Eihei Dogen was a 13th century Japanese Buddhist monk and philosopher who is best known as the founder of the Soto Zen school of Buddhism in Japan. The name "Eihei Dogen" is of great significance and holds a deep meaning in the context of his life and teachings.

The name "Eihei" is made up of two characters: "ei" meaning "eternity" or "perpetual" and "hei" meaning "peace" or "tranquility". This name was given to Dogen by his teacher, Myozen, and it reflects his deep understanding and pursuit of the eternal and peaceful nature of reality. It also reflects his belief in the concept of "Dharma", the universal law that governs all existence.

The second part of his name, "Dogen", is made up of two characters as well: "do" meaning "way" or "path" and "gen" meaning "source" or "origin". This name reflects Dogen's belief in the interconnectedness of all things and his understanding that the path to enlightenment is found within oneself. He believed that the true source of wisdom and enlightenment lies within each individual and that it is through the practice of meditation and self-reflection that one can discover this truth.

Together, the name "Eihei Dogen" can be interpreted as "the eternal and peaceful source of the way". This name reflects Dogen's philosophy that enlightenment is not something that can be attained through external means, but rather it is a state of being that is already present within each individual.

Furthermore, the name "Eihei Dogen" also holds significance in the context of Soto Zen Buddhism. The word "Soto" means "sudden" or "immediate", and it is believed that Dogen's teachings and practice of meditation lead to a sudden and immediate realization of one's true nature. This idea is reflected in his name, as the characters "ei" and "hei" can also be interpreted as "sudden" and "immediate".

In conclusion, the name "Eihei Dogen" holds a deep and profound meaning in the context of Dogen's life and teachings. It reflects his belief in the eternal and peaceful nature of reality, the interconnectedness of all things, and the sudden and immediate realization of one's true nature. It serves as a reminder of his teachings and continues to inspire and guide practitioners of Soto Zen Buddhism to this day.