Soto Zen Buddhism

Introduction

Sozenji follows the practice of Soto Zen Buddhism. Buddhism follows the teachings of Shakamuni Buddha—the word Buddha meaning “The Enlightened One.” Zen is the Japanese version of the Chinese word Ch’an based on the Sanskrit word, Dhyana. The closest translation of the word is “meditation.” The Soto Sect of Buddhism is a branch of Zen and is referred to as “Soto Zen.”

Zen Buddhism and Shakamuni Buddha

The origins of Zen Buddhism are founded on the teachings of Shakamuni Buddha and are traced back to India, over 2,500 years ago. Prior to his enlightenment, the Buddha was known as Prince Siddhartha Gautama and was born in Lumbini’s garden to King Sudhodana and Queen Maya. At Siddhartha’s birth, Asita, a wise hermit, proclaimed, “Truly this child will become either a king or kings or a Buddha.”

Embracing this proclamation, King Sudhodana had great hopes that one day, his son would become a noble king. Growing up, Siddhartha was provided with every luxury he could have desired. His father also shielded him from any evidence of old age, sickness, and death so that his life would be free from such sadness.

However, while venturing out into the city streets, Siddhartha came upon an elderly man, a sick person, and a funeral procession. Having never been exposed to such visions, he began to question how he could save all men from suffering and sorrow. So at 29, Siddhartha left his dear wife and young son, his home and his worldly possessions in search of the Truth.

On his journey, Siddhartha first tried to learn from wise hermits in the forest but was not satisfied with their teachings. He then subjected himself to self-deprivation for almost six years and was at the brink of death from weakness and pain. However, experiencing such extreme measures still didn’t lead Siddhartha to the Truth .

Then, while sitting underneath the Bodhi Tree, he came upon the realization of the Truth, the reason for sorrow, and the path that would lead to a better life. It was at that moment, at age 35, when Siddhartha finally achieved enlightenment and was now known as the Buddha or “Enlightened One.”

What he discovered was the basis of his teachings that will “lead us from suffering, through love, to peace because suffering is the fundamental fact in nature and life, and because love shows us the way from suffering to peace. Suffering is the result of an attachment to circumstances and things which, by their nature, are subject to change. However, by ridding oneself of these attachments, including attachment to the false notion of self or "I", one can be free of suffering.”

Soto Zen Buddhism and Dogen Zenji

During the thirteenth century, Soto Zen Buddhism was introduced to Japan by Dogen Zenji (1200-1253). A Japanese priest, Dogen’s family were aristocrats. At a very young age, when his parents passed away, he experienced the harsh reality of life’s unpredictable and impermanent nature. As a young man, Dogen was dissatisfied with the outdated, more academic approach to Buddhism and set out on his own spiritual journey.

Dogen studied at various monasteries in both Japan and China. It was in China where he was trained under the guidance of Master Ju Ching. In 1226, Master Ju Ching confirmed Dogen’s enlightenment.

Upon his return to Japan, Dogen established numerous temples; his teachings appealed to many followers. At 43, the Eiheiji temple was built and became his primary residence until his death ten years later.

Dogen’s philosophy was based on simplicity, discipline and the practice of zazen which translates to “sitting meditation” or “just sitting.”