Eihei Dogen
How did Eihei Dogen's teachings differ from other Zen masters?
Eihei Dogen was a highly influential Zen master and founder of the Soto Zen tradition in Japan. His teachings and approach to Zen differed from other Zen masters in several ways.
Firstly, Dogen emphasized the importance of zazen, or seated meditation, as the primary practice of Zen. While other Zen masters also taught zazen, Dogen placed a strong emphasis on the practice as a means to directly experience the nature of reality. He believed that through zazen, one could awaken to the true nature of existence and attain enlightenment.
Secondly, Dogen's teachings were heavily influenced by the Chinese Chan tradition, which emphasized the use of paradoxical statements and koans to challenge the mind and break through conceptual thinking. However, Dogen also incorporated the traditional Japanese practice of shikantaza, or "just sitting," which involves simply being present and aware without any specific focus or goal. This combination of Chinese and Japanese influences created a unique approach to Zen that was both rigorous and open-minded.
Dogen also placed a strong emphasis on the concept of "non-duality," or the idea that all things are interconnected and ultimately one. This was a departure from the more dualistic views of other Zen masters, who often emphasized the need to transcend the world of form and achieve a separate, enlightened state. Dogen believed that enlightenment was not something to be attained, but rather a natural state of being that could be realized through the practice of zazen.
Another aspect of Dogen's teachings that set him apart from other Zen masters was his emphasis on the importance of everyday activities as a means to practice and cultivate mindfulness. He believed that enlightenment was not limited to the meditation cushion, but could be experienced in every moment of daily life. This idea is reflected in his famous quote, "To study the Buddha Way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by all things."
In conclusion, Eihei Dogen's teachings differed from other Zen masters in their emphasis on zazen as the primary practice, the incorporation of both Chinese and Japanese influences, the concept of non-duality, and the integration of daily life into the practice of Zen. His teachings continue to be influential in the Soto Zen tradition and have had a lasting impact on the practice of Zen in Japan and around the world.