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Caodong ( Chinese 曹洞宗) is a Chinese Zen Buddhist sect founded by Dongshan Liangjie and his Dharma-heirs in the 9th century. Some attribute the name "Caodong" as a union of "Dongshan" and "Caoshan" from one of his Dharma-heirs, Caoshan Benji ; however, the "Cao" much more likely came from "Caoxi", the "mountain-name" of Huineng, the Sixth Ancestor of Chan, as Caoshan was of little importance unlike his contemporary and fellow Dharma-heir, Yunju Daoying. The sect emphasised sitting meditation , and later " silent illumination " techniques.

In 1227 Dogen Zenji took Caodong to Japan as the Soto sect, where it became very popular.

Caodong masters:

• Caoshan Benji ( 9th century)
• Dongshan Liangjie ( 9th century)
• Hongzhi Zhengjue ( 12th century)