Brahma's Basilica The world was closing in, she couldn't breath. She pressed her foot on the gas and sped up, the sooner she got there, the sooner life would once again begin to make sense. The parking lot was empty, good; this meant she could really have some peace. The smell of incense overwhelmed her senses, as she quickly removed her shoes. The sound of the bell echoed through her mind, clearing it of all life's worries. She calmly walked forward with her head bowed, and her hands aligned in front of her face. Brahma was there, his smiling face welcoming her and his left hand raised in a sign of blessing. She looked up and smiled, as she felt his eyes pierce into her soul, all would be well. Eric Little once said, about his love of running, When I run, I feel his pleasure (Chariots of Fire) He was, of course, talking about feeling the pleasure of God. This desire to please God, whichever God, is often depicted through mankind s use of sacred spaces. A sacred space makes it possible to obtain a fixed point...in the chaos of homogeneity, to 'found the world' and to live in a real sense. (Eliade, 23) This quote from Mircea Eliade's book The Sacred and The Profane gives the readers an understanding of man's desire for a sacred space. Man (religious or not) has a need to feel relevant in the chaos of the world, so he creates sacred spaces in an effort to feel closer to his God. Religious man inherently has a desire to become God like, so throughout his existence he will search for answers to the happenings of life. Every religion, in some form attempts to explain the purpose of things and the order of the universe. Although, there are many different cultures in the world, and there are hundreds of religions, similarities can be found in all of them. Catholicism, Hinduism, and Mormonism are a few religions that have similarities in rituals, symbolism, the layout of sacred spaces, and the art/interior. Each religion has its own set of rituals that allow man to progress on his journey to become like God. Sacred spaces are created in order for the rituals to take place. Eliade explains the sacred space by his definition of an axis mundi the link between heaven and earth (eliade 39). Sacred spaces are
believed to reside on the axis mundi, therefore, are situated directly between heaven and earth, they are connecting points. Rituals take place that allow one to enter a sacred space, and once one is in the space rituals that promote progression take place. Catholic and Mormon rituals are similar in nature, perhaps due to the foundation of Christianity. In most cases one must be a member to participate fully in the rituals. Baptism, sacrament, confirmation, marriage, etc are rituals that take place within the religions sacred space. Interpretation and deliverance, however, are different. Catholics have one open space, where all rituals take place, while LDS temples have various rooms and on different levels, which represent progression of life. Hindu rituals are similar in nature to those of Catholics and Mormons, a Hindu must wash himself before entering the temple, and shoes are removed as a sign of respect. Priests officiate in the temples, much like Catholic priests or Mormon bishops. One must live the Hindu way of life to be a Hindu (Himalayan academy). No specific ritual is needed to enter oneself into the Hindu religion; one simply must practice their habits and embrace their lifestyle. All religions have rituals, they take place in sacred spaces, when one is able to participate in the rituals one learns to appreciate the sacred space even more. Mankind is very territorial; he inherently stays with his family and other familiar surroundings. The familiarity in a layout of a sacred space, keeps a worshipers mind on religion rather than familiarizing one s self with the space. Various religions have consistencies and similarities in their sacred spaces, which could insinuate that mankind once had a central religion. Through time, beliefs began to change, but symbolism stayed the same. In his book Temple and Cosmos Hugh Nibley discusses the symbolism of the circle and of the square. He first goes to explain the internationally accepted definition of the circle and the square. The circle or sphere is perfect continual motion the square or cube represents perfect solidity, (Nibley 149) Nibley insists the two must always be together, they are completeness. The circle is
continually moving while the square keeps the circle in place. Another meaning for the circle is wholeness or eternities; this is why so many religions represent their deity with some kind of circle. Catholic cathedrals have square pillars with round windows; some LDS temples have taken the pillar idea as well. Both Catholic and LDS baptismal fonts are circular, an eternal covenant with God. Hinduism shows its symbolism of circles and squares through the use of domes, mandalas and other architectural techniques. Structure in a sacred space is essential to the space taking on meaning for the individual. Similarities can be found in the meaning of the structural organization of a sacred space, within different religions; the structural layouts of sacred spaces are not simply planned. For example, Catholic cathedrals are built in the shape of crosses, which serve to remind worshipers of Christ on the cross. It is a physical thing that promotes a spiritual thing. The cathedral is representative of the eternities, like many other spaces, cathedrals have a high point that directs the viewer towards heaven, inviting the contemplation of life after death. Every inch of space within different Cathedrals are used in the same way...the altar and the apse are always at the front, the throne, covered by a canopy (student handout) always faces away from the audience towards the altar. In the student presentations the presenters informed the class that the word Cathedral means seat. The Cathedral is where the bishop or priest presides, the bishop is a representative of Jesus Christ, and so the cathedral in essence is the throne of Christ. Hindu temples, like other temples have a deeper meaning, The temple is a representation of the macrocosm (the universe) as well as the microcosm (the inner space) (wikipedia). Like Catholics go to feel Christ, the Hindu's go to see the gods. The temple has a dome or steeple that represents the highest mountain, or in Christian understanding the heavens. Temple hall is the place for audiences to sit and to meditate. (Hinduism) The hall is decorated with pictures of the Gods, like the Catholic nave has depictions of Christ. The Temple also houses a shrine, which is placed at one end of the temple, much
like the altars in Catholic and Mormon Church s. Garba-griha, which is the inner sanctum of the temple, means house. (Hinduism) A house for the gods, Cathedral is a seat for Christ, while the Mormon temple is the house of God. LDS Temples have inscribed on the east side Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord. Right away this insinuates to the passerby that this space is a sacred space. The temple was created as a place where God's presence could dwell on the earth, a space where communication between man and deity could take place in a more pure form. In most temples a steeple holds a statue of a man, who points his trumpet towards the east, representing the coming of Christ. The smaller churches also have a steeple pointing the way to heaven. The temples, like Catholicism, and Hinduism, have altars where religious ceremonies take place. The churches and temples have seating available for worshipers to come pray and meditate. As stated before, structure in a sacred space makes up a sacred space, the heavens are a place of order and organization, so man, in turn, makes his home a place of order and organization. Different religions have different structures, but the intent is the same: to commune with the gods and to work ones way to the highest degree of heaven. Art is a component in sacred spaces; works of art are used to tell a religious story, or used symbolically to remind worshippers of the qualities of their deity. Religious art has been used to tell of God s presence in mans existence, to invite God to man, and to bring mankind to God; art is a way for a person to explain himself, to portray his feelings. Art takes some form, in all sacred spaces. Catholic Cathedrals are known for being very decorated in the sense of the use of paintings, statues and window treatments. Inside, cathedrals are typically dark, rich colors, ceilings are painted, the cross is represented over and over again, statues of various saints, apostles and popes can be found; the cathedral can even be used as a final resting place for popes and other church officials. The interior of cathedrals varies, but is consistent in the usage of depictions of Christ on the Cross, Christ with his
apostles; the four evangelists etc In comparison to cathedrals, Hindu temples can be seen as simplistic. There is typically not much art portrayed on the walls or ceilings. There are statues of the gods in shrines in the temple, but they are not depicted in action; meaning that the god s lives are not shown through art work. Instead the statues are still, usually with a hand raised in the blessing motion. This is done because Hindus believe God actually comes and inhabits the statues; whereas Catholic and Mormons see depictions of Christ, which serve as a reminder and allow the spirit to align their thoughts with God. In LDS temples the use of art is similar to Catholics, a story or a reminder. The rooms within the temple are painted with murals that represent the theme of the room; example: the creation room will be depicted with the artist s vision of the creation; the garden room depicts the garden of Eden. Each of these sacred spaces is symbolic and meant to teach a lesson to the viewer. A person can sit in the garden room and take in the beauty of the murals and perhaps spend time contemplating the lives of Adam and Eve. Art in sacred spaces gives a feeling of beauty and knowledge; the viewers look at a work of art and get a glimpse of eternity through the artist s eyes. It allows worshippers to feel close to their creator. Mankind, as stated before, has a need to understand his role in the cosmos. Man sets out to find ways to make himself useful, whether it is through idolism or religious rituals. Atheists and believers alike create sacred spaces as sanctuaries, as a place to gather with others and feel the reassurance of a purpose in life. As Eric Little said, When I run, I feel his pleasure.