A Buddhist monk in Japan began a 12-year period of solitary retreat earlier this month as he undertakes the responsibility of caring for the tomb of Saicho (767–822 CE), founder of the Tendai Buddhist tradition in Japan.
Thirty-one-year-old Sogaku Taguchi—the chief monk of Nanzambo Temple, part of the historic Enryaku-ji temple complex on Mount Hiei in Japan’s Shiga Prefecture, northeast of Kyoto—began his retreat on 11 September, becoming a jishin (or “true watcher”)—devoted to Saicho. He will remain isolated from the outside world until 11 September 2038 while he performs his duties within the Jodo-in hall where Saicho’s remains are enshrined—the 118th monk to do so in a lineage unbroken since 1699.
Taguchi began his retreat with a Jisei Jukai ordination ceremony, which is conducted for monastics who have completed the practice of Kosogyo. Taguchi began practicing Kosogyo in September last year, offering incense to each of the buddhas 3,000 times a day while chanting their names and performing repeated prostrations.
“A desire to live according to the teachings of Dengyodaishi, [a title bestowed by the then emperor], has grown in my heart, and I have walked the path of a monk with that as my goal,” Taguchi told reporters before entering isolation. “This is one of the ascetic practices asked of us by Dengyodaishi, and I am overflowing with joy to stand at its starting line.” (The Japan News)
Saicho, also known as Dengyo Daishi, founded Enryaku-ji on Mt. Hiei in 788 CE. He brought the Tendai (Ch. Tiantai) tradition to Japan from China at the beginning of the ninth century. Today, the temple complex serves as the headquarters of Tendai, an esoteric form of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the Lotus Sutra. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities).”
Under the requirements of his ascetic isolation, Taguchi will adhere to a strictly regimented daily routine that continues through the harsh winter months. He will rise before dawn daily to prepare meals that are offered before the tomb of Saicho. Taguchi will also spend hours each day reciting sutras and performing 3,000 prostrations while chanting, as well as cleaning and maintaining the Jodo-in hall.
According to media reports, several monks undertaking the 12-year isolation have died due to the rigors of the daily regimen.
The two most widespread religious traditions in Japan are Buddhism and Shinto, with an estimated more than 80 per cent of the population following Shinto and 46 per cent self-identifying as Buddhists, indicating a high level of overlap between the two traditions. Christians represent 2 per cent of the population, while other religions make up a combined 9 per cent, according to data for 2023 from the Washington, DC-based Pew Research Center. The most popular school of Buddhism in contemporary Japan is the Pure Land tradition, primarily represent by Jodo-shu and Jodo Shinshu schools, followed by Nichiren, Shingon, Zen, and Tendai.
See more
Japanese Monk Begins 12-Year Seclusion Period at Enryakuji Temple in Otsu (The Japan News)
Japanese monk isolates until 2038 for rigorous training that has killed many in the past (WION)
Monk begins 12-year isolation at Buddhist temple (The Telegraph)
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