Dogen (Eihei Dōgen)

Eihei Dōgen was a 13th-century Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher and founder of the Soto school of Zen. He emphasized the importance of direct, mindful experience of reality through meditation (zazen) and believed that enlightenment is not separate from everyday life. Dōgen's teachings focus on the unity of practice and insight, encouraging practitioners to see that true understanding arises from fully embodying each moment. His writings, especially the profound text "Shōbōgenzō," explore the nature of existence, emphasizing that enlightenment is accessible in simple, daily activities and that practice is itself awakening.