Eihei Dogen

Eihei Dogen (1200–1253) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist monk and founder of the Soto school of Zen. He is best known for integrating Zen practice with a focus on zazen, or seated meditation, emphasizing the importance of direct experience. Dogen wrote "Shobogenzo," a collection of writings that explore deep philosophical themes, including the nature of reality, time, and enlightenment. His teachings encourage practitioners to engage fully with each moment, asserting that practice and enlightenment are inherently intertwined. Dogen's influence extends beyond Zen, impacting Japanese culture and spirituality.