The Soto Zen School was brought from China to Japan in the beginning of the 13th century by Zen monk Dogen, who received the teachings and certification from his master Nyojo. The monk Keizan, the fourth patriarch in the lineage of Master Dogen in Japan, followed and formalized Dogen’s teachings. In turn, Keizan also broadened the teachings.
Master Dogen and Master Keizan are both seen as the founders of the Soto Zen school. On the picture they are represented equally, both at the feet of Shakyamuni Buddha. The tradition that we follow is simply a continuation of the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. The source of the teaching is the awakening of the Buddha in India 2500 years ago.
In Sanscrit the term “Dhyana” is used to describe sitting in silence, a practice put forward by Buddha. The teaching of Buddha’s awakening spread first through China under the name “Chan”, and afterwards in Japan under the name “Zen”, and finally has come to the West.
“Sôtô” refers to the names of two chinese masters in the transmission lineage: Tôzan and his disciple Sôsan. The school characterizes itself by placing a lot of attention on the correct posture of body and mind, in all its simplicity. Sôtô Zen practice invites us to dive deep into the heart of reality, going beyond attachments to mental categories.
