Multi-faith Meditation Room

The Multi-faith Meditation Room provides a sanctuary where people of all faiths and religious traditions may retreat for prayer, meditation, and spiritual activities. The space features several design elements or symbols that are represented in all of the world's major religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Bahai, Judaism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity.

Meditation

The Multi-faith Meditation Room is located in Toler 123, adjacent to the University Ministry office. USF students, faculty, and staff can access the room with their USF ID card.

Features

The Tree of Life

The tree of life is the main decorative motif of the room. It is a symbol that can be found across cultures and speaks deeply about life, tradition, relationships, and spiritual growth. The tree is etched using sandblasting techniques on the front window of the entrance of the room.

Bells

Bells have been used throughout history as a call to prayer, to worship, and to mark the passing of the day. Bells call us to pay attention and be mindful of the ways in which we encounter the sacred or divine in everyday life. The bells featured in the meditation room are handmade by Arturo Araujo, S.J., assistant professor from the Department of Art and Architecture.

Geometrical Patterns

Geometrical patterns are common in many cultures, but in Islamic cultures the patterns have religious meanings that connect faith to mathematics. Further, in Japanese culture, a pattern is not a decorative motive but a visual expression of the essence of nature.

Windows

Windows at the entrance of the room create a liminal space that is separated by framing the contemplative space. Nevertheless, the windows can frame from inside the room or from outside of it. These three windows open the world, which lie beyond limited social concerns and embody a different, broader range of philosophical interests.

The Rug

The rug is intended to be experienced as a contemporary, non-denominational prayer rug. It was inspired by many Turkoman prayer rugs. The Mandala symbol on the rug is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. Mandalas often demonstrate radial balance.

For more information, please email Rev. Dr. Ronné Sims.