description Dogen Overview
Dogen was a Japanese Buddhist monk and writer who lived from 1200 to 1253 and established the Soto Zen tradition in Japan after studying Chan Buddhism in China. He founded Eiheiji, a monastery that remains one of Soto Zen's principal temples. His major collection, Shobogenzo, examines practice, awakening, language, time, and the nature of reality. Dogen particularly emphasized zazen, or seated meditation, and the unity of practice and realization.
insights Ranking position
Dogen ranks #71 of 277 in the Philosopher ranking, behind Montesquieu, ahead of Patanjali.
help Dogen FAQ
What did Dogen mean by shikantaza?
Shikantaza is commonly translated as "just sitting" and refers to zazen without pursuing a separate object or promised result. Dogen treated practice and awakening as inseparable rather than as two stages.
Why did Dogen travel to China?
Dogen traveled to Song-dynasty China in search of authoritative Buddhist teaching and monastic practice. He studied with the Caodong master Rujing before returning to Japan.
What is Dogen's Shobogenzo?
Shobogenzo, usually translated as Treasury of the True Dharma Eye, is Dogen's major collection of writings. Its essays examine zazen, time, language, Buddha-nature, monastic conduct, and ordinary activity.
What is Dogen's connection to Eiheiji?
Dogen founded a monastery in Echizen that was later named Eiheiji. It remains one of the two principal temples of the Japanese Soto Zen school.
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