Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei (2002)

The greatest athletes in the world today are neither the Olympic champions nor the stars of professional sports but the Marathon Monks of Japans sacred Mount Hiei Over a seven year training period these running Buddha figuratively circle the globe on foot During one incredible 100day stretch they cover 525 miles daily twice the length of an Olympic marathon The prize they seek is not a pot of gold but enlightenment in the here and now This documentary program is about one of these amazing men Tanno Kakudo and the magic mountain where he trains It is the philosophy of Tendai Buddhism which inspires him in his quest for the supreme The viewer will learn about the monks deathdefying fast his vegetarian training diet his handmade straw running shoes and other feats of endurance such as the mummifying fire ceremony Based on the book Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei by John Stevens published by Shambala Press