Dogen

Dogen Zenji, commonly known as Dogen, was a 13th-century Japanese Buddhist monk, writer, poet, and philosopher who founded the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Born in 1200 in Kyoto, Japan, Dogen embarked on a spiritual quest at a young age, seeking answers to life's fundamental questions. In 1223, he traveled to China in search of authentic Zen teachings, where he studied under the guidance of the Chinese Zen master Rujing.

Upon returning to Japan, Dogen dedicated himself to transmitting the teachings of Zen Buddhism and establishing a monastic community based on the principles of zazen (seated meditation) and the direct experience of awakening. In 1236, he founded Eiheiji, one of the most prominent Zen monasteries in Japan, where he taught and wrote extensively until his death in 1253. Dogen's most famous work, the "Shobogenzo" (Treasury of the True Dharma Eye), is a collection of profound and poetic essays that explore the nature of reality, the practice of meditation, and the path to enlightenment. His teachings emphasize the importance of living an awakened life in the midst of ordinary activities and the integration of Zen practice into every aspect of daily life. Dogen's legacy as a visionary Zen master and prolific writer continues to inspire practitioners of Zen Buddhism around the world, offering timeless wisdom for those seeking to realize their true nature and awaken to the boundless depths of existence.