Sōtō is one of the main schools of Zen Buddhism in Japan, known for its emphasis on zazen, or seated meditation. Founded in the 13th century by Dōgen, Sōtō teaches that enlightenment can be achieved through the practice of meditation and mindfulness in everyday life. The Sōtō school values the importance of direct experience and encourages practitioners to engage fully in their activities. Its teachings focus on the idea that the act of sitting in meditation itself is a form of enlightenment, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.