Mirin Dajo

The incredible yogi, Mirin Dajo undergoing scientific tests of his amazing ability to withstand pain and physical trauma to his body. Swords and rapiers are pushed through his trunk and chest without bleeding or apparent injury. This is the real deal. No trick photography. No magic tricks. A stunning display that will make you think.

Just after the Second World War, the Dutchman Mirin Dajo made himself into a living enigma, as his body was able to be pierced repeatedly, without suffering any internal injury or even bleeding. Sixty years on, the world has largely forgotten what he did, even who he was.

Mirin Dajo was born in 1912 as Arnold Gerrit Henskes. The first records of Dajo come from 1947 when he allowed an assistant to plunge a fencing foil right through his body at the Corso Theatre in Zurich, Mirin. The foil appeared to have pieced several vital organs, but Dajo was unharmed. People were terrified, but intrigued by what they saw. Mirin was forced to undergo many medical tests and to perform his act for baffled doctors. After x-ray tests were conducted, the legitimacy of his abilities was confirmed by the medical community. It could not be explained by any physician.

Mirin Dajo was a very religious man and some media outlets labeled him a "Messiah." His sideshow displays were often concluded with a lecture and a message of peace. During his act he took to being impaled by three hollow skewers. He would then pump water through those skewers to become a human fountain.

On May 26, 1948, Mirin Dajo died from an aortic rupture. He was not performing at the time, but his death could have resulted from previous acts. A true explanation for his incredible ability is yet to be determined, maybe luck, faith, unique biology, or mind over matter.

More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirin_Dajo

Category:

Education

Tags:

• sideshow
• circus
• human pincushion
• yogi
• fakir
• sword through body
• magic
• freak
• hypnosis
• Mirin Dajo
• mind over body
• Body
• Control
• Brain
• Power
• Magic (illusion)

[BadTableManor]

That is an excellent question, one that I won't pretend to know the answer to. I wonder if he ever explained it. Pretty sure, when I was a kid (long long long ago), I saw someone else like this, and they did the same thing. And I'm glad I didn't spoil your fun, as I'm quite fond of you. :)

[whithaydn]

@BadTableManor The medical doctors who witnessed and flouroscoped the procedure, and took electrocardiograms and other tests, supposed that he might have graudally created fistulas or scar tissue tubes through his body, that were kept open with metal rods--much like piercings for earrings. The swords are real. In his sideshow act, he put several hollow rods through his body and had water pour through them, turning himself into a human fountain.

[BadTableManor]

OK, I'll be a party pooper: I wonder why he always covers the puncture wound with his fingers; 5:04 - 07 looks "odd" - watch the assistant's hand and the tip of the sword. Also, the assistant puts the sword in a marked spot on his back. I know, I'm no fun. ;)

[whithaydn]

@BadTableManor What do you think he is covering? You haven't spoiled my fun much...

[BadTableManor]

Ah yes, fistulas. I've seen that before in books. That would be amazing, as it obviously was! Thanks for the info, now I really appreciate him much more. :)