Buddhist Monk’s Footprints Are Naturally Ingrained in Wood Floor From Praying in Same Spot for 20 Years

For over 20 years, a Buddhist monk named Hua Chi has been praying in the same spot at his temple in Tongren, China—and it shows. After two decades and up to 3,000 prayers per day, his footprints are ingrained in the wood floor, highlighting his incredible devotion to his spiritual practice.

The deepest part of the footprints measure 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) and are a cast of the balls of his feet. Hua hopes that this visible sign of loyalty and faithfulness will help him make a smooth transition into the afterlife so that his “spirit doesn’t suffer.” In this life, however, Hua has had a profound effect on those around him—the marks of faith inspire other monks to make footprints of their own.


Chi outstretched in prayer.

h/t [Design You Trust]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met and Manager of My Modern Met Store. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned her BFA in Illustration and MFA in Illustration Practice. Sara is also an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, a studio where she stitches pet portraits and other beloved creatures. She chronicles the creativity of others through her website Brown Paper Bag and newsletter, Orts. Her latest book is Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread, published in 2014. Sara’s work has been recognized in Be Creative With Workbox, Embroidery Magazine, American Illustration, on Iron and Wine’s album Beast Epic, among others. When she’s not stitching or writing, Sara enjoys planning things that bring together the craft community. She is the co-founder of Camp Craftaway, a day camp for crafty adults with hands-on workshops in the Seattle area.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits