This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.
Dalai Lama

Ta Prohm _ Click to Enlarge

Imagine the geometry used in the design and construction of the ancient temples and cathedrals of the world such as Ta Phrom, seen above, one of the Khmer temples at Angkor. The Khmer civilization flourished between the 8th and 13th centuries. During this time hundreds of large and intricately carved temples were built.

At about the same time, other civilizations were busy with their own temple and cathedral building. Competing to build the largest cathedral, and most importantly, the tallest spires raged across Europe. In 1163 the cornerstone was laid for Notre Dame de Paris. The Incas and Mayans were busy temple building as well.  Chichen Itza, the Mayan temple and city in the Yucatan in Mexico was built during the tenth century. Machu Picchu, high in the Peruvian Andes, construction was started about 1430 by the Incans.

I find it fascinating that such immense temple building was going on in different parts of the world simultaneously by different cultures who had no idea of each other’s existence.

Be sure to see how other great minds see geometry.