who was dogen

Biography

Key Takeaway: Dogen was a key philosopher/thinker in Zen Buddhism.

Dogen (道元) was a significant figure 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' (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 the tradition of Zen Buddhism, as transmitted through the teachings of masters from Bodhidharma to Dogen, who was dogen (道元) represents a key insight in Zen Buddhism.

— Oriens
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22 questions about Dogen

Frequently Asked Questions

who was dogen

The origins of Dogen are deeply rooted in the history of 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 The concept has evolved over centuries while maintaining its core insights.

道元 biography

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Dogen life story

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When did Dogen live

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Where did Dogen teach

Where did Dogen teach is an important topic 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 Exploring this question reveals deeper insights into how the tradition approaches wisdom and understanding.

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To understand does dogen influence modern thought, begin with the foundational principles of 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 Start by studying the core texts and then applying their insights to daily life.

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