also: すいぎょう
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)
As part of their training, they perform cold-water ablutions under a waterfall.
Midwinter cold-water purification is a traditional practice that strengthens mind and body.
Standard kanji spelling for this religious practice.
Alternate on'yomi reading; less common than みずぎょう.
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.