Mount Kawa Karpo
The mountain’s deity and representation
Kawa Karpo is one of
the eight sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. Its dazzling pinnacle, lit
by the sunrise and sunset with an amazing golden light, soars above the
precipitous topography between Tibet’s easternmost region, Kham, and the
Northwest Yunnan Province of China. This 22,000-foot (6,705-meter)
peak represents the mind emanation of Buddha. The mountain is also
believed to be the incarnation of Kawa Karpo, the patron god of the Gaju
sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In ancient legend, Kawa Karpo was converted to
Buddhism by Padmasambhava, one of the gurus responsible for bringing
Buddhism to Tibet, and then helped the local people to drive away an evil
spirit. Kawa Karpo's many exploits were told in colorful stories found in
Buddhist scriptures. In the Tibetan mind, Kawa Karpo protects them from
evil forces and brings blessings and prosperity. Statues of the Kawa
Karpo, riding a white horse and holding a long sword, are often enshrined
on mountain altars.
Geography
Kawa Karpo anchors
one of a series of north-south ranges that divide the plunging, parallel
river valleys of the Mekong (or NuJiang), Yangtze (or JinSha) and Salween
(or LanCang). The region, still largely wilderness, is designated by
the United Nations as a protected world heritage area.
Kawa Karpo is
surrounded by lush semi-tropical forest, home to over 1,000 bird species,
an estimated 2,000 endemic plant species, and exotic mammals, such as the
forest leopard, barking deer, and red panda. At the foot of Karwa Karpo
lies the 2.3-square-mile Mingyong Glacier, a rare monsoon maritime glacier
that stretches from 18,040 feet (5,499 meters) above sea level to 8,858
feet (2,700 meters) and stops only 2,625 feet (800 meters) above the
Langcang River. A glacier of this size is rarely seen at such low altitude
and latitude.
History of Pilgrimage
Mountains, symbolic of
powerful deities, have traditionally been the most venerated and
significant features of Tibetan landscape. Historically, Tibetan people
have traversed the rugged and harsh terrain of high mountains and deep
ravines to circle the chosen mountain site. Through this arduous
physical undertaking, pilgrims believed they were able to free their souls
of ignorance of the the infinite, permanent nature of their true identity
which is part of the divine ground of all things in the universe.
The
difficulty of the pilgrimage has been greatly reduced by the development
of more modern modes of transportation to bring the pilgrim closer to the
mountain. Yet trekking around the mountain still serves as a significant
spiritual ritual for countless pilgrims who travel thousands of miles to
pay homage to the mountain god.
The Old Town of Lijiang
The Old Town of
Lijiang is unique in its historical background, geographic location, and
multi-ethnicity. It was first inhabited by Stone Age people who founded an
ancient civilization. The Old Town was built about 800 years ago (the
beginning of Yuan Dynasty) at the peak of this civilization. Since then,
it has become a trading center along the Tea-horse Path and a hub for
multicultural exchange and integration.
Naxi ethnic
minorities are now the predominant inhabitants of this region. The
forefathers of Naxi broadmindedly absorbed the essence of various cultures
into their own, including Han, Tibetan, and Bai. This melding
created the unique Dongba culture, which incorporates such diverse
elements as Dongba pictographic characters, Naxi music, and Baisha
murals. Their culture continues to be influenced by several religions and
philosophies, including Buddhism, Taoism, and 20th century Christianity.
Located at 7,874
feet (2,400 m) above sea level, the Old Town is built along the lie of
mountains and the flow of rivers, reflecting the Naxi people’s
harmonious relationship with nature. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain,
towering at 16,500 ft, provides the town with a magnificent backdrop.
The town is famous
for its unique layout. Centered on Square Street, four main roads radiate
to different directions. Countless meandering lanes form a network
connecting every corner of the town. Crystal-clear rivers crisscross
over the entire town. Traffic across the rivers is facilitated by many
tiny stone bridges.
Streets in the Old
Town are paved with local bluestones. The massive, fine-grained stones add
a sense of ancient mystery to the Old Town. The architecture of the
residential buildings seamlessly blends traits from other styles including
Han, Tibetan and Bai. The sluice at the center of town is opened
late in the night and the resulting current of water flushes and washes
all the streets to keep the town clean. This practical use of water is
part of Old Town's daily life.
Today, Old Town of
Lijiang is not merely a historical relic, but a vital town filled with the
life-force of the multi-ethnic culture. Artists from all over China are
drawn to the city, seeking a living environment in harmony with nature.
Wandering the streets of Lijiang, you will see a live exhibition of
artists working on paintings, wood work, metal work, embroidery, and other
forms of art.
Songzanlin Temple
Built in 1679,
Songzanlin Temple (also known as Guihua Temple) is the oldest and largest
Tibetan Buddhism temple in Yunnan province. Built along the mountains with
a magnificent facade, the present monastery is a faithful imitation of the
Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The five-story Tibetan watchtower
structure is covered with exquisite wooden carvings and gold-plated copper
tiles. It is said that the fifth Dalai Lama chose the site of the
monastery through divination. Currently, there are 800 monks and three
living Buddhas in the temple. During the peak of its prosperity, the
temple was home to more than 3,000 monks.
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