Dogen, the founder of Soto Zen Buddhism in Japan, is known for his influential teachings and writings that have spread far beyond the borders of Japan. His teachings have had a significant impact on the development of Zen Buddhism not only in Japan but also in other parts of the world.

One of the main ways in which Dogen's teachings spread beyond Japan was through the travels of his disciples. After Dogen's death in 1253, many of his disciples traveled to different parts of Japan, spreading his teachings and establishing new Zen centers. These centers became important hubs for the dissemination of Dogen's teachings and attracted many new followers.

Furthermore, Dogen's writings, particularly his main work, the Shobogenzo, were also instrumental in spreading his teachings beyond Japan. The Shobogenzo is a collection of 95 essays on various aspects of Zen practice and philosophy. It was initially written in classical Chinese, which was the language of the educated elite in Japan at the time. However, over the years, the Shobogenzo was translated into Japanese, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Today, it has been translated into many languages, including English, and is considered one of the most important Zen texts.

Dogen's teachings also gained popularity in Japan due to the patronage of powerful rulers and influential figures. For example, Dogen's teachings were highly regarded by the Ashikaga Shogunate, a powerful military government that ruled Japan from the 14th to the 16th century. The Shogunate's support and patronage of Zen Buddhism, including Dogen's teachings, helped to spread his teachings to a wider audience.

In addition to Japan, Dogen's teachings also spread to other parts of Asia, particularly China and Korea. This was mainly due to the exchange of ideas and teachings between different Zen schools and practitioners. Dogen's teachings were highly regarded by Chinese and Korean Zen masters, who incorporated them into their own teachings and practices.

In modern times, Dogen's teachings have continued to spread beyond Japan through the efforts of Western practitioners and scholars. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Western scholars and practitioners began to take an interest in Zen Buddhism and its teachings. They translated Dogen's writings into English and introduced his teachings to a Western audience. Today, there are many Zen centers and communities outside of Japan that follow Dogen's teachings and consider him a significant figure in the development of Zen Buddhism.

In conclusion, Dogen's teachings have spread beyond Japan through the efforts of his disciples, the popularity of his writings, the support of powerful rulers, and the exchange of ideas between different Zen schools. His teachings continue to have a significant impact on the development of Zen Buddhism, not only in Japan but also in other parts of the world.