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Jennifer Hurst's avatar

You find the most curious deep dives into the ways lives are lived. For Yusai Sakai to have made the monastic leap at age 40 seems especially dramatic because the punishing regimen of rules was imposed in a man who was allowed in against the rules. And he carried a knife, a coin and a white cloth in preparation for his death.

I wonder sometimes about your fascination and involvement with the music business. To find a guide/postulant (is that what he was?) who loved Ozzy!! Is that stardust speaking.

More, please.

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Sanjiv Bhattacharya's avatar

Thanks Jennifer! Bamboo was brilliant. I loved that detail too - a metal fan in Enryakuji? You really can't make it up. A tribute to both Bamboo and to Ozzy Osbourne.

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Wow! What a fascinating read with wonderful moments of levity, Sanj. It’s so hard to fathom how the monks survive those punishing races and fasting and running in slippers! They must all have plantar fasciitis. I love Yusai Sakai’s story. He’s a marvel. Thanks for sharing.

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Sanjiv Bhattacharya's avatar

Thanks Hilary! Yes, it's beyond comprehension how they endure, I can't get my head around it. I need insoles and compression socks.

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

🤣 Made me laugh when you were winded just walking up to the monastery. Also loved the guy who just shouted the names of his favorite metal bands. A monk who loves metal! That can be part 2.

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