The Temple of the Elements is located at the site formerly occupied by the Sanctuary, high above the Lebanon Valley on the Abode’s mountain camp site. The original structure was built there in the1970s under the guidance of Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan as a sacred place in nature for prayer, meditation, and remembrance. When it was destroyed by fire in 2003, plans were begun to build anew. The design process for the new temple included a number of thoughtful and inclusive meetings and discussions held by Pir Zia Inayat-Khan about honoring the Pir Zia Inayat-Khansite’s history and legacy, while taking the proffered opportunity to create with a new vision and new movement toward the future. A design competition was announced, and the design by Alia Patricia Michael of Austin Texas was ultimately chosen from the many creative entries. Her plan makes reference to the teachings of Pir Zia on Green Hermeticism, as communicated through his writings and in the curriculum of the Suluk Academy. Alia describes her design concept as “a sacred space defined on the ground and open to the sky and all sides. This is the kind of space where a person can feel himself or herself to be the connection between the Earth and the Sky. It is designed to remind us of our inner world that is the intermingling of Heaven and Earth, where each one of us creates our own inner landscapes.” When complete, there will be five sculptural installations each representing one of the alchemical elements of Nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. Original Sanctuary (2003) Construction of three of the sculptures has been completed (Air, Fire and Ether). The Air Element is represented by towering black steel wind chimes, which are suspended from within a circle of trees. Along with the melodious musical notes, a powerful continuous low resonance can be sensed and felt. The Fire Element is represented by a stainless steel brazier: a shallow bowl 4 feet in diameter, elevated on short legs. The Ether Element is represented by a cantilevered plank, which juts over the bare escarpment. The new Temple of the Elements, rising from the ashes of the old, is a newly inspired place of pilgrimage and attunement; and speaks to the spiritual aspirations and values of all of us.

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