Since 1885 only 46 people have been given the title of "Marathon Monk" Some have even done it twice. There are Marathons, and their are feats of endurance's. This is neither, this is the single most incrediblt regimen ever taken on by a human being in teh history of man. Not to bash the men who fought so bravely in our wars, but the Baton Death March was a picnic compared to what these monks do to their bodys and minds.
The Ritual begins with 100 consecutive days of running 26.2 Miles...twice. Did I mention you need to awake at midnight each night to do this. All through the night they are stoppin.g to pray, approximatley 250 times. The monks supplies during this ordeal are very very minimal. A candle, prayer book and small pouch of vegitarian meal. Not so much to fill you up but mereley to garnish any small amount of nurishment.
If the Monk fails to even arise or complete one day it is reccomended he kill himself. No pressure eh? The Monks are only allowed to stop moving for 3 reasons, they are finished, they are praying, or they are dead. These crazy runs can last upwards of 7 years if properly completed.
Once the 100 days of running has ended the monk can attempt to do the next stage...1000 days. The first 300 days of this are basic "training days" where they continue to run for 26 miles a day. In the 4th and 5th year the pace gets intense and they run for 200 consecutive days. After accomplishing this, they are given a walking stick and a special tabi hat.
One of the finishing feats on this mind controlling journey is the doiri. Here they will pray and recite chants for 9 days, no food, water or sleep is allowed. I can only assume here that suicide is the only option if the monk fails.
The story is not completed in this blog, I just wanted t write about it cause it sounded like something I would want anyone else to read. It is an excellent story.
Video - Monks of Mt. Hiei - Excellent documentary from google video
The Ritual begins with 100 consecutive days of running 26.2 Miles...twice. Did I mention you need to awake at midnight each night to do this. All through the night they are stoppin.g to pray, approximatley 250 times. The monks supplies during this ordeal are very very minimal. A candle, prayer book and small pouch of vegitarian meal. Not so much to fill you up but mereley to garnish any small amount of nurishment.
If the Monk fails to even arise or complete one day it is reccomended he kill himself. No pressure eh? The Monks are only allowed to stop moving for 3 reasons, they are finished, they are praying, or they are dead. These crazy runs can last upwards of 7 years if properly completed.
Once the 100 days of running has ended the monk can attempt to do the next stage...1000 days. The first 300 days of this are basic "training days" where they continue to run for 26 miles a day. In the 4th and 5th year the pace gets intense and they run for 200 consecutive days. After accomplishing this, they are given a walking stick and a special tabi hat.
One of the finishing feats on this mind controlling journey is the doiri. Here they will pray and recite chants for 9 days, no food, water or sleep is allowed. I can only assume here that suicide is the only option if the monk fails.
The story is not completed in this blog, I just wanted t write about it cause it sounded like something I would want anyone else to read. It is an excellent story.
Video - Monks of Mt. Hiei - Excellent documentary from google video
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“O segredo do êxito é a honestidade. Se puderes evitá-la, consegues lá chegar.”
Groucho Marx
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