ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Yamabushi

Yamabushi is a cool word for some very special people who live in Japan. These people are kind of like superheroes in their own way - they train really hard so they can do things that seem impossible to most of us.

Yamabushi spend a lot of time in the mountains, where they live and train. They dress in special clothes that help them hide from animals and bad people. They also wear cool hats that look like they have bunny ears! These hats are special because they help the yamabushi stay warm when it's cold and dry when it's raining.

One of the things that yamabushi are really good at is hiking. They hike up mountains that are really, really steep - much steeper than the ones that grown-ups can handle! They do this so they can get to special shrines and temples that are hidden away in the mountains. These places are important to the yamabushi because they help them feel closer to nature and to the special powers that they believe live in the mountains.

Another thing that yamabushi are good at is carrying heavy things. They can carry big bundles of sticks, bags of rice, or other really heavy things without getting tired. This is because they train their bodies and minds to be really strong and focused.

Yamabushi also learn how to do special kinds of breathing and meditation. These help them calm their minds and focus their energy. They can even slow down their heartbeat and metabolism so they can stay still for hours at a time - almost like they're hibernating!

Overall, yamabushi are really cool people who have learned how to do lots of amazing things. They are kind of like superheroes who use their special training to help others and protect nature.
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