Eihei Dōgen

Eihei Dōgen was a Japanese Zen Buddhist monk and philosopher from the 13th century, known for founding the Eihei-ji monastery. He emphasized the importance of practicing meditation (zazen) as a way to directly experience the nature of reality, rather than relying solely on intellectual study. Dōgen's teachings highlight that enlightenment is accessible through everyday actions and mindful awareness, advocating for living fully in each moment. His writings, especially "Shōbōgenzō," explore the unity of practice and understanding, encouraging us to see the sacred in ordinary life and to cultivate awakening through genuine presence.