Authors

Dōgen

Dōgen (1200–1253) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist priest who founded the Sōtō school in Japan and established the Eihei-ji monastery. He studied in China, wrote the Shōbōgenzō, and emphasized zazen (sitting meditation) and practice as the expression of enlightenment.

Quotes: 2

Quotes by Dōgen

To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by all things. — Dōgen

How Self-Forgetting Opens the Door to Enlightenment

Dōgen frames awakening as an apparent contradiction: you begin by studying the self, yet that very study culminates in forgetting the self. The first clause points to honest examination—watching thoughts, motives, and ha...

Created on: 3/10/2026

Listen to the Voice Within Yourself - Dōgen

This quote emphasizes the importance of individualism. It encourages people to rely on their own inner wisdom and insights rather than simply following the ideas and teachings of others.

Created on: 6/27/2024