As food and clothing are essential to the body, sacred space is vital to the human spirit. It doesn’t matter if we call ourselves religious, spiritual or a raging materialist. We crave settings where we can find a moment of peace and touch the renewing wellsprings of life. Whether it’s the cavern of a vast cathedral, a stone bench under a tree, or a table in our favorite cafe, we all visit some sort of sanctuary. Yet, physical settings are merely portals to direct encounters with a mysteriously elusive non-physical experience.
As an architect, I shape material boundaries with the intention of creating openings into this
non-material reality. This is what sacred space at all scales and sizes has done for thousands of years. Over the years, I learned that non-physical experience of sacred space is available wherever we are, whenever we open our perception to it. Here are a few “sutras” that may assist you in noticing the peace and vitality of sacred space as you travel through your day:
Sacred space is the stillness embracing you now.
Sacred space is the gap between two breaths.
Sacred space is the opening of each doorway you pass through.
Sacred space is the opening between hope and fear.
Sacred space is a spiral simultaneously expanding inward and outward.
Sacred space offers sanctuary to all forces and beings in creation.
Sacred space is a stillness containing all wisdom.
Sacred space is compassion.
Sacred space hovers between shadow and light, sound and silence.
Sacred space points beyond itself to the indescribable.
Sacred space is the womb of creation.
Sacred space, moving within itself, sparks the passion of creation.
Within sacred space, life discovers its possibilities.
Sacred space is revealed where nature touches imagination.
Sacred space is found where human desire engages the desires of stones.
Sacred space ignites spirit in matter.
Sacred space is the arc of the heart intersecting the line of the mind.
Sacred space is grace.
Sacred space is the simplest of structures and an endless realm of exploration.
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