Dogen Japanese thinker, patriarch of Zen, founder of the Japanese Soto school Date of Birth: 19.01.1200 Country: Japan

1. Early Life and Monastic Journey
2. Enlightenment and Return to Japan
3. Shikantaza: "Just Sitting"
4. Founding of Eiheiji Monastery
5. Later Life and Legacy

Early Life and Monastic Journey

Dogen Zenji, a Japanese philosopher and Zen patriarch, was born into an aristocratic family but orphaned at a young age. In 1213, he embraced monastic life. After training in Japan, he embarked on a journey to China in 1223 with his mentor, Myozen.

Enlightenment and Return to Japan

In 1225, Dogen encountered the Chinese Chan master Jujing (Japanese: Nyojo Zenji of Mount Tendo), the patriarch of the Caodong school. At the end of the summer meditation period (Japanese: geango), at the age of 25, Dogen attained great enlightenment under Jujing's guidance. After his mentor's death in 1227, Dogen returned to Japan.

Shikantaza: "Just Sitting"

Unlike many other monks who returned from their Chinese training with an abundance of sutras, Dogen came back empty-handed. The only thing he brought with him was the realization that made the "just sitting" practice (Japanese: shikan-taza) his own.

Founding of Eiheiji Monastery

In 1243, Dogen left Kyoto and, at the invitation of patron Hatano Yoshishige, retired to the mountains of Echizen. In 1244, the construction of Daibutsuji Monastery, sponsored by Hatano Yoshishige, was completed. The monastery was soon renamed Eiheiji and is now known as Daihonzan Eiheiji. It was there that Dogen continued his Zen practice and nurtured his disciples.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1253, Dogen fell ill and passed away at the age of 53. Modern Soto schools commemorate his passing on September 29th. Dogen taught the nonduality between enlightenment and Zen practice, stating that sitting in zazen is already enlightenment. His teachings emphasized the importance of awakening the thought of enlightenment and following it diligently, which is the path of the Buddha and the patriarchs.