Many of us have read books on Zen, have tried meditation practice on our own, or may be looking for a Zen teacher.  We naturally have many questions about Zen.

What is self-realization or enlightenment?

How can I integrate Zen practice with my everyday life?

Is it important to study with a teacher?

Dogen Zenji, 1200 - 1253

 The Chattanooga Zen Group is founded by Arthur Stovall, Sensei, Zen Priest and a Senior Teacher from the Atlanta Soto Zen Center.  The group provides community and spiritual support to those wishing to have a genuine Zen practice in the Chattanooga area.  We practice zazen in the Soto Zen tradition of Dogen Zenji.

Please join our group for weekly Zen practice and study.  In practicing zazen, you will have the opportunity to experience that which you have read about, to find strength in practicing alongside like-minded people, and to directly explore the heart of Zen practice for yourself.

There is no fee for attending the group, however donations are accepted.

Dogen Zenji's authentic Zen practice has been scrupulously observed by his successors. Even today, both priests and lay people devote themselves to his practice of Shikantaza ("just sitting").

Dogen was born in Japan in the year 1200 A.D. When he was 24, he traveled to China and devoted himself to true Zen practice under the guidance of Nyojozenji at Mt.Tendo. After having "dropped off both body and mind", realizing the way of the Buddha, he returned home in 1228, bringing with him the practice of Zazen (Shikantaza).

After returning to Japan, Dogen lived at Kenninji temple for 3 years, then founded his first temple, Kosho-Horinji in Uji, Kyoto. In 1244 Dogen zenji and his followers visited Shii-no-Sho in Echizen (now Fukui Prefecuture) to build a mountain temple. He was offerd land and other help for this by Yoshishige Hatano, a samurai who was one of his most devoted lay followers. Dogen thus founded Eiheiji , where he devoted himself to training his followers in the perfection of Zen practice in every action of daily life.

Dogen died on September 29, 1253, leaving a number of noted books including the Shobogenzo, Gakudo Yojinshu, and Eihei Dai Shingi.