Pune, December 20: THROWING open its doors at a ‘press reception’, the Osho Commune invited members of the Fourth Estate on Thursday evening for a dekko of the new Osho Auditorium and guest house that is finally ready after four years.
With excavation for the foundation alone taking nine months and involving removal of 11,000 trucks of solid stone, the 84 feet high pyramid-shaped auditorium looms large. A 90 feet water expanse at the entrance with a central walkaway leads inside the structure that houses the meditation hall. The sound-proof hall with 18,000 square feet of sparking floor reflects the multi-dimensional lighting and makes an arresting picture with its sheer size and grandeur. The auditorium has been designed by a German sanyasin.
‘‘Using 4,000 tonne steel and 300,000 bags of cement, the project covers 250,000 square feet,’’ says Swami Mukesh. Besides the grand auditorium, there is also the newly constructed guest house where 60 air-conditioned rooms can cater to those coming to the commune for meditation courses. With simple yet classy decor, four of these are designed for those with physical disabilities. House-keeping is being professionally managed by outside agencies. There is also an ultra-modern kitchen spread across 20,000 square feet with an air-conditioned serving area and a landscaped eating area.
‘‘We wanted to show this when we were absolutely ready with it and that time is now,’’ smiles Ma Zarine.
The new hall replaces the Buddha Hall with the base of the old hall now being used for activities like Zen archery, yoga and Tai Chi classes, she says.
