Japanese Zen master Dogen, after China study, founded Soto school emphasizing zazen (sitting meditation) for direct insight into impermanence and suchness. His writings blend philosophy and poetry. It mattered by deepening Japanese Buddhism's introspective mysticism.

Dogen's Zen poetry and meditation practices in Japan, particularly through his work 'Shobogenzo,' have profoundly influenced poets like Ryokan and Gary Snyder. This tradition promotes mindful awareness and has inspired a global contemplative literature that seeks to capture the essence of Zen experience in poetic form.