Mount Sumeru
In Buddhist cosmology, Mount Sumeru is the center of the universe. Mount Kailash is revered as the earthly manifestation of Sumeru. The four continents surrounding Sumeru form the entire Buddhist world-system.
Connection to the Buddha
According to Buddhist scriptures, Shakyamuni Buddha once descended upon Mount Kailash to teach the Dharma to gods and celestial beings. In certain Vajrayana traditions, Kailash is considered a sacred site for advanced practice.
In Tibetan Buddhism
Mount Kailash is the most sacred mountain in Tibetan Buddhism:
- Mandala of Cakrasaṃvara: Kailash is regarded as the mandala of Cakrasaṃvara (Demchog), the highest yoga tantra deity
- Milarepa’s Retreat: The great yogi Milarepa meditated here for years and famously defeated the Bon shaman Naro Bonchung in a contest of miracles
- Horse Year Pilgrimage: In the Tibetan Horse Year, one kora around Kailash equals thirteen in ordinary years
Merit of Kora
Buddhists believe that completing one circumambulation of Mount Kailash purifies negative karma, and 108 circumambulations bring full enlightenment. The outer kora is ~52 km and takes 2-3 days. The inner kora is shorter but more physically demanding.
Spiritual Hub
Mount Kailash is not merely a geographical peak but a spiritual axis of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Countless practitioners regard it as the ultimate pilgrimage destination and a sacred gateway on the path to awakening.