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Sacred Earth => The Forest, the Wilderness [Public] => Topic started by: Shamaya on June 30, 2009, 04:57:25 AM

Title: Mount Kailash
Post by: Shamaya on June 30, 2009, 04:57:25 AM
Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash, following a tradition going back thousands of years. Pilgrims of several religions believe that circumambulating Mount Kailash on foot is a holy ritual that will bring good fortune. The peregrination is made in a clockwise direction by Hindus and Buddhists. Followers of the Jain and Bönpo religions circumambulate the mountain in a counterclockwise direction. The path around Mount Kailash is 52 km (32 mi) long.

Some pilgrims believe that the entire walk around Kailash should be made in a single day. This is not easy. A person in good shape walking fast would take perhaps 15 hours to complete the 52 km trek. Some of the devout do accomplish this feat, little daunted by the uneven terrain, altitude sickness and harsh conditions faced in the process. Indeed, other pilgrims venture a much more demanding regimen, performing body-length prostrations over the entire length of the circumambulation: The pilgrim bends down, kneels, prostrates full-length, makes a mark with his fingers, rises to his knees, prays, and then crawls forward on hands and knees to the mark made by his/her fingers before repeating the process. It requires at least four weeks of physical endurance to perform the circumambulation while following this regimen. The mountain is located in a particularly remote and inhospitable area of the Tibetan Himalayas. A few modern amenities, such as benches, resting places and refreshment kiosks, exist to aid the pilgrims in their devotions. According to all religions that revere the mountain, setting foot on its slopes is a dire sin. It is claimed that many people who ventured to defy the taboo have died in the process.

Some pilgrims believe that the entire walk around Kailash should be made in a single day. This is not easy. A person in good shape walking fast would take perhaps 15 hours to complete the 52 km trek. Some of the devout do accomplish this feat, little daunted by the uneven terrain, altitude sickness and harsh conditions faced in the process. Indeed, other pilgrims venture a much more demanding regimen, performing body-length prostrations over the entire length of the circumambulation: The pilgrim bends down, kneels, prostrates full-length, makes a mark with his fingers, rises to his knees, prays, and then crawls forward on hands and knees to the mark made by his/her fingers before repeating the process. It requires at least four weeks of physical endurance to perform the circumambulation while following this regimen. The mountain is located in a particularly remote and inhospitable area of the Tibetan Himalayas. A few modern amenities, such as benches, resting places and refreshment kiosks, exist to aid the pilgrims in their devotions. According to all religions that revere the mountain, setting foot on its slopes is a dire sin. It is claimed that many people who ventured to defy the taboo have died in the process.



Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Shamaya on June 30, 2009, 05:06:19 AM
Names
The word Kailāśā means "crystal" in Sanskrit. The Tibetan name for the mountain is Gangs Rin-po-che, meaning "precious jewel of snows". Another local name for the mountain is Tisé (Tibetan: ཏི་སེ་) mountain, which derives from ti tse in the Zhang-Zhung language, meaning "water peak" or "river peak". In the Jain tradition, the mountain is referred to as Ashtapada

In Hinduism
 

An illustration of the Hindu significance of Mount Kailash, depicting the holy family of Shiva, consisting of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha and Muruga (Kartikeya)According to Hinduism, Shiva, the destroyer of evil and sorrow, resides at the summit of a legendary mountain named Kailāśā, where he sits in a state of perpetual meditation along with his wife Pārvatī, the daughter of Himalaya. Kubera, the god of wealth was also said to have his abode on or near the mountain.[citation needed]

This Kailāśā is regarded in many sects of Hinduism as the ultimate destination of souls and the spiritual center of the world.[citation needed]

A few traditions also aver that the mountain is Shiva's linga and Lake Manasarowar below is the yoni of His consort. According to one description in the Vishnu Purana, Mount Kailash is the center of the world, its four faces are made of crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli. It is the pillar of the world; is the center of the world mandala; and is located at the heart of six mountain ranges symbolizing a lotus. The four rivers flowing from Kailash then flow to the four quarters of the world and divide the world into four regions.[2]

The largest and most important rock-cut temple, Kailash Temple at Ellora, Maharashtra is named after Mount Kailash. Many of its sculptures and reliefs depict episodes relating to Shiva and Parvati, including the demon Ravana's attempt to dislodge them by shaking Mount Kailash.(Ravana was a devotee of Lord Siva, just like Lord Ram. Ramayana does not document Ravan shaking Kailasa mountain. )[3]

Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Shamaya on June 30, 2009, 05:07:53 AM
A great mass of black rock soaring to over 22,000 feet, Mt. Kailash has the unique distinction of being the world's most venerated holy place at the same time that it is the least visited. The supremely sacred site of four religions and billions of people, Kailash is seen by no more than a few thousand pilgrims each year. This curious fact is explained by the mountain's remote location in far western Tibet. No planes, trains or buses journey anywhere near the region and even with rugged over-land vehicles the journey still requires weeks of difficult, often dangerous travel. The weather, always cold, can be unexpectedly treacherous and pilgrims must carry all the supplies they will need for the entire journey.

How long have people been coming to this sacred mountain? The answers are lost in antiquity, before the dawn of Hinduism, Jainism or Buddhism. The cosmologies and origin myths of each of these religions speak of Kailash as the mythical Mt. Meru, the Axis Mundi, the center and birth place of the entire world. The mountain was already legendary before the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, were written. Indeed, Kailash is so deeply embedded in the myths of ancient Asia that it was perhaps a sacred place of another era, another civilization, now long gone and forgotten.

Hindus believe Mt.Kailash to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Like many of the Hindu gods, Shiva is a character of apparent contradictions. He at once the Lord of Yoga and therefore the ultimate renunciate ascetic, yet he is also the divine master of Tantra, the esoteric science that regards sexual union as the most perfect path to spiritual enlightenment. According to legend, immortal Shiva lives atop Kailash where he spends his time practicing yogic austerities, making joyous love with his divine consort, Parvati, and smoking ganja, the sacred herb known in the west as marijuana, Hindus do not interpret Shiva's behaviors as contradictory however, but rather see in him a deity who has wisely integrated the extremes of human nature and thus transcended attachment to any particular, and limited, way of being. For a Hindu, to make the arduous pilgrimage to Kailash and have the darshan (divine view) of Shiva's abode is to attain release from the clutches of ignorance and delusion.

Kailash is sacred to other religions as well. The Jains call the mountain Astapada and believe it to be the place where Rishaba, the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras attained liberation. Followers of Bon, Tibet's pre-Buddhist, shamanistic religion, call the mountain Tise and believe it to be the seat of the Sky Goddess Sipaimen. Additionally, Bon myths regard Tise as the sight of a legendary 12th century battle of sorcery between the Buddhist sage Milarepa and the Bon shaman Naro Bon-chung. Milarepa's defeat of the shaman displaced Bon as the primary religion of Tibet, firmly establishing Buddhism in its place. While the Buddha is believed to have magically visited Kailash in the 5th century BC, the religion of Buddhism only entered Tibet, via Nepal and India, in the 7th century AD. Tibetan Buddhists call the mountain Kang Rimpoche, the 'Precious One of Glacial Snow', and regard it as the dwelling place of Demchog (also known as Chakrasamvara) and his consort, Dorje Phagmo. Three hills rising near Kang Rimpoche are believed to be the homes of the the Bodhisatvas Manjushri, Vajrapani, and Avalokiteshvara.

Pilgrims to Kailash, after the difficult journey getting there, are then confronted with the equally arduous task of circumambulating the sacred peak. This walking around the mountain (clockwise for the Buddhists, counter-clockwise for Bon adherents) is known as a Kora, or Parikrama, and normally takes three days. In hopes of gaining extra merit or psychic powers however, some pilgrims will vary the tempo of their movement. A hardy few, practicing a secret breathing technique known as Lung-gom, will power themselves around the mountain in only one day. Others will take two to three weeks for the Kora by making full body prostrations the entire way. It is believed that a pilgrim who completes 108 journeys around the mountain is assured enlightenment. Most pilgrims to Kailash will also take a short plunge in the nearby, highly sacred (and very cold) Lake Manosaravar. The word 'manas' means mind or consciousness; the name Manosaravar means Lake of Consciousness and Enlightenment. Adjacent to Manosaravar is Rakas Tal or Rakshas, the Lake of Demons. Pilgrimage to this great sacred mountain and these two magical lakes is a life changing experience and an opportunity to view some of the most magical scenery on the entire planet.

Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Shamaya on June 30, 2009, 05:08:39 AM
Additional notes on Tibetan pilgrimage:

For Tibetans, pilgrimage refers to the journey from ignorance to enlightenment, from self-centeredness and materialistic preoccupations to a deep sense of the relativity and interconnectedness of all life. The Tibetan word for pilgrimage, neykhor, means "to circle around a sacred place," for the goal of pilgrimage is less to reach a particular destination than to transcend through inspired travel the attachments and habits of inattention that restrict awareness of a larger reality........By traveling to sacred sites, Tibetans are brought into living contact with the icons and energies of Tantric Buddhism. The neys, or sacred sites themselves, through their geological features and the narratives of transformation attached to them, continually remind pilgrims of the liberating power of the Tantric Buddhist tradition.......Over time pilgrimage guidebooks were written, giving instructions to pilgrims visiting the holy sites and accounts of their history and significance. These guidebooks, neyigs, empowered Tibet and its people with a sacred geography, a narrated vision of the world ordered and transformed through Buddhist magic and metaphysics.

Kelly, Thomas and Carroll Dunham and Ian Baker; Tibet: Reflections from the Wheel of Life; Abbeville Press; New York; 1993



Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Firestarter on June 30, 2009, 11:17:31 AM
Gotta add the groovy pic, Mon.  ;D

(http://www.sulekha.com/mstore/aumsri/albums/AUM/mount-kailash.jpg)
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Firestarter on June 30, 2009, 11:18:27 AM
(http://blog.hotelclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/mount-kailash-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Michael on June 30, 2009, 07:18:51 PM
Let's prepare for an expedition to Mt Kailash. We will begin taking names now.

Anyone wishing to do the body-length prostrations approach, please give advanced warning, as extended arrangements will need to be made.

(http://mansarovartravels.in/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/tibet_Kailash_001.308142500_std.jpg)
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Shamaya on June 30, 2009, 07:56:30 PM
Many Thanks Ellen!
I couldn't get the pic's over here yesterday
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Shamaya on June 30, 2009, 08:04:08 PM
Let's prepare for an expedition to Mt Kailash. We will begin taking names now.

Anyone wishing to do the body-length prostrations approach, please give advanced warning, as extended arrangements will need to be made.

(http://mansarovartravels.in/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/tibet_Kailash_001.308142500_std.jpg)

That would be the trip of a lifetime (and honestly probably take my life...)
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Nichi on July 01, 2009, 12:40:30 AM
I would love to .. and I would have to take the prostrate body approach at this juncture. I'm in no position to say 'yes' at the moment, though, except in spirit. You never know, however... when something is overwhelmingly meant to be, the opportunities seem to pop up.
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Muffin on July 01, 2009, 12:55:41 AM
If I were to go on an expedition, this is the group I would want as companions.
I'm in.
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: tangerine dream on July 01, 2009, 03:30:03 AM
Quote from: ∞ on July 01, 2009, 12:55:41 AM
Quote from: ∞ on July 01, 2009, 12:55:41 AM
If I were to go on an expedition, this is the group I would want as companions.
I'm in.


Me, too!
 ;D
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Jennifer- on July 01, 2009, 04:16:23 AM
Yep  ;)
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Firestarter on July 01, 2009, 06:40:07 AM
Im in.  :D
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: erik on July 02, 2009, 05:42:13 AM
Let's prepare for an expedition to Mt Kailash. We will begin taking names now.

Anyone wishing to do the body-length prostrations approach, please give advanced warning, as extended arrangements will need to be made.

(http://mansarovartravels.in/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/tibet_Kailash_001.308142500_std.jpg)

Start planning for July-August 2010?
http://wikitravel.org/en/Mount_Kailash
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: erik on July 05, 2009, 01:37:49 AM
Is there any interest to actually make this one physically happen at some concrete time moment?
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: tangerine dream on July 05, 2009, 02:00:02 AM
Is there any interest to actually make this one physically happen at some concrete time moment?

Sadly,  only in Dreaming for me I am afraid.  Hopefully some others could make it, though.  That would be amazing!

Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: erik on July 05, 2009, 02:01:56 AM
Who's in for physical journey to Mt Kailash?
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Nichi on July 05, 2009, 02:36:02 AM
If it had to be tomorrow or next week -- no can do.

But your proposal of a year from now opened up a possibility of a possibility. But still, I'd have to answer, "I don't know." I'm seriously looking at it, though.
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: erik on July 05, 2009, 03:07:08 AM
Precisely - if not at some concrete date, then when?

(http://www.skydivelasvegas.com/images/thumbs-up.jpg)
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Nichi on July 05, 2009, 03:09:25 AM
Precisely - if not at some concrete date, then when?


Your proposal of a year from now is my only shot at it, assuming y'all don't want to project for even longer ahead in the future.
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: tangerine dream on July 05, 2009, 03:17:45 AM
Your proposal of a year from now is my only shot at it, assuming y'all don't want to project for even longer ahead in the future.

If I'm to do any travelling,  I'll need to wait till my kids are older and can take care of themselves. 

At which point, I plan to travel as much as I am able.   ;D

Tibet is definitely on my list!  :-*
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Jahn on July 05, 2009, 03:35:33 AM

Sounds great!
But who will pull my wheelchair with me in it and our bags?

Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: erik on July 05, 2009, 03:44:45 AM
Sounds great!
But who will pull my wheelchair with me in it and our bags?

No worries, me and Tiina will take you up there.
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Muffin on July 05, 2009, 06:12:39 PM
My only uncertainty is whether I can get enough holidays at my job. They are reluctant at approving more then two weeks at once.
I can always quit, though.  ::)
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: erik on July 05, 2009, 07:26:03 PM
Quote from: ∞ on July 05, 2009, 06:12:39 PM
Quote from: ∞ on July 05, 2009, 06:12:39 PM
My only uncertainty is whether I can get enough holidays at my job. They are reluctant at approving more then two weeks at once. I can always quit, though.  ::)

Very cool! Let's play this one carefully and see first if such a dramatic move could be avoided.
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Jahn on July 06, 2009, 01:00:42 AM
No worries, me and Tiina will take you up there.

Well thank you!

That liberate one major obstacle of 100.
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: erik on July 06, 2009, 02:33:48 AM
Well thank you!

That liberate one major obstacle of 100.

Blind man has climbed Mt Everest, you know. Men without legs have flown planes. There are also things in this world we cannot do, I fully agree.
Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: Shamaya on July 06, 2009, 08:45:20 PM
If I'm to do any travelling,  I'll need to wait till my kids are older and can take care of themselves. 

At which point, I plan to travel as much as I am able.   ;D

Tibet is definitely on my list!  :-*

This too is my first obstacle.....................

Title: Re: Mount Kailash
Post by: erik on July 07, 2009, 03:33:43 PM
Dangers of a too modern pilgrimage

Quote
Hindu pilgrims warned of high altitude dangers

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/06/hindu-pilgrims-himalayas-deaths-altitude

Spate of deaths in the Himalayas alarms medical experts

A spate of deaths at holy sites in the Himalayas has prompted warnings from medical experts that governments are not doing enough to warn pilgrims of the dangers of high altitude.

More than 20 pilgrims from India have died in the past two weeks during the Amarnath Yatra, in Kashmir, one of the holiest pilgrimages a Hindu can make. Devotees trek to above 4,400m to reach a cave featuring a naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam, or phallic symbol. Up to 10 pilgrims from across south Asia also died in the past month from altitude-related illnesses near sacred Mount Kailash, in Tibet.

"Because pilgrims typically ascend very rapidly by helicopter, aircraft or vehicles, they are unable to acclimatise to the altitude," said Buddha Basnyat, the medical commission president of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation.

More than 200,000 pilgrims are expected to visit the Amarnath caves this summer. Visitors are required to register beforehand and the official pilgrimage website offers advice on how to reach this remote corner of Kashmir. But advice on altitude sickness is almost non-existent. Pilgrims who feel nauseous are advised only to eat dried fruit or suck lemons.

Basnyat said foreign trekkers were well educated about the risks of altitude, but not pilgrims, for whom the risks were greater. "Unlike trekkers and climbers, there's an element of seeking a cure that attracts a sicker and older population," he said. Pilgrims with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are more vulnerable to high altitude sickness.

Cultural attitudes can also exacerbate the problem. "Sometimes the … pilgrims feel privileged to die in the precincts of the holy mountain and do not want interventions," Basnyat said.