"But in Japan, there's nothing like that, since the temple is made of wood. The divine spirit inside the building is eternal, so the enclosure doesn't have to be"

This quote by Tadao Ando speaks to the distinct connection in between the Japanese people and also their holy places. In Japan, holy places are constructed from timber, which is a material that is not as long lasting as stone or block. Nonetheless, the Japanese people recognize that the magnificent spirit inside the temple is infinite, therefore the physical framework of the temple does not need to be permanent. This speaks to the Japanese people's respect for the spiritual aspects of their temples, and their understanding that the physical structure is not as crucial as the spiritual power that it has. This quote likewise speaks to the Japanese individuals's respect for nature, as wood is a natural material that is more in harmony with the environment than stone or brick. The Japanese people identify that the divine spirit of their holy places is eternal, therefore the physical framework of the temple does not require to be irreversible. This quote is a suggestion of the importance of appreciating the spiritual aspects of our lives, as well as of recognizing that the physical structure of a building is not as crucial as the spiritual power that it contains.