Dogen, the founder of Soto Zen Buddhism in Japan, had a complex and ever-evolving relationship with Emperor Gotoba. At the start of his spiritual journey, Dogen was deeply influenced by the teachings of the Tendai school of Buddhism, which was closely associated with the imperial court. This led to his initial admiration and respect for Emperor Gotoba, who was a devout follower of Tendai Buddhism.

However, as Dogen delved deeper into his practice and studies, he began to question the teachings and practices of Tendai Buddhism. He found that they did not fully align with his understanding of the true nature of reality and the path to enlightenment. This led him to seek out other schools of Buddhism, including the Rinzai school, which emphasized the practice of zazen (meditation) as the key to attaining enlightenment.

It was during this time that Dogen's relationship with Emperor Gotoba began to change. The emperor, who was known for his patronage of Buddhism and his own spiritual pursuits, was initially intrigued by Dogen's teachings and invited him to his court. However, as Dogen's teachings became increasingly critical of the Tendai school and its connection to the imperial court, the emperor's support and interest waned.

In fact, Emperor Gotoba eventually banned Dogen from preaching in the capital city of Kyoto, fearing that his teachings would undermine the influence and power of the Tendai school. This led to a period of exile for Dogen, during which he continued to deepen his understanding of Zen and develop his own unique teachings.

Despite this, Dogen and Emperor Gotoba maintained a cordial relationship, with the emperor even granting Dogen permission to establish his own monastery in the remote mountains of Echizen province. This monastery, Eiheiji, became the center of Soto Zen practice and continues to be a revered site for Zen practitioners to this day.

In the later years of his life, Emperor Gotoba became more disillusioned with the Tendai school and turned to Dogen for spiritual guidance. The two even exchanged letters, with the emperor seeking Dogen's advice on matters of Buddhist doctrine and practice.

In the end, Dogen's relationship with Emperor Gotoba can be seen as one of mutual respect and influence. While they may have had different perspectives on certain aspects of Buddhism, they both shared a deep commitment to the pursuit of enlightenment and the spread of the dharma. Their interactions and exchanges ultimately played a crucial role in the development and spread of Soto Zen in Japan.