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Name:
Dogen
Zenji Dogen Kigen
Joyo Daishi
Dates:
Born: January 19, 1200 in Kyoto, Japan
Died: September 22, 1253 in Kyoto, Japan
Studied in China: 1223-1227
Biography:
Dogen, also known as Joyo Daishi and founder of the Soto Zen school, is one of
the most important figures not only of Buddhism, but also of Japanese
intellectual history.
When Dogen entered a Buddhist monastery at the age of 13, he experienced what would come to be known as "the Great Doubt" - he wondered why so much training and effort is necessary to attain Enlightenment when, as he was taught, that all beings have within them the buddha-nature? This doubt and questioning caused him to leave the monastery and travel to China where he studied and questioned and sought to gain a better understanding of Buddhism and reality.
His ultimate conclusion was, first, that we don't really have the buddha-nature within us; rather we all are the buddha-nature. Great effort is not necessary to achieve this - what is necessary is instead simply to realize who and what we really are. At the same time, he also taught that joy, peace, and rest are the natural states of human beings. These aren't things for which we must struggle but things which we must simply flow back into.
How are such realizations achieved? For Dogen, the principle method is zazen; indeed his way is known as shikan taza, which means "zazen alone". Zazen is a basic Japanese meditation practice which is performed while in a particular sitting position.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism? For that matter, what is and is not a religion?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear.
Further Reading:
Ultimate Journey
In 629, the Chinese Buddhist monk Hsuan Tsang left the Tang dynasty capital Chang-an (current-day Xian) and traveled to India to see the main shrines of his religion. His path was difficult, taking him across deserts and mountains. His record of the 15-year-long voyage not only served generations of travelers, but also generations of scholars and school children until, eventually, it ended up largely forgotten. Read Review...
The New Buddhism
Buddhism has become very popular in the West over the past couple of decades, but to what degree has Buddhism been changing the West, and to what degree has Buddhism itself undergone change? According to William Coleman, Buddhism has changed a lot, yet nevertheless, it is fundamentally the same as it has always been. But how can this be? Read Review...
