Well I love running but maybe not but this much. The “Marathon Monks” of Mount Hiei Japan could be the most extreme endurance athletes on the planet. For 100 days wearing no modern running shoes or technical clothing only a white robe a pair of straw sandals, a long straw hat and carrying candles, a shovel, a length of rope and a short sword these monks run almost 2 marathons a day. If they cannot complete the daily distance they use the rope and sword to kill themselves (the ultimate DNF).
Since 1885, only 48 “marathon monks” of Buddhism’s Tendai sect have accomplished the ritual. Those who do earn the title of “dai-ajari,” or living saint. At least one of the monks to attempt the trial is known to have killed himself in modern times, Fujinami said.
The quest dates to the eighth century and is believed to be a path to enlightenment. Monks carry a little book of prayers and incantations, which they offer at about 300 temples and sacred spots along the way. Other than that, they don’t stop for breaks.
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1 Brooks // Jun 19, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Enjoyed this post… It made it to my facebook page…