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Tibetan Prostration: Explore the Unique Spiritual Practice of Tibetan Buddhism

October 17, 2024 BY Master Kungga Dundruk 0 COMMENTS

Tibetan prostration is a distinctive Buddhist practice in Tibet whose rich culture and history are steeped in Buddhism. For first-timers to Tibet, as you roam over the Barkhor Street in downtown Lhasa, you will definitely be blown away by devoted local pilgrims who prostrate themselves on the street.

So, why do Tibetans prostrate? What are the symbolic meanings behind it? Where are the best places to experience Tibetan prostration across Tibet as a traveler? Join us in this travel guide to dive into Tibetan prostration, a revered Buddhist tradition in Tibetan Buddhism.

What Is Tibetan Prostration? Why Do Tibetans Prostrate?

Tibetan prostration or Tibetan Buddhist prostrations is an act of pilgrimage practiced by Tibetans. Tibetans prostrate themselves by bowing and stretching their body flat on the ground towards a holy Buddhist site, such as a sacred Tibetan monastery, temple, mountain, or lake.

As one of the most sincere and devoted ways to show respect and faith, Tibetan prostration is more than a physical act but highly symbolic. It is done in the unity of “body, speech, and mind” in Tibetan Buddhism. Also, learn the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Body: When pilgrims perform fully-body prostration, they extend their entire body to the ground with their forehead, knees, and hands touching the earth, which symbolizes a deep respect and humility toward the Buddha and his teachings.

Speech: As Tibetans prostrate themselves, they keep chanting Buddhist mantras or prayers. It is a special way to reflect their devotion through speech and pass on the teachings of the Buddha.

Mind: Throughout the Tibetan prostration process, the pilgrim’s mind remains focused on their faith with deep respect and sincerity. This inner worship connects them deeply to their beliefs.

Tibetan pilgrims prostrate themselves around Mt. KailashDevoted Tibetan pilgrims prostrate themselves around Mt. Kailash.

On top of that, the purpose of Tibetan prostration is quite personal. However, the most common ones are to worship the Buddha, gain merits and spread blessings to all beings, and cleanse one's sins, pray for recovery from illness or seek protection from Buddhist deities, and more.

How to Perform Tibetan Prostration?

A typical Tibetan prostration is done in the following four steps:

Step 1: Stand and Put Palms Together
Firstly, stand straight with your feet slightly spread and keep your toes pointing forward. Meanwhile, put the palms together, but leave a small open space in the center of the palms. Situate your hands at heart level. And then raise your hands just above your head, touching the crown of your head. Then touch your hands to your brow, your throat and back to your heart.

Step 2: Bending Forward
Bend at the waist to the floor and make your arms parallel to the ground with the centers of your palms facing the earth. Place your hands at a place in front of you that will allow you to bend forward gracefully and allow you to raise up with ease.

Step 3: Laying Down
Allow your knees to touch the floor just after your hands and lie down on the ground. Form a straight line from your waist to your fingertips and keep your face down.

Step 4: Rising Back Up
Touch the ground. The 5 points, hands, knees and head must touch the ground in that order. Some pilgrims put their palms together and lift them above the head.

Four steps to make Tibetan prostrationFour steps to make Tibetan prostration.

Additionally, since Tibetan prostration is extremely physically demanding on rugged terrain, esp. over long distances, Tibetans will wear protective gear from injury, such as wooden and leather hand pads, knee pads, aprons and thick outer clothing, canvas gloves, headbands, and more. Also, learn the intriguing Tibetan monk debate.

protective gear of Tibetan ProstrationThe protective gear worn by Tibetan pilgrims for prostration.

Top 3 Places to Experience Tibetan Prostration in Tibet: Barkhor Street, Mt. Kailash, G318 HWY

For travelers visiting Tibet, there are three hotspots to witness holy pilgrimage through devoted Tibetan prostration, i.e. around Jokhang Temple, during Mt. Kailash Kora, and the pilgrimage route via the scenic G318 national highway to Lhasa.

Built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, Jokhang Temple is the holiest Buddhist structure in Tibet and the center of pilgrimage for Tibetans. The lifesize statue of 12-year-old Jowo Sakyamuni enshrined inside is the very reason for worship and Tibetan prostration. Learn more about the history of Jokhang Temple.

As you approach the Jokhang Temple on the bustling Barkhor Street, you can see the pious Tibetan pilgrims, young and old, slowly practicing full-body prostration with deep reverence around the temple. While at the entrance of the Jokhang Temple, more pilgrims are making prostrations to show their deepest respect to the Sakyamuni.

pilgrims making prostrations before Jokhang TempleDevout pilgrims making prostrations before the entrance of Jokhang Temple.

Many of them come from all corners of Tibet through arduous prostrations. You will be deeply moved by their dedication and feel the palpable sense of holiness in the air filled with the hum of mantras and the rhythmic sound of prayer wheels spinning and aromatic juniper smoke as offerings to the Buddha.

Besides, at the far western corner of Tibet lies the most sacred mountain in Tibetans’ hearts, i.e. Mt. Kailash in Ngari Prefecture. Tibetans believe that circling this holy mountain can cleanse a lifetime of sins.

So, as you embark on the classic 3-day kora around Mt. Kailash on the rugged 52km pilgrimage route, along the way, you’ll meet many pilgrims performing fully-body Tibetan prostrations despite the harsh terrain and high altitude.

The sheer determination of these pilgrims, together with the magical Mt. Kailash, will leave you in awe. Especially, during the Saga Dawa Festival in May/June, Mt. Kailash will be packed with prostrating pilgrims for a joyous celebration.

What’s more, if you travel overland from Chengdu to Lhasa via the scenic G318 HWY, which is not only one of the most beautiful overland routes to Lhasa but also a revered pilgrimage highway to Tibet for pilgrims. After passing Ya’an, you are likely to see dedicated pilgrims prostrating along the winding roadside, covering vast distances in devotion. The over 1,900 km of prostration takes them one or two years to reach Lhasa and it is truly a test of body and mind.

Well, wherever you plan to see and experience respectful Tibetan prostration in Tibet, as a prestigious local Tibet travel agency, we will assign you a local expert, and local driver and help you process travel documents, arrange a tour vehicle, and book quality local hotels and more to ensure you a seamless adventure in Tibet.

Can Overseas Travelers Participate in the Tibetan Buddhist Prostration? Yes

Definitely, yes! If you are deeply touched by Tibetan pilgrims’ sincerity and devotion, you can join them for Tibetan prostration. Our local Tibetan guide will take you to the local grocery to buy protective gear like aprons, wooden hand pads, etc. for you and patiently demonstrate to you how to do the prostration in a step-by-step manner.

Apart from that, since Tibet has thin air and high altitude and Tibetan prostration is extremely physically demanding and will consume lots of oxygen, you’d better do it after you fully acclimatized to the high altitude in Lhasa. Take a short distance to prostrate on Barkhor Street and feel free to take breaks or stop if you feel tired. Our attentive Tibetan guide will always be at your side.

More Dos and Don’ts When Watching Tibetan Prostrations in Tibet

Last but not least, since Tibetan prostration is a sacred act of devotion in Tibetan Buddhism if you happen to see prostrating Tibetans pass by, please maintain a respectful distance. Don’t interrupt or question the prostrating pilgrims without getting their permission, because it is their daily Buddhist practice.

If you want to help the prostrating pilgrims on the winding highway, you may offer some bottles of mineral water, some food, and daily necessities as alms.

In addition, it’s better to ask for permission before taking any photos or videos of Tibetans doing prostration or using a telephoto lens to avoid Interruption.

If you're traveling on famous pilgrimage routes in Lhasa or around temples, be mindful not to block pilgrims’ way when they perform their prostrations. This can be seen as disrespectful. Always walk around them or wait for an appropriate moment to pass.

watch tibetan prostration on Barkhor StreetOur travelers travel on Barkhor Street with prostrating pilgrims passing by.

Finally, Tibetan prostration can be a culture shock to some overseas travelers. Even if you don’t fully understand the significance of the practice, it’s important not to joke aside or laugh at prostrating pilgrims because Tibetan pilgrims are deeply committed to their faith, and any form of disrespect can be hurtful.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Tibetan prostration is not just a physical act but a revered Buddhist practice that represents pilgrims’ humility, faith, and dedication. If you have more questions about Tibetan Buddhist prostrations and exploring Tibetan culture in Tibet, don’t hesitate to email us and we will offer you a free and expert travel solution for an adventure of a lifetime in Tibet.

Master Kungga Dundruk

About the Author - Master Kungga Dundruk

Kungga Dundruk, often respectfully referred to as “Manager Kunga”, is the most revered and legendary Tibetan guide in our team.

Currently working as a customer service manager in Lhasa, Kunga used to study business overseas and got his Bachelor of Business in Nepal and India before moving back to his homeland. With pure passion for life and unlimited love for Tibet, Kunga started his guide career as early as 1997.

As a legendary Tibetan guide with 22 years of guide experience, Kunga was awarded the Gold Medalist of China’s Best Tour Guide in 2019, marking the pinnacle of his career. Today, Kunga loves sharing his wealth of Tibetan knowledge through travel articles and stands ready to offer prompt support whenever our guests need help in Lhasa.

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