Society

Monks Leap into Lake Biwa from 7-Meter Pole

Shiga, Aug 02 (News On Japan) - Monks training in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, performed the 'Isaki-no-saotobi' (jumping from a beam at Isaki) ritual, diving into Lake Biwa from a pole 7 meters high.

'Isaki-no-saotobi,' held annually on August 1st at Isakiji Temple in Omihachiman City, is a traditional event believed to date back to the Heian period. The monks dive into the lake bearing the wishes of the people, an act known as 'sacrificial practice.'

The pole, extending about 14 meters from a cliff, saw twelve monks who had completed a 100-day spiritual practice at Mount Hiei, jumping one after another from the 7-meter height, hands clasped in prayer.

Source: YOMIURI

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