The Universal Sacred Space is situated on a hilltop that affords breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Standing in a small meadow, a small river gently flows past. All of this peacefulness is on an island surrounded by beautiful blue-green oceans. The beauty of the view from the top of the hill encourages serious meditation.
The path leading up the hill towards the Space winds around the hill in a spiral pattern mimicking a sort of simple labyrinth. As you near the entrance to the Space, a low stone wall is under construction. The purpose of this wall and its constant state of suspended construction is so that pilgrims from the world’s religions may bring a stone along with them on their journey. The stones are placed in the wall upon the travelers’ arrival. In this way, the contributions of the world’s diverse people are represented.
The grounds of the Space are entered through a grand archway. The arch is completely covered with carvings. These carvings represent different cultures, people, and religions.
On the premises are 3 separate structures. There is a columned, open air structure, an amphitheater, and another building that is completely enclosed.
The first structure is circular in shape with columns all around its perimeter. These columns support a domed roof that looks like lattice work. The lattice design lets natural light into the space below. There are sculptures from different religions of the world placed around the interior perimeter. In the center of this space is a small reflecting pool. The pool is fed by a diversion of the river that flows nearby. Stone benches are also situated near the pool.
The next structure, the amphitheater, sits farther back behind the other two. It is used for religious celebrations and has an unimpeded view of the ocean. This amphitheater can seat a multitude of people.
The last building is fully enclosed. It has been built in the shape of a large “X”, with each of its legs exactly the same length and at precise right angles to each other. One leg of this “X” points in each of the cardinal directions-north, south, east, and west. There are great windows on most vertical surfaces that reach from floor to ceiling. Inside, these windows are hung with rich, heavy draperies that may be drawn to give privacy to those who wish it. There are also more sculptures, carvings, and religious icons inside this building.
Throughout this Universal Sacred Space one can find harmony with nature and with the higher powers that one believes in. Almost all religions believe in a power, or even powers, higher than themselves that is responsible for the creation of humans and the natural world. This is reflected in the myriad of religious icons, sculptures, and artwork that can be found throughout this sacred space. Artists from the surrounding islands were commissioned to create pieces that showed the diversity of both the religions of the world and the people that inhabit it.
With all of this considered, this truly is a most Universal Sacred Space.
