Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

Preview:

Citation preview

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 1/63

1.1. Symbolism of the mountainsSymbolism of the mountains

2.2. Mountain worshipMountain worship3.3. Threats to sacred mountainsThreats to sacred mountains

Climate changeClimate change

TourismTourism4.4. Ways for conservationWays for conservation

Sacred mountains

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 2/63

1. Scientific definition:

point of view of the geologist,

ecologist,or geographer;

objective set of criteria

elevation local relief 

Climate

Steepness

geology

What is a mountain?What is a mountain?

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 3/63

2. Subjective definition:

³To a large extent, a mountain is amountain because of the part it plays in

 popular imagination.´

(R oderich Peattie)

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 4/63

Why is a mountain sacred?  Morphology of the mountain plays an

important role in defining the mountain

as sacred ± Shape

 ± Color of the rock 

 ± Elevation

 ± Local relief 

 ± Snow

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 5/63

Sacred mountain

³There are mountains which are just mountains and

there are mountains with personality. The personality of 

a mountain is more than merely a strange shape that

makes it different from others-just as a strangely shapedface or strange actions do not make an individual into a

 personality. 

Personality consists in the power to influence others, and

this power is due to consistency, harmony, and one- pointedness of character . If these qualities are present in

a mountain, we recognize him as a vessel of cosmic

 power, and we call it a sacred mountain [«].´

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 6/63

Symbolism of the Mountains:Symbolism of the Mountains:

Mircea Eliade, comparative religionMircea Eliade, comparative religion

1.1. The mountain as sacred center The mountain as sacred center 

2.2. Mountain as Places of R evelationMountain as Places of R evelation

3.3. Mountain as GodsMountain as Gods

4.4. Mountains charged with Divine power Mountains charged with Divine power 

5.5. Mountains as life and death placesMountains as life and death places

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 7/63

1. The mountain as sacred center 1. The mountain as sacred center 

³Axis mundi´ = center of the world

Cosmic mountain- image of stability and permanence

Mythology: Mt.Meru, center of the world for Hindus,

Buddhists and Jains

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 8/63

Mt.K ailas, Tibet- World¶s most

sacred mountain

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 9/63

Morphology features that make

K ailas a sacred mountain

Shape: perfect dome

Color: white (snow)

Source of 4 rivers in 4 cardinal directions

Local relief: contrasting with the vast

 plateau surrounding it

R emoteness (W Tibet very sparsely

 populated)

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 10/63

What can happen when you hitch-hike

on trucks in Tibet«?

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 11/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 12/63

R ongbuk Monastery

Everest Base Camp,

 North (Tibetan) side

Cosmic mountain represented

in temple architecture:

³Stupa´ (Buddhist temple)

shaped in form of a dome

with gateways to the four 

directions

Stairs symbolize way to

heaven (the ascent)

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 13/63

Hindu temple in Durbar Square,

K athmandu ( Nepal)

Shape of mountains

represented in temple

architecture Steps represent

spiritual ascent

Link between heaven

and earth

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 14/63

Buddhist mountain worship

Prostration

Prayer wheels Offerings: juniper incense

´Sky burialµ ceremony 

CIRCUMAMBULATION (Korra)is the way to worship:

´ to see the greatness of a mountain, one must 

keep one·s distance; to understand its form, one must move around itµ 

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 15/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 16/63

2 . Mountains as Places of Revelation 2 . Mountains as Places of Revelation 

MountaintopMountaintop-- revelatory placerevelatory place

Height of the mountain is importantHeight of the mountain is important

Mountain ascentMountain ascent  ±  ± spiritual, transformingspiritual, transforming

experienceexperience

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 17/63

Swayambunath Temple, K athmandu ( Nepal)Swayambunath Temple, K athmandu ( Nepal)

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 18/63

Snow capped mountains are

importantVerticality/local relief 

R emoteness

Abode of the DivineGuardian Gods for local people

.Mountains as Gods: Himalayas 

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 19/63

Mountain rituals: the Himalayas  Mountain top=off-limits

Hindu mountain worship: pilgrimage to the base of the mountain

bathing in the lake

Incense burning

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 20/63

Mt. Numbur (Shorong Yul-lha), Nepal Himalayas

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 21/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 22/63

Dudh K unda (³Milk Lake´) at the base of Numbur Mt.

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 23/63

 Andes:  Mountain as source of Water and 

Fertility 

Verticality is important

Source of water 

Gods of meteorological phenomena,

controlling crops and cattle

Places of astronomical observations

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 24/63

Mt.Mismi, Peruvian AndesMt.Mismi, Peruvian Andes

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 25/63

Archaeological sites andmummies have been found inthe Andes at altitudes up to20,000ft

Incas constructed the sites inthe 15th century to appease themountain gods

Human sacrifice: CapacCocha ritual

Mountain worship in the Andes

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 26/63

Sacred Volcanic peaks on the

Peruvian Altiplano

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 27/63

Mt.Coropuna, sacred mountain

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 28/63

Volcano Llullaillaco, Argentina,

highest archeological site (~21,000ft)

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 29/63

Peaks in the Andes are still worshipped to

this day, eg. Mt.Ausangate

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 30/63

Present day pilgrimage to Qoyllur Rit¶I, PeruPresent day pilgrimage to Qoyllur Rit¶I, Peru

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 31/63

Sinaqara Glacier, pilgimage site

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 32/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 33/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 34/63

Qoyllur Rit¶I,Qoyllur Rit¶I,Sinaqara Glacier,Sinaqara Glacier,

S.PeruS.Peru

Taking ³medicinal´ Taking ³medicinal´ ice from the glacierice from the glacieras a symbol of wateras a symbol of water

sources and fertilitysources and fertility

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 35/63

Threats to sacred mountains  Tourism:Tourism:

 ±  ±  Climbing permitsClimbing permits ±  ±  Pollution of sacred spacePollution of sacred space

Nepal, 2001: 103 more peaks opened for mountaineering

in the area of Everest and Kangchenjunga

Climate change:Climate change: ±  ±  glacial meltglacial melt ±  ±  Changes in vegetationChanges in vegetation ±  ±  Water resourcesWater resources

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 36/63

Tourism: climbing andTourism: climbing and

dede--sanctification of sacred peakssanctification of sacred peaks

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 37/63

Mt.Macchapuchare

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 38/63

World Tibet Network News

Thursday, May 17, 2001

Mount Kailash Desecrated

Some press agencies and specialized magazines have recently

spread the news that a Spanish mountaineering expedition led by

Mr . Jesus Martinez Noves had applied for and was granted

 permission by the Chinese authorities to attempt the climb of Mount K ailash in Tibet.

Wedne sday, May 30, 2001

Climber calls off ascent of sacred peak amid protests (ST)

INTER  NATIONAL protests by mountaineers have halted what

would have been the first ascent of Mount K ailash, a Tibetan

mountain held sacred by Hindus and Buddhists.

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 39/63

Climate changeClimate change

Glacier ablationGlacier ablationat Shorong Yulat Shorong Yul--lhalha(Numbur),(Numbur),

Nepal HimalayasNepal Himalayas

Glacier AX010Glacier AX010estimated toestimated todisappear by yeardisappear by year2060.2060.

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 40/63

Everest Melting?

High Signs of Climate Change

Stentor DanielsonNational Geographic News

 June 5, 2002

A team sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) has found signs that the landscape of Mount Everest haschanged significantly since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgayfirst conquered the peak in 1953. A primary cause is the warming

global climate. But the growing impact of tourism is also taxing theworld's highest mountain.

The team found that the glacier that once came close to Hillary andNorgay's first camp has retreated three miles (five kilometers). Aseries of ponds that used to be near Island Peak²so-called because

it was then an island in a sea of ice²had merged into a long lake.

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 41/63

ASTER Image courtesy of: NASA EROS

Data Center, Sept. 9, 2001

Indian HimalayasIndian Himalayas::

Glacier ablation atGlacier ablation atGangotri,source of Gangotri,source of the holy Gangesthe holy Ganges

1% of Ganges water comes1% of Ganges water comes

from Gangotri glacierfrom Gangotri glacier

millions of people dependentmillions of people dependenton water from runoff on water from runoff 

glacier terminus retreated byglacier terminus retreated by3km3km

M d i ti ´ i Tib t?M d i ti ´ i Tib t?

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 42/63

Modernization´ in Tibet?Modernization´ in Tibet?

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 43/63

THE END OFTHE END OF

A LEGEND?A LEGEND?

Aug 2000: Another cable car project

is being proposed for Macchu Picchu

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 44/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 45/63

MACHU PICCHU TODAY

AFTER THE PROJECT

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 46/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 47/63

Sept 11, 2000: ³The Intihuatana,

considered by

archaeologists tobe the most sacredobject in MachuPicchu has been

damaged in thefilming of a beer

commercial.́  

Beer vs. Sacred Mountains?Beer vs. Sacred Mountains?

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 48/63

Summary: Mountain cultures at riskSummary: Mountain cultures at risk

Mountain rituals: a way for local cultures to maintainMountain rituals: a way for local cultures to maintainglobal and local awarenessglobal and local awareness

Balancing sanctity of the mountains with resource useBalancing sanctity of the mountains with resource use

and conservation in the mountainsand conservation in the mountains

Global action:Global action:

address issue of climate change in the mountainsaddress issue of climate change in the mountains

help maintain traditional worship practiceshelp maintain traditional worship practices

Scientific research: need to respect local traditionsScientific research: need to respect local traditions

³Mountain to mountain´ exchange and collaboration³Mountain to mountain´ exchange and collaboration

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 49/63

S ummary: Why is a mountain sacred? 

Glacier-topped peaks=venerated as abode of 

heavenly enlightened (Devi and Deva,Gods of weather and crops)

Highest prominent feature in a village landscape

Extreme beauty (Macchapuchre, Ama Dablam)

Clouds: creative power of mind (Tibetan Buddhism)

Source of water (Andes) Healing power and energy (Huaringas- Peru, Kalincok,

Nepal)

Color of the rock: white=purity 

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 50/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 51/63

Pilgrimage as a means for 

conservation Encourage local beliefs about sanctity of the

mountains

Sacred space needs to be clean and not

 polluted

Local people¶s concern not to upset the

mountain Gods helps maintain the pilgrimage practice

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 52/63

Example: Garhwal Himalayas

(India)

Most important pilgrimage site in Indian

Himalayas

Shrines at the source of the Ganges

Seedling ceremony to plant trees to preserve

the sacred forests

Priests blessed the seeds

Pilgrims helped in planting the seeds

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 53/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 54/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 55/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 56/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 57/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 58/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 59/63

Ama Dablam, Nepal Himalayas

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 60/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 61/63

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 62/63

Summary: Three ways to worship

sacred mountains

Buddhism: circumambulation (circling) of 

sacred mountains

Hinduism: pilgrimage to the base of the

mountain

Andean culture: human sacrifice on top of 

the peaks to appease the mountain Gods(Inca Empire)

8/3/2019 Mtn Geog Sacred Mts

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mtn-geog-sacred-mts 63/63

...A Way for Conservation...A Way for Conservation

acred mountains...acred mountains...