What is Dogen (道元)?
Dogen (1200–1253), also known as Dogen Zenji or Eihei Dogen, was a Japanese Buddhist monk, philosopher, and founder of the Soto school of Zen. After traveling to China and awakening under Tiantong Rujing, he returned to Japan to teach 'just sitting' (shikantaza / 只管打坐) — the practice of zazen as not a means to enlightenment but its direct expression. His masterwork, the Shobogenzo (正法眼蔵, Treasury of the True Dharma Eye), is among the most profound works of Zen philosophy and Japanese literature.
Key Takeaways
- Dogen (道元) is a key concept in Zen Buddhism philosophy.
- Dogen (1200–1253), also known as Dogen Zenji or Eihei Dogen, was a Japanese Buddhist monk, philosopher, and founder of the Soto school of Zen. After traveling to China and awakening under Tiantong Rujing, he returned to Japan to teach 'just sitting' (shikantaza / 只管打坐) — the practice of zazen as not a means to enlightenment but its direct expression. His masterwork, the Shobogenzo (正法眼蔵, Treasury of the True Dharma Eye), is among the most profound works of Zen philosophy and Japanese literature.
Understanding Dogen
Dogen (道元) is a Zen Buddhism concept. Dogen (1200–1253), also known as Dogen Zenji or Eihei Dogen, was a Japanese Buddhist monk, philosopher, and founder of the Soto school of Zen. After traveling to China and awakening under Tiantong Rujing, he returned to Japan to teach 'just sitting' (shikantaza / 只管打坐) — the practice of zazen as not a means to enlightenment but its direct expression. His masterwork, the Shobogenzo (正法眼蔵, Treasury of the True Dharma Eye), is among the most profound works of Zen philosophy and Japanese literature.
In Zen Buddhism philosophy, Dogen represents integral to Zen practice and the direct experience of awakening.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dogen in Zen Buddhism?
Dogen (1200–1253), also known as Dogen Zenji or Eihei Dogen, was a Japanese Buddhist monk, philosopher, and founder of the Soto school of Zen. After traveling to China and awakening under Tiantong Rujing, he returned to Japan to teach 'just sitting'
What does 道元 mean?
道元 (Dogen) is a Zen Buddhism concept. Dogen (1200–1253), also known as Dogen Zenji or Eihei Dogen, was a Japanese Buddhist monk, philosopher, and founder of the Soto school of Zen. After traveling to China and awakening under Tiantong Ruj
How does Dogen fit into Zen Buddhism philosophy?
In Zen Buddhism, Dogen is understood as integral to Zen practice and the direct experience of awakening.
Why is Dogen important?
Dogen matters because it offers a practical framework for integral to Zen practice and the direct experience of awakening.