Dōgen's influence on modern Zen

Dōgen, a 13th-century Japanese Zen master, profoundly shaped modern Zen through his teachings on direct experience, mindfulness, and the integration of meditation into everyday life. His emphasis on “just sitting” (zazen) as a path to enlightenment encourages practitioners to cultivate awareness and presence in all actions. Dōgen’s writings, like *Shōbōgenzō*, challenge followers to see beyond conceptual thinking and realize their inherent Buddha nature. His focus on sincere practice and understanding deeply influences contemporary Zen communities worldwide, fostering a practical, experiential approach that balances meditation, ethics, and daily life.