What Are The Monks That Go Into A Deep Meditation And Never Wake Up Called?

The Mystery of Rainforest Ascetics: A Journey into the Spiritual Beyond

Imagine a place where time stands still, and the realm of the spiritual merges seamlessly with the physical. Nestled within the dense emerald embrace of the rainforest, there exist monks who transcend the boundaries of what we understand about human consciousness. These ascetics, known for entering a state of profound meditation from which they never awaken, occupy a space between the known and the unknowable. Their practice, shrouded in mystery and reverence, invites us to explore the depths of spirituality and the limits of human resilience. But, what exactly are these monks called, and what drives them towards such an extraordinary path?

The Phenomenon of Sokushinbutsu

Hailing predominantly from the mountainous terrains of Japan, these monks are practitioners of a rare and extreme form of spiritual asceticism known as “Sokushinbutsu.” This term, stemming from the Sino-Japanese lexicon, translates to “a Buddha in this very body” and encapsulates the essence of their practice. Sokushinbutsu is not merely a state of deep meditation; it is a painstaking journey of self-mummification that spans years, if not decades.

The Path Less Traveled

The process these monks undertake is nothing short of awe-inspiring, albeit laced with an air of solemnity. Here’s a brief rundown:

• Phase 1: The Purge – This initial stage focuses on eliminating fat and moisture from the body. Monks adopt a diet strictly limited to nuts, seeds, and fruits, gradually moving towards bark and roots.
• Phase 2: Ascetic Training – Engaging in rigorous physical exercises and meditation under harsh conditions further disciplines their bodies and minds.
• Phase 3: The Final Year – In their final year, the diet becomes even more stringent, with the introduction of urushi tea, a concoction derived from the sap of the toxic lacquer tree. This serves to repel pests and preserve the body posthumous.

Upon reaching what they believe to be the pinnacle of spiritual purity, these monks entomb themselves alive, with a small air tube and a bell. The ringing of the bell each day signals their persistence in meditation. Silence, however, marks their passage into the next realm.

The Spiritual Significance and Contemporary Perspective

Sokushinbutsu wasn’t undertaken lightly. It was the ultimate expression of self-sacrifice, believed to aid the monks in transcending the cycle of rebirth and suffering, thus attaining immediate Buddhahood. This practice, steeped in Mahayana Buddhist beliefs, shines a light on the extremities of human spiritual endeavors and the profound belief in life beyond the physical.

Modern views on Sokushinbutsu are mixed, with the practice no longer encouraged or pursued mainly due to its alignment with self-harm perspectives and changing religious practices. However, the mummified remains of these monks, preserved in various temples, continue to captivate and intrigue. They serve as a testament to the lengths humans will go to in their quest for spiritual enlightenment and eternal peace.

In the end, the story of the Sokushinbutsu unfolds as a compelling narrative on human faith, fortitude, and the timeless search for meaning beyond the corporeal bounds. Their legacy, encapsulated within those serene, mummified forms, echoes through time, inviting us to ponder the depths of our own spiritual journeys.