MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- A legendary Buddhist tradition, which is frequently misunderstood by outsiders, was held at Miyajima Island, April 15. Defying the laws of nature, dozens of people walked across a trail of red-hot coals without hesitating and unbelievably found themselves at the other side, unscathed.
People from around the region gathered at the Daishoin Temple, which sits in the foothills of the island, to take part in an annual Fire Walking Ceremony hosted by the resident monks of the temple.
“Everyone wrote down their wishes and prayers onto the pieces of wood and then gave them to the monks to bless,” said Michael Katayama, fire walking participant and Seattle native. “They were then burned to symbolize the letting go of their earthly desires and possessions.”
The practice of fire walking itself is quite ancient with the oldest references dating back more than 3,000 years when ascetics in India walked on embers to test and purify themselves.
Fire walking has a long history in Japan as well. Tens of thousands of people gather for several fire walking rituals around the country each year, usually in the beginning weeks of spring.
According to Katayama, who holds a college degree in Japanese studies, the tradition was first held in Japan more than 1,300 years ago by “yamabushi,” mystics who mixed Buddhist beliefs with the nature-worship of Japan’s native Shinto religion.
The ceremonies throughout the country draws thousands of spectators each year, many who walk the path after the mystics finish.
Each ceremony is ignited with a monk shooting an arrow into a woodpile to start the blaze. Once the fire is blazing, the monks bless each hand written prayer before tossing it into the inferno. With the crowd chanting prayers and drums pounding, the atmosphere thrives with energy.
“The great thing about ceremonies like this, is it shows the connection to the folk roots of the religion,” said Katayama. “It’s a great event for the whole community to come together and share in an ancient tradition.”
When the fire begins to die down, the coals are raked into a narrow path, and blessed by the monks by throwing salt on them and saying a prayer.
The monks were the first ones to cross the blistering coals. The crowd looked on in amazement as they reached the other side without as much as a scratch. Once the monks crossed, the invitation was open to anyone who had a strong enough faith to take the challenge.
“The line was really long, so by the time it was our turn to go there was such a niche carved out in the center, it was pretty much like walking on ashes,” said Katayama.
Although many may not have felt the heat the monks did, it was still an unforgettable experience.
“The Buddhist culture has always been really mysterious to me, but coming here and experiencing it first hand and meeting the people will be very memorable,” said Andres Oram, fire walker and Seattle native.