16th April ‐ 卯月
Probably not many people know that there are Japanese mummies – called 即身仏 (Sokushin butsu), some merciful monks challenged themselves to become a self made mummy for the purpose of curing people who are suffering in the world. There are 17 of Sokushin butsu who sacrificed themselves to save others.
Huge differences between Egyptian mummies and Japanese mummies are followings;
-Egyptian mummy – die first, take the organs
-Sokushin butsu – prepare to become mummy while still living
To become Sokushin butsu, monk had to reduce body fat and nitrogen as much as possible in order not to get bacteria after the death. This practice takes very long and monks had to prepare years before. While that period, they eat roots and barks of the trees and not take calories. At the end of the ground training, they drink lacquer as it will protect organs from insect outbreak.
Then they go into the chamber 3 meters under the ground – small space where one person can make the Zazen posture (cross legged sitting position) with a lot charcoal – so that the it will take the humidity and dead body will not smell too bad. on the ground, there are 2 bamboos to bring some airs, little amount of water and see the sign of monk if he is living or not – Monk inside will chant a Buddhist sutra and ring the bell at the right time every day. When it stops, means Monk is one step ahead to become a Sokushin butsu. The disciples on the ground will then take the bamboos and close the chamber.
Few years later, the Monk will be dug up. If the body became like a mummy, it is Sokushin butsu and be displayed with great care. However, if there are only bones or not become a mummy (due to the unsuccessful ground training), the body will be buried. Of cause, because of this very hard training, many Monks who tried quit on the way. Even some very painfully look mummies were found too, those ones are unfortunately treated as unsuccessful ones. Therefore, the 17 Mummies existing now are very sacred, they kept wishing the peace for others till very the end of their life.
Most of Sokushin butsu are normally not shown to public, but there is a chance in few years to see them. Every 6 years (depend on the temples), the clothes Sokushin butsu are worn are changed. Only at that time, public are allowed to see them! This clothes will be cut in pieces and put in the amulet sold in the temples. If you luckily visit Japan during that day, it would be great to see the merciful Sokushin butsu sama!
Little Japan Dictionary 