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| Mecca -- Pilgrims at the Kaaba |
Circumambulation is the simplest and easiest form of spiritual exercise. It means walking around, usually around something, often a holy object or site. Every religion practices some form of it.
Hindus walk around the inner sanctum of their temples in concentric circles; Zen monks walk in a circle between meditative sittings. A Jewish bride circumambulates the groom. Catholic priests walk around the altar, shaking incense from a thurible. Even Protestants will walk a labyrinth.
The most circumambulated place in the world is the Kaaba in the Muslim holy city of Mecca. During the annual Hajj, pilgrims circle en masse, symbolizing the unity of believers.
Anyone can circumamabulate. And almost anything can be circumambulated. The very act of circling creates a sacred space, marked off for contemplation.
