Kaitlyn Aiono Teeter

RELS 2020
Signature Assignment

Adam’s Peak is a unique pilgrimage site which has been shared by different religious

practitioners for centuries. It provides a great example of religious pluralism and diversity, and

the ways in which different religious traditions and beliefs may co-exist and share space with one

another. In an ideal world, true religious pluralism provides a path for members of different faith

traditions to be free to practice and express their beliefs in ways that are beneficial to society

while offering a way for them to be able to peacefully co-exist, however the complex realities of

religious pluralism may not always allow for such harmonious coexistence.

Journeying along the virtual pilgrimage to the top of Adam’s Peak introduced some of the

unique features of the peak which contribute to the different myths and stories told by different

groups about the origin of its uniqueness. The footprint atop the summit at Adam’s Peak makes it

most amenable to the myths and stories told by various religious groups and is central to the

desire to make the trek to its summit. Its name suggests that the footprint left atop the peak

belonged to Adam, the first human, as believed by Muslims and many Christians. However,

Buddhists believe that the footprint belongs to the Buddha, and Hindus believe the footprint on

the peak belongs to the god, Shiva. These various beliefs surrounding the peak provide a unique

shared space of holiness and religious introspection for the pilgrims who make their way to the

top each season.

The grandeur and majestic natural beauty of Adam’s Peak creates an environment of

admiration and wonder which is central to the articulation of various religious beliefs

surrounding the peak. At its core, the concept of nature is primal and natural, and lends itself to

the creation of myths and stories which support religious ideas. The sheer scale of Adam’s Peak

demands reverence and respect and completing the pilgrimage to the summit requires that each
 Kaitlyn Aiono Teeter
RELS 2020
Signature Assignment

individual who completes the trek digs deep to access their own personal faith, conviction, and

fortitude.

Though the peak is currently controlled by Buddhists, it encourages cooperation and

coexistence from individuals with diverse religious backgrounds. Scaling the trails of the peak

strengthens solidarity between pilgrims. Dansalas – free offerings of food and drink – are held

throughout the pilgrimage season and offered by various groups who intend to care for others

and generate meritorious karma. Pilgrims share food and drink together to boost one another’s

morale and energy and help each other to the summit. Maintaining the biodiverse and sacred

environment of the mountain requires the partnership of many individuals from various religious

and social backgrounds. However, much like anything that operates under the direction of flawed

humans, the peak is still subject to evolving negotiations, frustrated alliances, and disrespectful

individuals with malice in their hearts.

Adam’s Peak certainly provides a space of shared sacredness and reverence for pilgrims

from many different diverse religious backgrounds. It prompts many further questions about who

the peak belongs to, if anyone. It is a natural space which most certainly belongs to the natural

world and welcomes individuals from all over the world regardless of their beliefs.