Dōgen (Dōgen Kigen)

Dōgen (Dōgen Kigen) was a 13th-century Japanese Zen master and founder of the Sōtō Zen school. He emphasized that enlightenment isn’t separate from everyday life but is found through direct, mindful engagement in each moment—particularly through meditation (zazen). Dōgen’s teachings highlight the importance of fully experiencing reality as it is, without attachment or distraction, fostering a state of awake awareness. His writings, especially the "Shōbōgenzō," explore profound philosophical insights about the nature of existence, pointing practitioners toward a deep, continuous practice of mindfulness to realize their inherent Buddha-nature.