Self-mummification I: Buddhist Mummies of Japan – Japanese History

That's right: *self*-mummification, mummifying yourself through a special 3000-day diet and regimen of spiritual exercises which will lead to your death but, if you do it correctly, will mummify your body and make you a sokushinbutsu or "Buddha in the Flesh." I witnessed many of these mummies personally while living in Japan. This is their story. Be sure to support the show at www.patreon.com/deadideaspod to get your portrait drawn! Maps, pics, references, and more at www.deadideas.net.