Mongaku: The Mad Monk Who Urged Yoritomo to Rise
Mongaku (c. 1139-c. 1203) — born a samurai of the Inner Palace Guard, ordained after a tragic accident, he subjected himself to extreme ascetic practices at Nachi Falls. Exiled to Izu after a violent confrontation with Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa, he urged Minamoto no Yoritomo to rise against the Taira.