Dogen-ki (Memorial Day for Dogen)

What Is Dogen-ki (Memorial Day for Dogen)?

August 28 marks "Dogen-ki," a day commemorating Dogen, the founder of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism, who passed away on the 28th day of the eighth lunar month in 1253 (the fifth year of the Kencho era). Converted to today's calendar, that date corresponds to September 29, 1253.

Remembering the Monk Who Brought Zen to Japan

Dogen was a Kamakura-period Zen monk who brought the teachings of Soto Zen from China to Japan and founded Eihei-ji Temple in present-day Fukui Prefecture. Dogen-ki is a day set aside to reflect on his teachings and life.

• Origin: The death anniversary of Dogen, founder of the Soto school, who died on the 28th day of the eighth lunar month, 1253
• School: Soto Zen Buddhism
• Observance: Soto Zen temples hold memorial services for Dogen, and the head temple Eihei-ji holds a service of gratitude known as "Goshoki"

Dogen's Path

• 1200: Born in Kyoto. He became a monk on Mount Hiei at 14 and later studied at Kennin-ji under Myozen, a disciple of Eisai
• 1223: Traveled to Song-dynasty China with Myozen and practiced Soto Zen under Rujing at Mount Tiantong
• 1227: Returned to Japan, and in 1233 founded Kosho-ji in Fukakusa, Kyoto
• 1244: Founded Daibutsu-ji in Echizen (Fukui Prefecture), later renamed Eihei-ji

His major work, the "Shobogenzo," is still widely read as a text that deeply influenced the history of Japanese thought.

The Teaching of "Shikantaza"

Dogen placed great importance on "shikantaza" — the practice of sitting in meditation with single-minded focus. His teaching of quieting the mind and being fully present in the moment continues to resonate today.

Ways to Mark the Day

• Learn about Dogen's life and teachings
• Read about the Soto school and the philosophy of Zen
• Look into temples associated with him, such as Eihei-ji
• Set aside a quiet moment to sit still and clear your mind

A Teaching on Stillness That Still Reaches Us Today

Dogen-ki is a day to hold in mind the teachings of a Zen monk who lived nearly 800 years ago in the Kamakura period. August 28 is an invitation to pause amid a busy day and quiet the mind, if only for a moment.