Exemplars for the moral education of beginners in the religious life: Aquinas and dōgen

Abstract

Both Aquinas and Dōgen devoted considerable attention to the moral education of “beginners” in the religious life. A juxtaposed reading of their respective primers on the subject-namely II-II q.186-189 of Summa Theologiae and the Shobogenzo Zuimonki-reveals that both men employ, among other things, moral exemplars for emulation. Furthermore, closer examination suggests that viable analogues between Aquinas and Dōgen can be identified. These range from the Christ and the Buddha and other religious figures to philosophers and other moral exemplars as well. The broad array of analogous moral exemplars also displays the prodigious knowledge, cosmopolitan sophistication, and skillful means of both Aquinas and Dōgen in their efforts to provide moral instruction.