Soto Zen - Overview

Introduction to Soto Zen

• Soto Zen (Soto-shu): Largest of the three traditional Zen sects in Japanese Buddhism.
• Origin: Japanese line of the Chinese Caodong school, established by Dongshan Liangjie (9th century).
• Practice: Emphasizes Shikantaza, meditation without objects or content.

Historical Background

Chinese Origins

• Caodong School: Founded by Dongshan Liangjie in the Tang dynasty.
• Name Origin: Derived from Dongshan and his disciple Caoshan Benji.

Introduction to Japan

• Dogen Zenji: Brought Caodong teachings to Japan in 1227.
• Kamakura Period: Dogen founded Eihei-ji temple, focused on zazen practice.
• Spread in Japan: Dogen's teachings expanded through disciples like Keizan Jokin.

Key Figures in Soto Zen

• Dogen Zenji: Primary founder of Soto Zen in Japan.
• Keizan Jokin: "Second founder," expanded Soto Zen's reach.
• Koun Ej: Successor to Dogen, emphasized austere Zen Buddhism.

Soto Zen in Later Periods

Muromachi & Edo Periods

• Spread and Control: Soto Zen spread across Japan, faced control under Tokugawa shogunate.
• Dharma Transmission: Emphasis on lineage and the personal initiation between master and disciple.

Meiji Restoration

• Modernization: Adaptation to Western influences; reappraisal of Dogen's work.
• Dogen's Role: Centralized Eihei-ji's role in Soto Zen.

Soto Zen in the Western World

• Shunryu Suzuki: Key figure in spreading Soto Zen to the West.
• San Francisco Zen Center: Significant center established by Suzuki in California.

Practices and Teachings

Shikantaza

• Primary Practice: Seated meditation with no objects or content.
• Dogen's Advocacy: Promoted zazen as the supreme Buddhist practice.

Texts and Sutras

• Core Texts: Shobogenzo by Dogen, Heart Sutra, and Dogen's Fukanzazengi.

Organizational Structure

• Head Temples: Eihei-ji and Soji-ji.
• Training Centers: About 30 training centers for monks.

Soto Zen's Influence and Legacy

• North American Soto Zen Buddhist Association: Formed in 1996, includes a majority of North American Soto priests.
• Textual Authority: Dogen studies emphasized as core educational focus.

Key Takeaways

• Soto Zen: Known for meditation-centric practice with a broad appeal, sometimes referred to as "farmer Zen."
• Importance of Lineage: Emphasis on authentic dharma transmission and personal initiation.
• Adaptation to Change: Soto Zen has evolved with sociopolitical changes, especially during the Meiji Restoration and Western expansion.