KUNLUN MOUNTAIN

    THE DRAGON'S SPINE, KUNLUN MOUNTAIN RANGE

The Kunlun Mountains are known as the "spine of the world" or the "dragon's spine" due to their unique geological formations and their significance in Chinese mythology. These formations have fueled legends of the Kunlun Mountains being a sacred realm and the gateway between heaven and earth. The Kunlun Mountains extend eastward about 1800 miles (2880 kilometers) between the Tibetan Plateau to the south and the Tarim Basin to the north. I will refer to the singular Kunlun Mountain, one of 228 peaks in the Kunlun Range. 

Looking from space, the Kunlun Range resembles a dragon. Rock formations resemble the vertebrae of a giant dragon. 

Mountains elicit and sense of awe, of wonder, and the urge to climb and explore. The climate is guaranteed to be unpredictable, as is the topography. But the challenge of the ascent is real. As we climb, we pass from dense forest to sparse yet hearty alpine ground cover. We are drawn by the challenge of the summit. 

We reach the summit. Expansive blue sky, or the dark night sky, the intense sunlight, or the moon that seems close enough to touch, the planets and stars, all of these draw our attention even higher, upwards.

It's no wonder that the ancients built sacred temples and shrines high on the mountaintops. 

Originally, Kunlun Mountain was seen as the center of five mountains. Much like the Earth element is seen as the center of the four elements associated with the four seasons. 

Read more: Water Flowing Underground

Kunlun Mountain was regarded as the center of the world. As Chinese civilization evolved from province to province, Kunlun Mountain "moved." Convinced perhaps by Christian missionaries that mountains can't move, and "center" is a fixed location, the mountain found its home. 

Home to Taoist sorcerers, alchemists and magicians, the mountain was an inspiration, influencing their traditions. The Kunlun healers no longer live on the mountain, but continue practicing in Southern Asia.  

The peak rises high above the clouds which drift through the treetops. The trees stand firmly rooted in the earth. Venturing in to the subterranean levels we explore canyons, and mysterious caves and labyrinths. Then at the base of Kunlun Mountain is a spring, water flowing throughout the year. 

Photo by Lucian Manthey www.lucianmanthey.com

We will use Kunlun Mountain as a metaphor for human consciousness. From the Ethereal realms we begin manifesting inspiration into dreams. Our dreams become seeds which are planted and nurtured by the earth; inspiration and dreams become intention. As our exploration takes us deeper, we enter the darkness of canyons, caves and labyrinths; the Corporeal realms. We are in awe of the light of the sun and the moon shining off of precious metals. We are also cautious, and aware. The depths reveal water, mysterious, dark water. 

Dragons? Going back to the Kunlun Mountain Range as seen from outer space, the range resembles a dragon’s spine. The dragons offer a sense of power and transformation. I find solace in knowing that I am accompanied by dragons in my own personal journey.  Mimi Duo Deemer teaches about the cultural significance of dragons as well as many dragon forms:

“In Chinese culture, dragons possess the power to transform, change, and overcome obstacles. As protectors, they unify our energy, enabling us to summon the courage, strength, and unwavering spirit to awaken us to our full potential.”

Enjoy the journey. In following posts we will consider the human psyche and the Five Spirits. 

I hope that you find peace, balance and good health as we travel towards the stillness of winter. 

Brian