The Monks Who Spend Years Turning Themselves Into Mummies While Being Alive

Recent revelations about Japan's historical customs shed light on a unique practice among 9th-century Japanese monks. According to reports, ancient Buddhist monks in Japan would ingest poison before entering a deep meditative state known as samadhi, believing they would be resurrected millions of years later.

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Consuming poison before meditation

This unconventional tradition of consuming poison before meditation offers a glimpse into Japan's historical practices. Japan's profound connection to religious and mystical traditions is evident in these ancient rituals. The country, known for its modern innovations, presents a cultural landscape that seamlessly blends progress and ancient wisdom. The recent disclosure of monks' rituals further contributes to Japan's rich cultural and spiritual development narrative.

In an offbeat location near Mount Fuji in Japan, lies a less touristy site featuring the tombs of these Japanese monks. What makes these Samadhis distinctive is the monks¡¯ unconventional method of preserving their bodies during meditation.

Monks adhered to rigorous lifestyles

These monks were the devotees of Shugendo, an ancient form of Buddhism. The monks known as Sokushinbatsu adhered to rigorous lifestyles centred around strict discipline. Their commitment extended to abstaining from food and drink was an integral aspect of their ascetic practices. These monks also followed the unusual practice of self-poisoning as part of their spiritual journey.

Strict regime to avoid mummification during samadhi

Japanese monks have adopted unique measures to avoid mummification during Samadhi, incorporating strict dietary controls into their practices. For three years, their diet exclusively consisted of seeds and pods, complemented by intense physical activity to prevent the accumulation of fat. Over the subsequent three years, they transitioned to a diet primarily composed of tubers. Intriguingly, they also incorporated the consumption of poisonous tea made from the Urushi tree into their routine.

These Japanese monks developed a distinctive practice to safeguard their bodies from germs and parasites during the mummification process, involving enduring considerable physical discomfort.

Monks

Following this demanding phase, the monks adhere to a regimen of consuming only saltwater for a hundred days. As the final stage approaches, they instruct their disciples to encase their bodies in a wooden box, burying them alongside coal. The associated belief is that, if successful, these monks will emerge from their meditative state after millions of years.

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