Walking through mounds of fire to ‘ward off natural disasters’

As the saying goes, the more investment you put into something, the more good that will come out of it.

Yet as these incredible pictures from China show, some people are prepared to risk serious injury for a somewhat unbelievable outcome.

In the Far East, firewalking is often undertaken as it is believed it can prevent natural disasters.

Those who participate in the actual firewalking not only establish their valor but also earn spiritual merit--which translates into good fortune--for themselves and their families.

Beyond this, the efficacy of the ritual produces communal benefits, for this temple and its god’s spiritual power serve to protect the surrounding territory and its inhabitants.

So it is thought that although there may be injury and pain suffered

Those who participate in the actual firewalking not only establish their valor but also earn spiritual merit

when walking on the hot coals, the investment put into this act of bravery will translate into greater good for the greater number.

However, as some modern teachings profess, it is all about controlling your mind, and if you do that, you can get away without getting burned.

Either that, or don’t spend too long stood on one section of the burning embers!

Yet as these pictures show, the Chinese way of doing it is not so much of a path of coals, but more like a mountain of fire.

And the danger is obvious, with flames swirling i n the night that pose much more of a risk than simply burnt soles.

Painful? This man’s feet appear as though they are on fire, as he summons the inner strength to continue No fear: In China, it is believed by some that firewalking can prevent the threat of natural disasters

In the thick of it: This ‘competitor’ works out his fiery path

Is it worth it? This Chinese man takes firewalking to a whole new, and dangerous, level