When we hear the word "temple," many of us immediately associate it with a specific religion. However, if a temple truly belongs to a particular individual or group, it cannot be called a temple in its deepest sense.
Instead, a temple is defined as an invitation to the divine. It is a space and a set of necessary tools designed to make the divine more manifest and experiencable, much like a cell phone catches otherwise inaudible sound waves.Temples as Tools for the Beyond
The concept of a temple as a "tool" might initially sound irreverent to some. However, the term "tool" is used precisely because it signifies something that works. It is not merely a piece of art to be appreciated, but a device to open the doors for the beyond. Just as a screwdriver easily loosens a screw that fingers cannot, a temple provides the means to access dimensions beyond ordinary perception. This understanding is crucial: a temple is not a destination, but a doorway. To utilize this non-physical tool effectively, one must approach it in a certain mode, which may include a level of reverence.
The Immense Dedication Behind Ancient Temples
Building a true temple requires far more than just stone and materials. It demands that a handful, or a band, of people hold the endeavor above their own lives, not as a hobby or profession, but as something more important and beyond their personal existence.
In India, temples were built with extraordinary elaboration, some taking three to four generations to complete. A prime example is the Kailash Temple in Ajanta-Ellora, Maharashtra. This temple was not built but carved entirely out of a huge mountain of rock, featuring three floors, elaborate decorations, and at least 600 carved statues. Thousands of tons of stone were removed to create the empty space within.
It took 135 years, involving three to four generations working on the same plan, to complete this monumental temple. Remarkably, nowhere are the names of the architects, workers, or sponsoring kings written. This underscores a core principle: a temple is not a place for us to leave a footprint of who we are.
The Story of Generosity and the Temple Site
To further illustrate the true essence of a temple, a beautiful story is shared about two brothers.
• An old man, nearing death, instructed his two sons to always share equally whatever came from their prosperous farm, ensuring no disputes. Notably, in India until a few generations ago, land was not divided, only the produce.
• One brother married and had five children, while the other remained alone.
• Despite their differing needs, they continued to share the crop 50/50, honoring their father's wish.
• Unknown to each other, both brothers began secretly carrying bags of grain at night to their sibling's store, believing the other needed more. This "reverse osmosis" of generosity continued until they were old.
• One night, they met while carrying sacks of grain and realized what had been happening, looking away in embarrassment at their own generosity.
• After they died, the townspeople decided to build a temple at the very spot where the brothers met. They believed this was the best place because a temple truly means looking beyond oneself. Without this selfless perspective, there is no true temple.
In conclusion, a temple is designed to allow one to be receptive and listen to a dimension beyond the physical.
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Understanding Temples: More Than Just Religious Buildings – A Deeper Dive
Often, when the word "temple" is uttered, people immediately associate it with a specific religion. However, if a temple truly belongs to an individual, a group, or is tied to a particular religion, it fundamentally loses its deepest meaning and cannot be called a temple in its true sense.
Instead, a temple is better understood as an invitation to the divine. It is specifically designed as a space, equipped with the necessary tools, to make the divine more manifest and experiencable. While the divine is present everywhere, much like sound waves, a temple acts as a specialized "larger cell phone" to catch and transmit these otherwise inaudible or imperceptible dimensions, allowing one to listen and be receptive to possibilities beyond the ordinary physical realm.
Temples: Not Art, But Tools for Transformation
The use of the word "tool" when referring to a temple might sometimes cause offense, as some perceive it as lacking reverence. However, the term "tool" is intentionally used because it signifies "that which works". A temple is not merely a piece of art to be appreciated; it is a device to "open the doors for the beyond".
Just as a simple screwdriver effortlessly loosens a screw that human fingers or even teeth cannot, a temple provides the means to access dimensions of existence that are beyond ordinary perception. The significant advancements in human societies throughout history have often coincided with the development and use of tools.
It's crucial to understand that a temple is not a destination, but merely a doorway or a possibility. To effectively use this non-physical tool, one must approach it in a particular mode, which includes a certain level of reverence. This attitude is necessary for the tool to function as intended.
The Immense Dedication Behind Ancient Temples
Building a true temple requires more than just physical materials like stone. It demands that a handful, or a band, of people hold the entire endeavor above their own lives. Temple building is not a hobby or a profession; it must be viewed as something beyond personal existence and more important than one's own life.
In the East, particularly in India, temples were constructed with incredible elaboration, often taking three to four generations to complete.
• The Kailash Temple in Ajanta-Ellora, Maharashtra serves as a prime example.
• This colossal temple was not built, but carved entirely out of a single, enormous mountain of rock.
• It features three floors, all intricately carved, with elaborate decorations and at least 600 statues.
• Thousands of tons of stone were removed to create the empty spaces within the temple.
• If a single mistake was made during the carving, the entire structure would have to be rebuilt.
• It took 135 years for three to four generations of people to complete this temple, all working according to the same plan.
• Remarkably, the names of the architects, workers, or even the sponsoring kings are nowhere written on the tem
ple. This emphasizes a core principle: a temple is not a place for us to leave a footprint of who we are. Many of the workers would have started at 14-15 years old and likely died while working on the temple.
The Story of Generosity and the Ideal Temple Site
To further illustrate the true essence of a temple, a beautiful story is shared about two brothers