Eihe Dogen永平道元 道元alternative words: Eihei Dougen, Dogen Eihe, Dougen Eihei, Dogen, Dougen keywords: buddhism , famous person , priest related topics: Tendai sect , Soto sect , Zen related web sites: http://www.ic-net.or.jp/home/yaguchi/houwa/dougen.htm explanation: Born in 1200 in a noble family of Kyoto. Lost very young both of parents, he entered Enryakuji monastery to study from Tendai sect. He then went to China in 1223 to study from Soto sect. Returned back in 1227, he wrote Fukan Zazengi which explains the practice of Zazen. Disgusted with established Buddhist sects, he moved to Fukui prefecture to build Eiheji temple. Because of hard discipline, his sect had become popular among samurai clans. He died in 1253. | |