation. Put your temple drawing in the Light. What do you have to do to build your inner temple? What are the building blocks? Write.
4. In Living the Practice, Swami Radhananda says:
   “Divine Mother needs a sacred space to be within us. Like our Temple of Light at the Ashram. the inner temple cannot be built unless there is harmony.” (p. 200) Reflect on the following questions: How do I learn to open my mind and heart to new ways of being? How am I cultivating harmony within so there is space in my heart for a new idea, a new concept, a new person, a new form of Divine Mother?
5. In the Divine Light Invocation book, Swami Radha says: “Before you go to sleep each night, see your body and bed surrounded by a spiral (like a cocoon) of Divine Light. In this way your physical body, which is the temple of your soul, will be protected so that the soul can do its work in safety.” (p. 54) Do this practice and write some notes upon awakening. What are your observations?

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