‘Kora’ is a way to show reverence. It is a Tibetan Buddhist practice of walking clockwise around sacred symbols, objects, or places to celebrate their presence in our lives and to embrace their power. The word ‘ko’ means round and ‘ra’ means to walk, so Kora is to walk around. Circumambulation of temples or deity images is also present in Hindu, Christian, Judaism, Muslim and Native religions.
Tibetans doing Kora at the Boudhanath stupa in Nepal
Doing Kora, we refresh and energize our personal connection to these representations of our deepest values and ideals. Here’s a short (4 minute) video about Tibetan Kora practice The objects of Kora practice don’t have to be religious. Some Buddhists do Kora at mountains, forests or lakes and also at schools and libraries.
Recently, some of us at EBS have decided to do Kora at public libraries in our neighborhoods. As we walk, we will remember that for over 100 years, Americans have sustained free public libraries as manifestations of our cherished democracy. We will consider all the enriching activities that take place there. If you are looking for a sacred symbol of collective action undertaken by non-partisan citizens in support of the common good, look no further than your local public library.
Americans invented public libraries as we know them now—local or municipal institutions offering free library services to the general public and supported by tax money. The first free public library supported by taxation in the world was founded at a town meeting in Peterborough, NH in 1833. Today, there are more than 17,000 free public libraries across the United States, including 60 here in Arkansas. And libraries are very popular among Americans of all political persuasions - 94% of adults say that having a public library improves the quality of life in their community.
If you want to walk for exercise and at the same time to remind yourself of all the good things Americans do collectively, consider starting your own Kora or circumambulation practice at your favorite public library.