Throughout history various attempts have been
made to explain the vast mystery of the universe. Science has
managed to explain the relationship of some bits but the big
picture – the super big, ultimate questions remain unanswered.
Who am I? What am I? Where did it all come from?
One way of explaining complex ideas is through
stories and symbols. The danger of this is that the story becomes
a legend which then becomes a truth. The symbol/story is merely
a representation of the truth.
The power of the universe seems awesome and
intimidating; chaotic and difficult to understand. It is only
natural that human beings respond by seeking order and balance.
We build things to protect our bodies, our physical being, from
‘the world’; the rain, the sun, other human beings and gorillas.
There is a yearning for harmony and balance, both external and
internal, and religion is ‘built’ with the intention of protecting
our hearts, our spiritual being. This yearning for peace is
expressed through religion in many ways. The construction of
religious monuments is one of them and stupas are a traditional
form, a religous symbol that has evolved to express a complete,
harmonious relationship with the various forces of the universe.
The shapes and forms that we create, both physical and conceptual,
are often in response to a primal relationship with the universe.
All stupas are built symmetrically. Their simple lines use basic
geometric forms suggesting an ideal serenity, steadiness and
stability; a representation of the cosmic forces in balance.
