The Soto Zen temple presents a striking combination of traditional forms and modern materials. Its focal point, a seventy foot-high, stainless steel, four-sided pyramidal tower, was inspired by the Great Tower of Bodh Gaya Temple in Bihar, India, the site of Buddha’s enlightenment. Octagonal brick wings capped by shorter metal towers evoke memories of Varanesi (Benares) , India, where Buddha set forth the eight fold path of life. Sliding doors cross-ventilate the nave and access cantilevered engawa which run along the sides of the building.