# Dōgen

> Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher (1200-1253)

**Wikidata**: [Q318064](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q318064)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dōgen)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dogen

## Summary
Dōgen (1200–1253) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher and philosopher, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Japanese Buddhism. He is best known for founding the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan and authoring the *Shōbōgenzō*, a seminal collection of philosophical and spiritual writings that remain central to Zen thought.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 19, 1200
- **Nationality**: Japan
- **Education**: Ordained as a monk at Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei; later studied under Zen master Rujing in China.
- **Known for**: Founding the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan and authoring the *Shōbōgenzō*.
- **Employer(s)**: Founder of Eihei-ji Temple, the primary center of the Sōtō school.
- **Field(s)**: Zen Buddhism, philosophy, religious writing, monastic education

## Contributions
- Authored the *Shōbōgenzō*, a collection of writings on Zen philosophy and practice, including:
  - *Fukan zazengi* (1227): A foundational text on the practice of zazen.
  - *Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki* (1230): A compilation of informal Dharma talks.
- Established Eihei-ji Temple in 1244 as the central monastery of the Sōtō school.
- Introduced the Sōtō school of Zen to Japan, emphasizing seated meditation (zazen) as the core of Zen practice.
- Created a distinctive philosophical and literary legacy that continues to influence Zen thought and practice.

## FAQs
### Where was Dōgen born and what was his early life like?
Dōgen was born in 1200 in Japan. He was orphaned at a young age and became a monk at Enryaku-ji, the center of Tendai Buddhism on Mount Hiei. He later traveled to China, where he studied under the Zen master Rujing and was deeply influenced by the practice of zazen.

### What are Dōgen's most important writings?
Dōgen authored several key texts:
- *Shōbōgenzō*: A collection of essays on Zen philosophy and practice.
- *Fukan zazengi* (1227): A concise guide to the practice of zazen.
- *Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki* (1230): A compilation of informal Dharma talks.

### What is the Sōtō school of Zen?
The Sōtō school is a Zen Buddhist tradition that emphasizes the practice of zazen (seated meditation) as the primary path to enlightenment. Dōgen introduced this school to Japan after his return from China, and it became one of the two dominant forms of Zen in Japan, alongside the Rinzai school.

### What is the significance of Eihei-ji Temple?
Eihei-ji Temple, founded by Dōgen in 1244, is the head temple of the Sōtō school in Japan. It remains a central institution for the study and practice of Sōtō Zen and continues to train monks in the tradition established by Dōgen.

### What is Dōgen's legacy?
Dōgen's legacy includes his philosophical writings, the establishment of the Sōtō school, and his emphasis on zazen as a form of spiritual practice. His works continue to be studied by Zen practitioners and scholars worldwide, and his teachings form the foundation of the Sōtō school's approach to meditation and monastic life.

## Why They Matter
Dōgen's contributions fundamentally shaped the development of Zen Buddhism in Japan. His emphasis on zazen as the core of Zen practice, his philosophical writings, and his institutional legacy through Eihei-ji Temple have had a lasting impact on Zen thought and practice. His works continue to be studied for their depth and literary quality, and his influence extends beyond Zen into broader Buddhist and philosophical discourse.

## Notable For
- Founding the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan
- Authoring the *Shōbōgenzō*, a major work of Zen literature
- Establishing Eihei-ji Temple as the central monastery of the Sōtō school
- Introducing the practice of zazen as the core of Zen training
- Emphasizing the unity of practice and enlightenment in his teachings

## Body

### Early Life and Training
Dōgen was born on January 19, 1200, in Japan. Orphaned at an early age, he became a monk at Enryaku-ji, the Tendai Buddhist monastery on Mount Hiei. He later traveled to China, where he studied under the Zen master Rujing, who emphasized the practice of zazen. This experience profoundly influenced Dōgen, leading him to return to Japan and establish the Sōtō school of Zen, which centers on the practice of seated meditation.

### Founding the Sōtō School
After his return from China, Dōgen became a pivotal figure in Japanese Zen. He emphasized zazen as the central practice of Zen and founded the Sōtō school, which differs from the Rinzai school in its focus on silent illumination and gradual cultivation rather than sudden enlightenment through koan practice. The Sōtō school became one of the two dominant forms of Zen in Japan, with Eihei-ji Temple, established in 1244, as its central monastery.

### Literary and Philosophical Contributions
Dōgen's writings are central to his legacy:
- *Shōbōgenzō*: A collection of 95 essays written in Japanese, which explore Zen philosophy and practice in depth. These essays are considered masterpieces of both Buddhist thought and Japanese literature.
- *Fukan zazengi* (1227): An early work that serves as a guide to the practice of zazen, emphasizing the importance of correct posture and mental attitude in meditation.
- *Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki* (1230): A compilation of informal Dharma talks that provide practical insights into Zen practice and philosophy.

### Institutional Legacy
Dōgen founded Eihei-ji Temple in 1244, which became the headquarters of the Sōtō school. The temple remains a vital center for Zen training and practice, embodying Dōgen's vision of integrating meditation with daily life. His institutional innovations, including the establishment of a monastic community centered on zazen, laid the groundwork for the Sōtō school's enduring influence in Japan and beyond.

### Influence and Legacy
Dōgen's influence extends beyond institutional and textual contributions. His emphasis on the unity of practice and enlightenment, expressed through zazen, has shaped the Sōtō school's identity. His writings are studied not only for their philosophical depth but also for their literary elegance. Dōgen's legacy is evident in the continued relevance of his teachings, which are central to Zen practice in Japan and increasingly in the West.

### Death and Later Recognition
Dōgen died on September 29, 1253. His teachings were preserved and transmitted through the Sōtō school, which he founded. His works, particularly the *Shōbōgenzō*, remain foundational texts in Zen study and practice. Dōgen's approach to Zen, emphasizing the integration of meditation into every aspect of life, continues to influence modern Zen communities and scholars.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. datos.bne.es
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Japan Search
5. CiNii Research
6. MusicBrainz
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. IdRef
9. CONOR.SI
10. Catalogo of the National Library of India