The heart in the mosque and the gothic cathedral

Király, László (2013) The heart in the mosque and the gothic cathedral. KALEIDOSCOPE: MŰVELŐDÉS- TUDOMÁNY- ÉS ORVOSTÖRTÉNETI FOLYÓIRAT, 4 (7). pp. 227-241. ISSN 2062-2597

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Abstract

The heart fascinated humans since time immemorial as source and repository of our feelings, desires and demons. It also observed inner sensations, governed the psyche, vitalized the body, and presided over the parliament of organs. Modern scientific thinking reduced it to a mere pump. Rational intellectualism developed and spiritual insight declined. The mosque and the gothic cathedral relate to deeper symbolism; both apply a ritual of the heart. In the mosque, a niche with scallop-shaped canopy (mihrab) connects to man’s heart of increasing levels of conscience. Prayer awakening the innermost pearl enables the heart to directly perceive God’s word and light. Symbolism of the gothic cathedral presents physical and metaphysical worlds in unity. Its structure can be observed as different levels of conscience in which the nave is identified with the physical world, the choir with the soul and the sanctuary with the spiritual sphere. This classification is rooted in a tripartite system of the human being by Aristotle and Galen. According to Galen, the soul is governed by the heart that also affects neighbouring domains of the body and mind as much as the choir links the nave with sanctuary. This is the cathedral of the heart.

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