Dōgen

Lore & Background

Dōgen was probably born into a noble family as an illegitimate child of Minamoto Michichika. His mother died when he was age 7. In 1212, at age 13, he fled to Mount Hiei to become a monk in the Tendai school, but became dissatisfied with its teaching, particularly the concept of original enlightenment. He traveled to China in 1223 with Myōzen, studying under Tiāntóng Rújìng, an eminent teacher of the Cáodòng lineage. Under Rujing, Dōgen realized liberation of body and mind upon hearing the master say 'cast off body and mind.' He received Dharma transmission from Rujing in 1227.

Upon returning to Japan, Dōgen wrote the Fukanzazengi and promoted zazen. He broke relations with the Tendai School and left Kyoto amid tensions. In 1243, he relocated to Echizen province, where his followers built Daibutsu Temple, later renamed Eihei-ji in 1246. Dōgen spent the remainder of his life teaching and writing at Eihei-ji. He fell ill in autumn 1252 and died in Kyoto in 1253 after seeking a remedy.

Reader's Guide

Dōgen's significance lies in his establishment of the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan, which emphasizes the practice of zazen, particularly shikantaza ('just sitting'). His writings, especially the Shōbōgenzō (Treasury of the True Dharma Eye), are foundational texts in contemporary Sōtō Zen. Dōgen's teachings stressed that zazen is identical to studying Zen and that it is accessible to all, including laity and all social classes. His legacy includes the monastic code Eihei Shingi, the first Japanese Zen monastic code, and his influence on Zen practice and philosophy. The temple he founded, Eihei-ji, remains one of the two head temples of Sōtō Zen in Japan. Dōgen's work continues to be studied widely in Zen traditions and beyond.

Did You Know?

• Dōgen was probably born as an illegitimate child of Minamoto Michichika.
• He traveled to China in 1223 and studied under Tiāntóng Rújìng, whom he called 'the Old Buddha'.
• Dōgen's realization of liberation came upon hearing Rujing say 'cast off body and mind'.
• He renamed Daibutsu Temple to Eihei-ji in 1246, which remains a head temple of Sōtō Zen.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Coming, going, the waterbirds don't leave a trace don't follow a path." — Dōgen "But do not ask me where I am going, As I travel in this limitless world, Where every step I take is my home." — Dōgen "Not doing wrong action, Sincerely doing every kind of good, naturally clarifies this mind.

This is the Teaching of all the Buddhas." — Dōgen "Original Japanese text published by Komeisha, English translation (Vol. I, Vol. II, Vol. III, Vol. IV) published by Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai." — Dōgen