Levels / Layers

A level in sacred architecture represents knowledge out of the norm. All religions are based on worshipping a cosmic order, which means that a key aspect of religion is trying to recreate this order, something we often try to do in dreams.

A stupa, for instance, a memorial instigated by buddha himself, is essentially made up of the following five levels: a) a square base b) a hemispherical dome c) a conical spire d) a crescent moon e) a circular disc each of these components is rich in spiritual significance and is identified with one of the five cosmic elements of creation. These are, from the base up, earth, water, fire, air and space.