[Buddha-l] Query--forest tradition monks in Japan today?

[Wong Weng Fai]

> Thanks for this information, Stephen.  Any idea at all whether 
> "quelling" is referring to the monks or to the mountains?  There are 
> quite a few ways that this term could be taken.  Thanks!
>
> Regards
> Kate

Most likely "he who quells the mountains".

There is a mountain ascetic (very harsh) called "gyou" ("practice") that 
involves starvation and marathon runs round the mountains. I've seen a 
video documentary on it many moons ago - can't remember if it is Tendai or 
Shingon.

Anyway, I've met a old monk who have met this other monk who holds the 
record for doing this 3 times (or something). My friend's comment was 
"the practice only helped blow up his ego".

By the way, (by association), Discovery Channel once also featured a 
Shingon practice of self-mumification. Really interesting... apparently, 
Kukai invented the practice.

W.F. Wong