Mission:
To collectively build small, humble, non-sectarian temples out of recycled materials in places forsaken, ignored, or not yet exploited by civilization’s progress.

Vision
Groups of people gather to build small generic temples in unlikely places without permits, churches, or other organizational structures. A small temple could be just large enough for one person to enter or could be large enough for a dozen people. Unlikely places could be remote locations away from civilization or destroyed or run-down areas in inner cities. The temples would be generic in that they would not have built into their design symbols or dogma of any particular religion, yet they would obviously appear to be temples. Temples should be built by the local community rather than hired contractors. The temples should just “appear.” It should not take more than one day to assemble them. This may necessitate pre-fabricating parts at another location and hauling them to the site for assembly. In areas where permits might be required it would be best to build the temple anonymously, so there is no one for building officials to go after. It's guerrilla temple building.

Once a temple is built, there should be a ceremony to initiate the temple. Temples should be available to the public 24/7. Arrangements should be made for the temple to be maintained by someone in the local community.  Temples should be available for use by anyone and everyone as a reminder to put spirit first in their lives. The temples should evoke a sense of quiet, peaceful inspiration. People who use them can bring in and place on the altar whatever symbolic items they want when they use the temple.  People are encouraged to add respectful decorations to temples inside and outside. The temples do not belong to any one religion but to all religions and all people.

Temple Building Guidelines

Build as much as possible out of recycled, junk and trash materials.
Build to last. - sturdily using standard construction techniques
Raised floor at least two steps up from the ground level..
Built in benches to sit on
Built-in altar
openings facing at least three directions – glass not required
At least one entry – door not required
Waterproof roof
Build it taller than it is wide

The temple drawn at left will be our first project - to be built at Slab City, CA in 2009
 

You Are Invited!

Following the vision above, build a temple in an area near you. When it is done, take pictures and share stories of your project on this website. If enough people get involved, we will have Many Temples everywhere.

Temples of many different religions can be used as inspiration for your temple project. Above are some temples from around the world.

Let's talk about it

Contact Royce Carlson at zenzibar@earthlink.net