Mountains are among the most challenging environments on Earth. Within both the physical and emotional challenges of mountain landscapes, there are a host of beguiling paradoxes.
Mountains have an overwhelming physical immanence, as well as a powerful transcendence, which is reflected in the literature they inspire. Often, that literature draws from ancient mystical traditions. The epic Sanskrit poem, Kumārasambhava by Kālidāsa, tells us that the Himalayan mountains are “a source of endless jewels which snow does nothing to diminish.” The Tang Dynasty poet Li Po also captures this paradox of mountains being both a physical reality as well as a transcendent realm:
“Why, you ask, do I live up in these blue mountains?
I smile and do not reply. Leave me in peace.
Peach blossoms drift on waves of flowing water,
There is another sky, another earth, beyond the world of men.”
Alongside the paradox of immanence and transcendence is a second paradox: that mountains inspire both fear and fascination. Whether it is from avalanches, landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes and other natural terrors, mountains are undeniably landscapes of fear. And yet, who can resist mountain travel, whether it is to walk, ski, climb or explore? The Taoist sage Ko Hung captures this paradox brilliantly in his P’ao-p’u tzu nei-p’ien 17.1a …
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Article by DR ADRIAN COOPER
