Dogen

JAPAN, Kyoto; Kamakura period

Dogen, also known as Eihei Dogen, Kigen, or Buppobo, was a Zen monk and calligrapher. He was also regarded as the founding patriarch of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. It is said that upon observing the diffusion of incense smoke into the air, Dogen realized impermanence and resolved to seek the Dharma. He entered Enryakuji Temple in Shiga at the age of 13 to learn the teachings of the Tendai school. Renouncing the following year under Master Koyen, he was ordained with the Mahayana Bodhisattva precepts.
At 18, Dogen studied Buddhism under Master Myozen at Kenninji Temple in Kyoto, later traveling alongside him to China to visit well-known Buddhist sites. They eventually arrived at Jingde Temple in Zhejiang, where Dogen met Master Changweng Rujing, and became enlightened under his instruction. Upon his return to Japan in 1227, Dogen propagated the teachings of the Soto school and was a strong advocate of sitting meditation.
As a way of spreading the teachings of Zen Buddhism, Dogen established Koshoji Temple in Kyoto. He was later invited by Hatano Yoshishige to Echizen (present day Fukui) to establish Eiheiji Temple in 1243. After his passing, he was honored with the posthumous titles of Bussho Dento Kokushi and Joyo Daishi.
Dogen’s calligraphy was strongly influenced by Chinese calligraphers Huang Tingjian and Zhang Jizhi. His strokes were strong and energetic, and his characters forms were neat and rigorous. One of his most well-known works, Advice on Meditation Methods, is now kept at Eiheiji Temple in Fukui and listed as a National Treasure of Japan.