Thursday, April 20, 2017 – Mt Mitake

Takigyo, which is also called Misogi (or purification ceremony) in Shintoism Buddhism, is considered a very important act to undertake.

Since it was spring, we left for our 30 minute walk at 6:30am instead of 5:30 am. It was a beautiful sunny day with lots of birds singing. We were asked to walk in silence. It was a very meditative walk listening to the many types of birds singing.

Along the way were some beautiful orchid like flowers growing wild.

When we arrived at the waterfall we removed our clothes and put on a futashi and did some preparation to practice all of the parts of the ceremony. 

The main part was when you were under the cald water was to hold your hands together at your belly and say “Haraedo-no-Okami” three times, you end up doing it for another 3 sets for a total of 10 seconds.

You then take a short break while others do it. Then you do for a total of three times.

The third time the pain on the top of my head was so intense. I never felt anything like it before. However, at the end there was this awe, of being at peace.

After drying off and doujng some final parts of the ceremony on land, it was amazing how warm the cool morning air felt. Kind of puts things in perspective.

On the walk back in silence, it was good to reflect on how lucky I have been to do the things I have.

Here are some pictures of the waterfall.

After we got back there was a ceremony at the temple part of the accommodations we were staying followed by breakfast. The morning view from the room was great. A picture perfect day.

After checking out visited some of the other paths and shrines on the mountain. The trees were in full bloom.

I then made my way back down the mountain and back to the hustle of the city.