Perhaps a lesser-known fact is that The first dojo opened by Dogen Zenji, the founder of the Soto sect Stele marks a pivotal point. It commemorates the origin of a profound spiritual lineage. This stele stands as a reminder of Dogen Zenji’s transformative journey. Dogen Zenji was born in Kyoto in 1200.
Dogen’s early life saw him ordained as a monk in the Tendai School. Dissatisfied, he sought a more authentic Buddhism. This quest led him to China where he trained under Tiantong Rujing. Rujing was an eminent teacher of the Chinese Caodong lineage. After his return to Japan, Dogen began to promote zazen or sitting meditation. He expressed his teachings through works like Fukan zazengi and Bendowa.
The first dojo opened by Dogen Zenji, the founder of the Soto sect Stele symbolizes Dogen’s break from the Tendai School. Likely facing friction with the establishment, Dogen left Kyoto. He ventured into the mountainous countryside. There, he founded Eihei-ji monastery. This monastery remains the head temple of the Soto school today.
Dogen Zenji is also known by other names. Dogen Kigen, Eihei Dogen, and Kosho Joyo Daishi are some. Bussho Dento Kokushi is another name. Dogen’s extensive writings are well-known. The Shobogenzo is a collection of 95 essays. Eihei Koro recorded his talks and poetry. Eihei Shingi was the first Zen monastic code written in Japan.
The first dojo opened by Dogen Zenji, the founder of the Soto sect Stele stands in Kyoto. It reminds us that Dogen returned to Japan around 1227. He went back to Kennin-ji where he trained. One of his first actions was to write Fukanzazengi. This text emphasized the importance of zazen.
Tension arose with the Tendai community suppressing Zen. Dogen left Kyoto in 1230. He settled in an abandoned temple in Uji. Dogen founded Kannon-dori-in in Fukakusa in 1233. This was a small center of practice. He later expanded it into Koshōhorin-ji.
The first dojo opened by Dogen Zenji, the founder of the Soto sect Stele marks a new beginning. Hatano Yoshishige offered to relocate Dogen’s community to Echizen province in 1243. Dogen accepted due to tension and competition from the Rinzai school. His followers built Daibutsu Temple. While under construction, Dogen taught at Yoshimine-dera Temple.
Dogen renamed Daibutsu-ji to Eihei-ji in 1246. This temple remains one of the two head temples of Soto Zen. Dogen spent his remaining years teaching and writing at Eihei-ji. The first dojo opened by Dogen Zenji, the founder of the Soto sect Stele, therefore represents a profound shift. It highlights Dogen’s dedication to Zen Buddhism. It also exemplifies his lasting influence on Japanese spiritual history. It acts as a simple marker. It quietly narrates a story of determination. It embodies a legacy of spiritual innovation.