Meditation plays a central role in Dogen's teachings and is considered the cornerstone of Soto Zen Buddhism. Dogen believed that meditation, or zazen, was the key to understanding the true nature of reality and achieving enlightenment.

According to Dogen, meditation is not just a practice to calm the mind or achieve inner peace, but it is a means to directly experience the true nature of existence. In his teachings, he emphasized the importance of sitting in meditation with a clear and focused mind, free from distractions and attachments.

Dogen's approach to meditation was unique in that he rejected the idea of seeking enlightenment through external means such as rituals or scriptures. Instead, he encouraged his followers to look within and deepen their understanding of themselves and the world through the practice of zazen.

In his most famous work, the Shobogenzo, Dogen wrote extensively about the practice of zazen and its role in achieving enlightenment. He believed that through meditation, one could attain a state of "samadhi," where the mind is completely absorbed in the present moment and free from all distractions. This state of samadhi is considered essential for understanding the true nature of reality and achieving enlightenment.

Dogen also emphasized the importance of posture in meditation, stating that the physical posture of the body is a reflection of the mind. He taught his students to sit in a stable and upright position, with the spine straight and the mind focused. This physical posture, combined with a clear and focused mind, was believed to be the key to unlocking the true potential of meditation.

Another important aspect of Dogen's teachings on meditation is the concept of "just sitting." This means sitting in meditation without any particular goal or expectation, simply being present in the moment without trying to achieve anything. This approach to meditation is in contrast to other forms of meditation that focus on achieving specific states or experiences.

In conclusion, meditation holds a significant role in Dogen's teachings, as it is seen as the means to directly experience the true nature of reality and achieve enlightenment. Through the practice of zazen, one can attain a state of samadhi and gain a deeper understanding of the self and the world. Dogen's teachings on meditation continue to influence the practice of Soto Zen Buddhism today, emphasizing the importance of sitting in meditation as a way to awaken to the true nature of existence.