# Buildings > [!summary] > *Buildings, construction, and architecture provide imagery for understanding the foundation of spiritual life and the structure of existence.* ## House on Sand ### Foundation on Bodily Concept A house built on sand will collapse. Similarly, any life built on the bodily concept of life has no firm foundation and will eventually collapse. ![[sb/5/5/1#purport|sand]] —SB [[sb/5/5/1|5.5.1]] Purport ## Solid Foundation ### Built on Spiritual Knowledge A building with a proper foundation stands firm. Spiritual life built on proper philosophical understanding remains stable through all difficulties. ![[bg/4/35#purport|foundation]] —Bg. [[bg/4/35|4.35]] Purport ## House on Fire ### Material World Burning A house on fire must be escaped immediately—there is no time for decorating rooms. Material existence is similarly urgent to escape. ![[sb/3/30/5#purport|fire]] —SB [[sb/3/30/5|3.30.5]] Purport ## Temple and Prison ### Two Types of Houses The same stone can make a temple or a prison. The body can be a temple of the Lord or a prison of material attachment—it depends on consciousness. ![[sb/1/2/8#purport|temple prison]] —SB [[sb/1/2/8|1.2.8]] Purport ## Closed and Open Rooms ### Heart Accessible to Lord A room with closed windows is dark; an open room receives light. The heart open to the Lord receives His illumination. ![[bg/10/11#purport|room]] —Bg. [[bg/10/11|10.11]] Purport ## Empty House ### Body Without Soul A house without a resident is empty and lifeless. The body without the soul is similarly dead matter without value. ![[bg/2/20#purport|empty house]] —Bg. [[bg/2/20|2.20]] Purport ## Well-Constructed Building ### Strong Spiritual Practice As a well-constructed building resists storms, a well-established spiritual practice resists the storms of material life. ![[sb/7/15/45#purport|construction]] —SB [[sb/7/15/45|7.15.45]] Purport *Complete reference: [[index/entries/analogies|Analogies Index]]* *See also: [[wiki/analogies/city|City]], [[wiki/analogies/soul-body|Soul & Body]], [[wiki/analogies/material-world|Material World]]*