Dogen Kigen

Dogen was a Japanese Buddhist monk, writer, poet, and philosopher who founded the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Japanese Buddhism and Zen. He was born into a noble family in Kyoto, but lost both of his parents at a young age. He was ordained as a monk in the Tendai school of Buddhism, but became dissatisfied with its teachings and practices. He traveled to China to study Zen under the master Rujing, and attained enlightenment after hearing him say, "Cast off body and mind." He returned to Japan and established a Zen community at Koshoji Temple in Uji, where he began to write his magnum opus, Shobogenzo, a collection of his writings and teachings on various aspects of Zen. He later moved his community to Eiheiji Temple in Fukui, where he continued to teach and write until his death. He emphasized the practice of zazen, or sitting meditation, as the expression of Buddha-nature and the realization of enlightenment. He also taught the oneness of practice and verification, the buddha-nature of all beings, the impermanence of time and being, and the perfect expression of the Dharma in all phenomena. He was critical of other schools of Buddhism, especially the Rinzai school of Zen, for their reliance on koans, rituals, and ceremonies. He advocated a simple and sincere way of life, based on the precepts, compassion, and wisdom. He is revered as the founder of the Soto school of Zen, which is one of the largest sects of Buddhism in Japan today. He is also widely respected as a poet, philosopher, and religious reformer. His writings and teachings have influenced many generations of Zen practitioners, as well as scholars and artists of various fields.