Kaihogyo
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The Kaihōgyō (回峰行) are also known as the Marathon Monks of Mt. Hiei.
They seek to serve the enlightened Buddha through many duties but they are best known for their physical endurance in running. They are spiritual athletes from the Tendai Sect of Buddhism, based at Mount Hiei, which overlooks the ancient capital city of Kyoto.
The ultimate achievement is the completion of the 1,000-day challenge, which must surely be the most demanding physical and mental challenge in the world. Only 46 men have completed the 1,000-day challenge since 1885. It takes seven years to complete, as the monks must undergo other Buddhist training in meditation and calligraphy, and perform general duties within the temple.
The first 300 days are basic training, during which the monks run 40km per day for 100 consecutive days. In the fourth and fifth years they run 40km each day for 200 consecutive days. That's more or less a full marathon every day for more than six months.
The final two years of the 1000-day challenge are even more daunting. In the sixth year they run 60km each day for 100 consecutive days and in the seventh year they run 84km each day for 100 consecutive days. This is the equivalent of running two Olympic marathons back-to-back every day for 100 days.
Author John Stevens, in his book, The Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei describes the running style which dates back over a thousand years. 'Eyes focused about 100 feet ahead while moving in a steady rhythm, keeping the head level, the shoulders relaxed, the back straight, and the nose aligned with the navel.'
[edit] External links
- Trail Runner Magazine: The Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei by Dave Ganci
- Documentary produced by Millennium TV
- Transcript of a story on the Kaihōgyō from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Foreign Correspondent television program
- The Spiritual Athlete's Path to Enlightenment by Holly Schmid
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