Japanese Priest Begins 12-Year Seclusion Period at Enryakuji Temple in Otsu
The chief priest of Nanzambo Temple on Mt. Hiei in Otsu earlier this month began his 12-year period of seclusion in which he will take part in ascetic training, which is known as one of the most rigorous.
A Japanese priest, Sogaku Taguchi, commenced a 12-year period of seclusion at the Enryakuji temple complex in Otsu earlier this month. Taguchi, a 31-year-old chief priest of Nanzambo Temple on Mt. Hiei, began his ascetic training on September 11. This training is one of the most rigorous within the Tendai Buddhist sect, which is headquartered at the complex.
During his seclusion, Taguchi, a Jishin or monk devoted to Saicho, the founder of the sect, will remain within the Jodo-in hall, secluded from the outside world. He will adhere to a regimented daily routine and perform ascetic practices, especially during the harsh winter months.
Taguchi will lead a life of simplicity, performing tasks such as cooking and cleaning while in the Jodo-in hall. His 12-year commitment is reminiscent of the founder's original practice. Taguchi is the 118th monk to undertake this seclusion since 1699, when records commenced, and the eighth since the end of World War II.
The path to becoming a Jishin involves the practice of "Kosogyo," where monks offer incense to each of the Buddha 3,000 times a day, chanting their names and prostrating themselves repeatedly until the Buddha's form becomes visible. Taguchi had been practicing this for the past year. On the day his seclusion began, he participated in a "Jisei Jukai" ceremony, marking the end of his previous practice and the start of his new life.
Taguchi expressed his joy, stating, "A desire to live according to the teachings of Dengyodaishi has grown in my heart, and I have walked the path of a monk with that as my goal."
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
