Dōgen's enlightenment experience

Dōgen’s enlightenment experience involved a profound awakening to the interconnectedness of all things, where he directly realized that life and existence are seamlessly unified beyond conceptual distinctions. He saw that practice and realization are inseparable, understanding that true insight arises from fully engaging in each moment. This experience shifted his perspective from intellectual understanding to direct, embodied awareness, emphasizing that enlightenment is an ongoing process of fully embodying insight in everyday life. It underscores that enlightenment is not a distant goal but an immediate, ever-present reality accessible through mindful awareness.