Many people become numb when they think of the word marathon. A run of just over 42 kilometers represents a great challenge for an ordinary mortal. But the traditional marathon pales in comparison to the kaihogyo marathon.
A thousand-day marathon Kaihogyo it is one of the most difficult physical tests in the world. Few complete it, while those who fail are expected to be they take life.
They participate in the marathon Buddhist monks, which belong to the Tendai school of Buddhism. Their only task is to serve the Buddha - and this can be achieved through sacrifice and devotion. They can fulfill this through kaihogya, among other things. A handful that this marathon after 1000 days spread out through more than 7 years, successfully completes, should acquire in this way better understanding of the universe.
The kaihogyo marathon takes place on burning Hiei, which is located nearby Kyoto, otherwise former Japanese capitals. The marathon program changes every year.
The first year, the monk must v 100 consecutive daily to pass at least 40 kilometers. At the same time, one should also not forget about obligations in the temple, which means that he has little time left to sleep.
Endo Mitsunaga – the last monk to overcome the challenge usually woke up shortly after midnight. Then he put on his feet straw sandals and started running up the mountain and back. On each route, he completed, among other things 260 prayer stops. He returned to the temple at 8 o'clock in the morning. He slept approx 4 and a half hours daily.
If the monk manages to survive the first 100 days, he has a chance to ceases the competition. In case he continues to run even on the 101st day, he must complete the marathon to the end. Tradition dictates that those who fail must do suicide. During the run, Buddhists can spot many graves of their predecessors, testifying to the seriousness of the marathon.
If the monk decides to continue with the marathon, in the next two years the same task awaits him as in the first. Fourth and fifth year they demand even more effort from him, because he has to 30 kilometers run into 200 consecutive days. So he is finally ready for the biggest challenge.
After completing his fifth year, he must perform a grueling ritual touch, which lasts 9 days. During this time he no eating, drinking or sleeping is allowed. In the temple, he must be in a sitting position recite the mantra. There are two monks by his side all the time who make sure he stays awake. To make the test a little more difficult, every night at 2 hours to go after water, which is 200 meters away. He must not drink it, but must offer it to the Buddha statue.
If the monk succeeds in completing the task, it is his turn for the sixth year, during which he is on the schedule every day 60 kilometers running. In the last, seventh year, the distance in the first 100 days increases to 84 kilometers, while for the rest of the year he has to do 'le' 30 kilometers daily.
After completing a marathon, a monk can boast that he has covered the distance, same the circumference of the Earth.
From 1885 managed to complete an extremely demanding task 46 monks. You are probably wondering why they need this. For the monks, the marathon serves as training, with the help of which they achieve enlightenment. By doiri, participants they die symbolically, but if they successfully pass it, they give birth again. This is how they manage to find the key to understanding life and themselves.
