It only makes sense then that religion's temples should architecturally represent this state of union. And, in fact, they do. Many religions throughout time have designed the temple to embody both the design of the universe and the design of the human body, to remind us that we are made in the image of the universe and "as above so below."
For this reason, I believe: "All religion is metaphor for spirituality. Whatever you may do in the outside temple is representative of something done within your body’s inner temple."
The ancient Egyptians actually developed a temple that grew over the course of centuries from a child to a grown adult. The archeologist, alchemist, and writer R. A. Schwaller de Lubicz explains this intruiging element of the Temple of Luxor in his book: The Temple in Man.
The ancient Indian science of Vastu, which focuses on sacred design, also employs such a "man in temple" approach. In fact, they represent the "cosmic man" within each temple. The mandalas developed by the Hindus represent the universe and man as one beautiful geometrical design. Buddhists use the same technique to similar effect.
Like in the Indian version above, we can see very clearly below the significance of the altar position. King Solomon's temple is also designed in such a manner, where the "Holy of Holies" represents the human breast, and the Ark of the Covenant is built over the heart. This one I photoshopped myself.
Even in religions that no longer believe strongly in sacred architecture and the microcosm/ macrocosm relationship, the symbolism carries through. The Apostle Paul used this imagery to powerful effect:
“Don’t you know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” or “We are a temple of the living God; even as God said, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.’”
Next time you are in a religious service, whether it's a Mass or Puja, try to see the bigger symbolic work being done. Knowing that the temple you are now inside represents a living being, notice the inner meaning of the ritual.
Sometimes its a story of spiritual regeneration, or sacrificing of the lesser instincts of the person, or moving closer and circumambulating the soul. To kneel before a statue placed on the altar is simultaneously to humble your ego before the divinity present in your own heart.
