Our universal sacred place is placed near the Twin Towers site in New York City. We wanted the Universal Sacred Place to have lots of symbolism of what happened on 911. We are building this sacred place with a belief that no matter what religion you are or where you are from the unfortunate events of 911 has left everyone with shock and devastation and every American and others around the world were in someway affected by the events that day. Our Universal Sacred place will not be confined in a building; it will be an open area with symbolic objects. By giving it an open architecture we are trying to make sure that all the worshippers are as close to and in perfect harmony with the nature as possible. And also since our site is near Ground Zero we want to come as close to feeling the pain of what had happened there in hope of gaining more strength to overcome it and to survive many other harsh events in life. The site would include two tower-like structures that are approximately 50 feet in height which anyone can walk up to and look up at the towering structure over head and reflect. The structures will be constructed of black brick representing “mourning” of those who lost their lives; also the structures will represent the buildings rising from the ashes of the event, symbolizing a rebirth and hope. Authorities say that approximately 2749 people died at the World Trade Center that day so we would have the ground in front of our structure made of white marble and have mixed in marbles that have the inscribed names of all that lost their lives that day. The coolness of the marble and the white color will symbolize peace and harmony. The names are the base of our strength. And further the area where the inscribed marbles will be placed will have a circular vessel with eternal fire burning. The burning fire will symbolize the spiritual zeal. We would also include in our sacred place a Circular Garden that surrounds the towers and creates a boundary. The flowers will always be maintained beautifully to show how Americans came together season after season to support and pray and how we still do and will in years to come. The area with the fire burning and the names inscribed will be our main worshipping ground. Silence will be maintained in that area, and each one of us can say our individual prayer in silence. This is the area where we will remember the lost ones. Remembrance begins with deep, personal identification. And silence and preferably a momentary meditation will help us gain that. It will begin with remembering the affliction of all the lives touched, and marking their pain as our own. Remembrance is a sacred moment when we raise up and hold to the light of the eternal moment (the burning fire), and remember the good ones who have passed.After the worshipping we will proceed to the two towering structures. In attempt to look and admire the structures we will have to raise our head and look up at the sky. Looking at the sky as a closing part of the worship is like looking up at some divine power for hope and strength and faith. Religion in America is universal and given that we belief our sacred place should reflect on an event that touch all Americans lives and many people that are not American.
