Overview
Isaki no Saotobi, which can be translated as “Diving from a rod at Isaki”, is a ritual of purifying by trainee Buddhist monks of Isaki Ji temple. ( Only a trainee Buddhist monk of Isaki Ji temple allow to participate the ritual.)
Trainee monks literally dive into Lake Biwa from an edge of 13-meter long rod, Sao in Japanese, which is replaced with a narrow wooden deck set up 7 meters high above Lake Biwa.
Video
History
The ritual is believed to be started 1,100 years ago when Konryu Daishi was training to be a monk.
It is said that he threw an empty bowl into Lake Biwa below the temple for asking alms from fishermen on the lake, and then jumped into the lake to pick it up.
Religious Background
Buddhism
Image
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By Alpsdake – 投稿者自身による作品, CC 表示-継承 4.0, Link
Date
August 1st
Dates and functions are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the latest information in advance.
Location
Isaki Ji Temple, Omi Hachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
More information
http://www.isakiji.jp/index.html ( Japan )