Semi-related, I listened to a podcast the other day that discussed sokushinbutsu where some Buddist monks would try to self-mummify themselves as a ritual to attain enlightenment. One of the steps involved Urushi tea which comes from the bark of the Urushi tree, or also known as the Japanese Varnish Tree, and the sap from this tree contains toxic and abrasive chemicals that can cause a rash similar to poison ivy. They would literally be itching on the inside and had to use mind over matter to ignore the extreme discomfort.
I think I saw a story about one of these guys once. His body was “found” when they x-rayed a Buddha statue that looked a little different and saw a skeleton.
Metal AF to just decide “I’m going to find enlightenment or die trying” and then just sit.
Semi-related, I listened to a podcast the other day that discussed sokushinbutsu where some Buddist monks would try to self-mummify themselves as a ritual to attain enlightenment. One of the steps involved Urushi tea which comes from the bark of the Urushi tree, or also known as the Japanese Varnish Tree, and the sap from this tree contains toxic and abrasive chemicals that can cause a rash similar to poison ivy. They would literally be itching on the inside and had to use mind over matter to ignore the extreme discomfort.
What a terrible journey to enlightenment. I’ll take psychedelics, thanks.
Did any succeed? Or did they just die and decompose like everyone else?
A few did. They are then enshrined in the temple and worshiped as a living Buddha.
I think I saw a story about one of these guys once. His body was “found” when they x-rayed a Buddha statue that looked a little different and saw a skeleton.
Metal AF to just decide “I’m going to find enlightenment or die trying” and then just sit.