カワカブ外巡礼の今 : 巡礼路の変化に焦点をあてて

Abstract

Kawa Karpo is one of the sacred mountains for either Tibetan Buddhism or Bon. The Kawa Karpo Kora circuit has a more than 600-year history. In the past, the pilgrims have to go on the Kawa Karpo Kora circuit on foot. However, roadways have been constructed in some parts of the pilgrimage route in several years. The drastic change in the route conditions may impact on the environments and consciousness of pilgrims. The purpose of this study is to investigate the present situations of pilgrimage route and its influence on Tibetan Buddhism pilgrims' way of thinking and the surrounding environments. This study finds horizontal distance of roadway accounted for approximately 70% of the whole present pilgrimage route. Vehicle utilization makes the pilgrimage easier than before, and pilgrims are forced to pass through sacred places on the traditional pilgrimage route. Therefore, local Tibetan has a controversy issue whether the pilgrimage by car is right or wrong for accumulating virtuous deeds. Kawa Karpo Kora circuit is now gaining popularity for travelers of Han people. These factors may influence what the Kawa Karpo Kora circuit should be in future.