also: すいぎょう
noun
cold-water ablutions; purification by cold water
A Shinto or Buddhist ascetic practice of standing under or pouring cold water over oneself to purify the body and spirit. Often performed at waterfalls or in rivers. Related to 水垢離 (みずごり).
See also: 水垢離 (みずごり)
修行の一環として、滝に打たれて水行をする。
As part of their training, they perform cold-water ablutions under a waterfall.
寒中水行は心身を鍛える伝統的な行である。
Midwinter cold-water purification is a traditional practice that strengthens mind and body.
A similar cold-water purification ritual, often used interchangeably with 水行, but 水垢離 can specifically refer to the act of pouring water over oneself repeatedly.
Compound of 水 (water) and 行 (practice, religious austerity). The reading みずぎょう uses the kun'yomi for 水 and the go-on reading for 行, while すいぎょう uses on'yomi for both.