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September 22
Dōgen, John Biddle, Saint Maurice, and the Emancipation Proclamation
David Barnhart
September 22, 2025
Goldenrod, 2025. Own photo.
On this day in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation announcing January 1, 1863 as Emancipation Day.
And in 1991, the Dead Sea Scrolls were made available to the public.
Today marks the death, in 1253, of Dōgen, founder of the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism
Today marks the death, in 1662, of John Biddle, a Unitarian who faced persecution in England because of his theological views. Because of his persecution, other minority religious groups organized to push for freedom of conscience.
Today is the feast day of Saint Maurice, and Egyptian soldier in the Roman army who was martyred in the year 287. He was openly Christian, but became commander of the Theban Legion. When they refused an order to kill Christians, the emperor had them all put to death. It is a reminder, under this fascist administration, of the moral imperative to refuse unjust orders to do harm .
Reflection:
Dōgen wrote:
But do not ask me where I am going,
As I travel in this limitless world,
Where every step I take is my home.
and
Just practice good, do good for others, without thinking of making yourself known so that you may gain reward. Really bring benefit to others, gaining nothing for yourself. This is the primary requisite for breaking free of attachments to the Self.
Prayer: God, may we seek after the good so much that we forget our selves. Let ego fall away so that all beings may find their true selves in you. Amen.