Spiritual Qualities of Chinese Architecture

Architecture embodies the most spiritual qualities of a culture. Every culture develops its own style of construction by borrowing from the past or inventing its own. Architectural relics from distant ages remain today, including little-known structures in ocean waters and in deserts. Some appear remarkably modern.

How have these structures survived until today and what can we learn from them? When structures are built in harmony with the universe, they create a “good vibration.” These vibrations are also manifestations of what ancient Chinese people called the “Tao.”

The ancient Chinese believed that one who has reached perfection could find the “Tao” in everything. The function of ancient structures suggest a place to worship or pay respect to gods. Many researchers have concluded this when assessing common elements in long-lasting structures. They noted aesthetic conformity, rich symbolism, grand form with delicate and harmonious detail, relatively simple building materials, and internal space both artistic and modest. Buildings constructed to honor gods withstood the test of time because they contain an aspect of the Tao.

Ancient buildings provide clues to help us understand their Tao of construction. Although they are from an ancient time and a different cosmic climate, their positive elements endure and can inspire architects today.

By Xuan Qing (Used with permission of pureinsight.org)