<p>Circumambulation (Walking around something clockwise) is still a very common practice in most schools of Buddhism as a form of veneration of something. </p>

<p>It is done for Stupas containing relics of the Buddha most famously, but also for other things as well. For example, in the Theravada tradition it is common that on certain occasions one would circumambulate the entire temple or monastery, and I think this sometimes done in other traditions as well. </p>

<p>In Chinese and perhaps Vietnamese Buddhism it is common to circumambulate the main Buddha image of a temple and so temples often have an open path that goes around the image so you can easily do so.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-10-20T15:28:05.923Z
The purpose of walking clockwise is to keep the right shoulder toward the object of veneration; which is a sign of respect.
Robin111
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-10-20T15:15:13.897Z
2016-11-26T22:07:36.050Z
2016-11-26T22:07:36.050Z
Bakmoon
<p>I read about this from time to time-- usually in reference to the stupas in India that held the Buddha's relics.</p>

<p>What was the point of circumambulation? Do any sects of Buddhism still practice this?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-10-22T16:50:51.860Z
Circumambulation is also practiced in Hinduism
TheDarkKnightRules
<traditions><worship>
What is circumambulation?
# What is circumambulation?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-10-20)

I read about this from time to time-- usually in reference to the stupas in India that held the Buddha's relics.

What was the point of circumambulation? Do any sects of Buddhism still practice this?

**Tags:** traditions, worship

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Circumambulation is also practiced in Hinduism  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2014-10-20. Score: 8 | Accepted answer

Circumambulation (Walking around something clockwise) is still a very common practice in most schools of Buddhism as a form of veneration of something.

It is done for Stupas containing relics of the Buddha most famously, but also for other things as well. For example, in the Theravada tradition it is common that on certain occasions one would circumambulate the entire temple or monastery, and I think this sometimes done in other traditions as well.

In Chinese and perhaps Vietnamese Buddhism it is common to circumambulate the main Buddha image of a temple and so temples often have an open path that goes around the image so you can easily do so.

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: The purpose of walking clockwise is to keep the right shoulder toward the object of veneration; which is a sign of respect.  

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