How to Die Well in the Mountains: Way of the Yamabushi

Snow Country Stories Japan

In Episode 09 of Snow Country Stories Japan, I speak with Tim Bunting. Based in Yamagata but originally from New Zealand, Tim is a practicing ‘yamabushi’ and better known by his moniker the ‘Kiwi Yamabushi’. Translating as ‘one who prostrates himself on a mountain’, the word ‘yamabushi’ refers to mountain ascetics – those who practices various forms of shugendo – a syncretic faith system or systems that blend Shintoism, Buddhism, Taoism, folklore and more – of which ritual and practice in natural landscapes, especially mountains is a fundamental.

In speaking with Tim, we go into detail about his practice and the principles of shugendo, his experiences as a yamabushi and the importance of nature worship or spending time in nature. Tim documents his practice on his personal website while also promoting and supporting yamabushi experiences and training for Japanese, foreign residents and international visitors. If you are interested in those programs, please visit www.yamabushido.jp and to follow Tim, visit his really fantastic website www.timbunting.com or follow him on Instagram @kiwiyamabushi.
Snow Country Stories Japan is a bi-weekly podcast about life and travel in Japan's legendary 'yukiguni'. For more information about the show and your host, visit our website - www.snowcountrystories.com - and make sure to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.