Eisai

…and may have studied with Eisai for a time. Like Eisai, whom he held in high esteem, Dōgen went to China, where he fell under the influence of a Chinese Chan master. Upon his return to Japan, he taught the discipline of “sitting straight” (Japanese: zazen), the practice of meditation…

…in 1191 by the priest Eisai. It became important culturally as well as religiously during the Kamakura period (1192–1333) under the patronage of lords and warriors and remained influential during the Ashikaga period (1338–1573). The celebrated master Hakuin was a major reformer of Rinzai during the 18th century.