SHOKUSHINBUTSU

Have you ever heard of the practice of shokushinbutsu? Do you know what it is, or what it entails? This fascinating practice, which originated in Japan, involves self-mummification, and is considered one of the most extreme forms of asceticism.

In this blog post, we'll explore the history of shokushinbutsu, the methods used to achieve it, and the reasons why individuals would undergo such a painful and dangerous process. We'll also look at some real-life examples of shokushinbutsu, and what we can learn from this practice today.

The History of Shokushinbutsu

Shokushinbutsu has its origins in the Shugendō religion, which emerged in Japan in the 7th century. This religion is a combination of Buddhism, Shintoism, and various indigenous beliefs, and focuses on spiritual enlightenment through ascetic practices such as mountain climbing, meditation, and fasting.

One of the most extreme forms of asceticism in Shugendō is shikoku, or the practice of wandering in the mountains without food or water for long periods of time. Over time, some practitioners began to take this practice to the extreme, and attempted to achieve shokushinbutsu – the process of self-mummification.

The Methods of Shokushinbutsu

The process of shokushinbutsu involves several stages, each of which is extremely painful and dangerous.

The first stage involves a strict diet of nuts, seeds, and berries, which is low in fat and carbohydrates. This diet is meant to slowly starve the body of nutrients, and prepare it for the next stage.

The second stage involves drinking a poisonous tea made from the urushi tree. This tea is highly toxic, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. However, it is also a powerful preservative, and is believed to help prevent the body from decaying after death.

The third stage involves sealing oneself in a small, cramped space, such as a cave or tomb. This space is meant to be a kind of cocoon, where the body can slowly mummify over time. The individual may meditate, chant, or perform other spiritual practices during this time.

The final stage involves dying while in the sealed space. Once the individual has passed away, their body is left to mummify naturally, without any further intervention.

Real-Life Examples of Shokushinbutsu

There have been several documented cases of shokushinbutsu throughout history, particularly among the Yamabushi, a group of ascetic monks who practice Shugendō. One of the most well-known examples is that of Tetsumonkai, a Yamabushi monk who lived in the 19th century.

Tetsumonkai underwent the process of shokushinbutsu over a period of several years, and was found mummified in a cave in northern Japan in the 20th century. His body was remarkably well-preserved, and was found sitting in a meditation posture, surrounded by offerings of food and sake.

Another example is that of Shinnyokai, a Yamabushi monk who lived in the 18th century. Shinnyokai was also found mummified in a cave, and his body was so well-preserved that his hair and nails were still intact.

What Can We Learn from Shokushinbutsu Today?

While shokushinbutsu may seem like an extreme and bizarre practice to us today, it can teach us a lot about the human capacity for spiritual and physical endurance. The individuals who underwent this process were willing to endure tremendous pain and hardship in order to achieve their spiritual goals, and their dedication and commitment to their beliefs is something that we can all learn from.

At the same time, it's important to recognize the dangers and risks associated with shokushinbutsu. The process is incredibly painful and dangerous, and can lead to severe illness or death. Moreover, it is not a practice that is widely accepted or practiced in modern-day Japan or elsewhere.

Instead, we can look to other forms of asceticism and spiritual practice that can help us cultivate discipline, focus, and a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us. Practices like meditation, fasting, and yoga can all be powerful tools for achieving greater spiritual insight and growth, without the same risks associated with shokushinbutsu.

In conclusion, shokushinbutsu is a fascinating and extreme form of asceticism that has been practiced by a small group of individuals in Japan throughout history. While we can learn from the dedication and commitment of these individuals, it's important to recognize the dangers and risks associated with the practice, and to seek out other forms of spiritual practice that can help us achieve similar goals without putting our health and well-being at risk.