JAPAN: MT.TAKAO: ANCIENT RITUAL OF FIREWALKING (V)

Описание: (12 Mar 2000) Voice and effects

VOICED BY: Richard Vaughan

Hundreds of people gathered at the foot of Mt. Takao, north of Tokyo, on Sunday to perform a rare and ancient ritual - walking on fire with bare feet.

Every spring, the mountain dwelling practitioners tackle the challenge of completing a month-long training to realise an ascetic path.

VOICE OVER:

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It's here at the foot of Mount Takao that monks gather every year to take part in a heated ritual.

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The firewalk is believed to purge earthly sins and lead to a purified rebirth.

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The ceremony gets underway with chanting and music as the monks ready themselves for the spiritual walk.

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While flames cover the firewalk, shoes are removed and, with traditional Japanese fighting swords at the ready to ward off evil spirits, practitioners prepare to take to the coals.

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It is said that the practice of walking the coals has taken place at Mount Takao for more than thirteen hundred years.

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The mountain-dwelling monks say the ritual is a test of the individual's strength of mind and spirit.

But some believe the coals also cure diseases - the perfect antidote even, for a sore back.

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For others, including tourists anxious to have a go, the spectacle is an opportunity to revel in ancient Japanese culture - and to simply have fun.

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SOUNDBITE: (English)
Question: "Was that hot?.
Answer: "A little bit hot, is it?"
Question: "How about you?"
Answer: "It was fine."
Question: "Were you scared?"
Answer: "Yes, I was scared."
SUPER CAPTION: VOX POP, Mother

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Whether the aim is to be cured or purified, no one walks away from Mount Takao without hot feet and a blessing from the holy abbots.

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VISION ENDS

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