Dogen

Dōgen (dō`gĕn), 1200–1253, Zen master (see Zen Buddhism) and founder of the Sōtō Zen school in Japan. After studying in China, he received the seal of enlightenment and succession to the Ts'ao-tung (Sōtō) school. In 1236 he established the first independent Zen temple in Japan. Sōtō Zen stresses zazen, sitting meditation, based on the Buddha's own practice. Whereas for Rinzai Zen koans are a means to enlightenment, Sōtō stresses the identity of practice and attainment. Dōgen, unlike many Zen masters, stressed practice without rejecting scripture.

Bibliography

See H.-J. Kim, Dōgen Kigen, Mystical Realist (1975); Y. Yokei, Zen Master Dōgen (1976); F. Cook, How to Raise an Ox (1978); C. Bielefeldt, Dōgen's Manuals of Zen Meditation (1988); G. Snyder, The Teachings of Zen Master Dogen (1992).

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Dogen

(born Jan. 19, 1200, Kyoto, Japan—died Sept. 22, 1253, Kyoto) Japanese Buddhist who introduced Soto Zen to Japan from China. Orphaned at age 7, he became a monk at 13. He studied in China under the Zen master Rujing (1223–27), and he also studied with Eisai. He returned to Japan and taught Zen meditation, spending his last years at Eihei Temple, which he founded.