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Discover›Philosophy & belief
Contents
Dōgen
Philosopher

Dōgen

Famoose for

Making seated meditation central to the Sōtō Zen tradition in Japan.

Shōbōgenzō · Fukanzazengi

Born
1200
Birthplace
Japan; traditionally associated with Kyoto
Died
1253

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Dōgen

Dōgen was a Japanese Buddhist teacher and writer whose work connects practice with awakening.

Early life

Early life

Traditional accounts describe an aristocratic background and early parental loss.

Monastic education

Entered Buddhist training while young.

Career

  1. 1223–1227

    Study in China

    Travelled to China and studied Chan Buddhism.

  2. 1227 onward

    Return to Japan

    Taught a practice centred on seated meditation.

  3. 1240s

    Eihei-ji

    Established the monastery associated with his later teaching.

Ideas & writings

Shōbōgenzō

Collected essays exploring Buddhist practice and experience.

Fukanzazengi

Set out instructions and encouragement for seated meditation.

Tenzo Kyōkun

Examined practice through the monastery cook’s responsibilities.

Legacy

Everyday activity

Treated ordinary monastic tasks as occasions for practice.

Legacy

His writings became foundational for Japanese Sōtō Zen.

Sources & photo creditLife, career and references ↗Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy ↗

Photo: Unknown author Unknown author. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.