The Portal
The Portals mark a passage between two spaces.
In all cultures and latitudes, there are portals that separate "the profane and the sacred". They are looking for the threshold which marks a change in internal state of those who crosses them. So happens with Japanese shinto torii sanctuaries, entering in mosques, churches, synagogues; entrance toranas in the Buddhist stupas, some "doors" on ceremonial grounds of the native people of America
Park's portals are inspired by the shinto torii arches. They are lifted indicating a possibility; inviting to overpass a limit, to cross the threshold which leads to enter into other mental spaces and times.
Coordination Center
This is one of the first buildings lifted in the Park. At the beging it was used as support in the park´s constrution.
Actually from "the little house" all the coordination of necessary services and operations of the Park is made
as well as hosting friends who look after the park when no activities are taking place.
The Fountain
Represents allegorically the fusion of feminine and masculine principles as the source of all energy.
Multipurpose Hall
A modular space open to groups and organizations to hold seminars, workshops and social and cultural events of all kind.
It is also a nice place to rest and recover energy with a simple meal.
Center of Study
It's a place for retreat and study. From here Silo spread his message and experience. Masters of the School investigate, reflect and produce useful writen contributions in order to help in overcome suffering
The building reproduces the convergence of three mountain ranges and rivers where the park is located, the building of the Center of Studies has three branches. Downstairs there are 24 rooms with bathrooms, a central hall with a library and tables destinated to the study and interchange. The top floor has seven rooms were meetings take place, an audio and video editing room, and a microcinema room
Close to the building there is an area of services and a workshop equipped for the practices of Crafts: conservation and production of fire, cold material practices and molds, ceramic works, metals and glass.
Plaza of Steles
In different latitudes and historical moments, steles commemorated significant historical events. Steles were used by the Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Sumerian and Mayan civilizations.
In our Parks, steles usually contain the engraved names by those who contributed to the construction of the Park.
In this park, the steles are engraved with the words in the talk given by Silo on May 4, 1969, and translated to the seven major world languages: Spanish, English, Russian, Chinese, Hindi, Arabic and Hebrew.
The Hermitage
It's a small building used by Silo for several months before launching his first speach sent to the world in 1969.
(See Activities> Meetings - May 4, 1969. "Healing of Suffering").
Originally it was across the river. In 2007 it was moved stone by stone, and rebuilt faithfully where it is today.
Meditation Hall
Since earliest times, human beings have sought or built enclosures where it was possible to connect to a higher reality. Different cultures used forest glades, mountain caves and islands that had the character of sacred places.
They bilt rounded, mandorlic or terraced buildings with cones, cones, needles and minarets. Among them are the large "stupas" of hemispherical shape with a conoid top, now scattered through India and other Asian countries.
The Meditation Hall was inspired by them, but while they may be closed and inaccessible places, our Meditation Halls are open and devoid of icons, images or symbols. They are places designed to be "filled" by people.
Externally, they seek to drive the eyes upwards without interruption. Inside there is an empty hemispherical space, in which people sit in a concentric circular fashion, all on the same level. The spherical shape of the Hall makes you feel included and helps you to experience a deep connection with yourself.
Monolith
Included among the forms that since ancient times were called "axis of the world" believed to conect heaven and earth.
In different cultures literature , ladders, vines, trees and mountains are different ways to access to heaven. As several children's stories tell, as well as the story of the Wizard Merlin, whose wisdom was nourished by the oak tree; or Jacob, who in a dream saw the scale by which the angels ascended and descended from heaven. Also the Egyptian obelisks fulfilled that role, they symboled the rays of their solar god.
In each Park a monolith of stainless steel fixes the space-time coordinates when each Park was created.
In this historical Park of Punta de Vacas, the inscription 1969-1999 recalls the first public appearance of Silo, today this monolith is located in the same place, and also the foundation of the Park 30 years later, when we celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the creation of the Humanist Movement.
The Lookout
Located on Monte Sacro, the highest point in the park, offers a broad view of the entire park and the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it.
Centre of Work
An environment for retreats and workshops are developed. It is used by apprentices, applicants to the School, members of the Humanist Movement and members of the Silo's Message.
The Center can accomodate up to 50 people for meetings and activities, with internet access and video capability. Close by are two buildings with ten departments with kitchens and bathrooms where can sleep up to 52 people.
The Portal
It marks the boundary between the externality of the world and the inner world of human beings, trying to produce changes in the internal state of anyone who comes to this place.
Parks portals are inspired in the torii arches of the shinto sanctuaries. They rise indicating a possibility, inviting to exceed a limit, to cross the threshold as to enter other mental spaces and times.