Sacred Spaces on Campus

What is a Labyrinth?

A labyrinth is a single path or unicursal tool for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation. Labyrinths are thought to enhance right brain activity.
 

Cross-Campus Labyrinth

While TCU does not have a traditional labyrinth, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life has mapped a walking path across campus with points for reflection. This non-traditional labyrinth takes advantage of TCU's beautiful campus and architecture.
 

Guided Walking Meditation

Looking for some spiritual direction and reflection? Join program coordinator Adam Gamwell on a daily walk through and around campus. This is an intentional-awareness walk in which each participant is encouraged to reflect on the day's spiritual practice. Alternatively, individual reflections and walks may be arranged. Email Adam at a.b.gamwell@tcu.edu.
 

"Froghenge"

Stonehenge has piqued the curiosity and wonder of scientists and tourists for centuries. Like the famous stone circle in southern England, a newly constructed "Froghenge" has no doubt drawn the attention and curiosity of passersby on the TCU campus.
 
Situated in the shade of sprawling oak trees just north of the Bailey Building, The Megalith at TCU, as it is formally known, is a testament to the ancient man-made circles found in the British Isles and elsewhere. But unlike the slowly crafted towering mementos of prehistory, this display was constructed in the span of a week.
 
The TCU Megalith, which Provost Nowell Donovan modeled on megaliths in Scotland, comprises 11 stones: a recumbent (flat lying) block of quartzite from Idaho, two tall flankers and eight other blocks of Oklahoma sandstone. The stone circle is 15 megalithic yards in diameter (40.5 feet), and includes three outlying monoliths placed at a 120-degree angle to each other. The monoliths — which point to the Robert Carr Chapel, The Bailey Building and the Ballet Building — and the recumbent stone represent the University.
 
The recumbent stone is the Stone of the Teacher and signifies debate and a focus on instruction. The Stone of the Search for Meaning, aimed at the chapel, represents the driving force that connects the past to the future. The Stone of Happiness, pointing to the Ballet Building, represents the happiness that comes from knowledge rather than ignorance. The Stone of the Passing of the Torch, aimed at the Bailey Building, represents the primary academic responsibility of the University.
 
The Megalith is already being used by professors and student groups at TCU as the site of theatrical performances, concerts and picnics. Donovan said the stone circle is also a quiet place where people can be alone with their thoughts.
 
"I sometimes think that in our zeal to fill each other’s lives with lively action, we forget our need for private time of quality," he said.