In the realm of yamabushi ascetics and ancient living Buddhas

[AsahinaKimi]

TSURUOKA CITY —



Living in modern Tokyo, one can be forgiven for doubting that anybody wants to undergo serious ascetic training. Perilous hikes on sheer mountain slopes, food and sleep deprivation, solitary meditation, prayers and other religious rituals are distant and exotic adventures. Yet only a half-day’s journey from the metropolis, followers of the ancient Japanese religion Shugendo continue to practice “the way of training and testing.” Their goal is nothing less than enlightenment in this very lifetime.

These are the “yamabushi” (“one who lies in the mountains”), and modern mortals can still follow their pilgrimage in Dewa Sanzan– the three mountains of Dewa–one of two main centers in Japan where “shugenja” (followers of Shugendo) still practice and keep the tradition alive.

Dewa is the name of an old Japanese province that is now part of Yamagata Prefecture in northern Honshu. Three mountains — Mt Haguro, Mt Gassan and Mt Yudono — are considered sacred by the “shugenja” who go there once a year on a pilgrimage to practice their faith.

Travel there in the right season and you can follow the alpenhorn-like sound of the conch shell, blown by “yamabushi” masters decked out in esoteric outfits, as they lead rows of white-clad pilgrims up the mountains. New Age is short lived in comparison to this syncretistic folk religion based on mountain worship, incorporating elements of Shinto, Buddhism and Taoism that dates back over 1,400 years.

http://www.japantoday.com/category/top-in-category/view/in-the-realm-of-yamabushi-ascetics-and-ancient-living-buddhas

[struggle4progress]

1. Interesting. Thanks for posting!

[WheelWalker]

2. Recommended...

Blessings.

[pa28]

3. Interesting. I've never heard of this and I'd like to learn more.

Here's a pic of the path up Mt. Hagaru referenced in the article.



I also noticed the reference to "self-mummification" and had to look that up as well. Here is some info:

http://www.thethinkingblog.com/2007/07/self-mummified-monks-of-japan.html

Wow. We've all heard about ascetic discipline but I think this might be the extreme.

[AsahinaKimi]

4. Interesting quote

Buddhism does indeed teach self-denial and separation from the desires of the body. However, Siddartha Gautama, The Buddha, the Enlightened One who founded Buddhism, probably would not have supported this "self-mummification" practice. Born a prince, he lived a life of comfort and luxury until he became spiritually moved by sights of human suffering. He then went to the opposite extreme, becoming for several years so ascetic that he nearly starved himself to death. Finally, he achieved Enlightenment and discovered a "Middle Way," a path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. By Western standards, Siddartha's life from then onward would be considered very ascetic, but not to the point of suicide or self-starvation or intentionally harming the body in any way. Siddartha is said to have lived a very long life after this, teaching his principles to many disciples.

Nice photo by the way..

[Vehl]

5. so tranquil!

This walkway looks so calm and inviting....seems as it wants to teach us that the goal is not the destination, but the journey!