|
Post by leonardo on Mar 25, 2005 18:06:39 GMT
|
|
staffs
Administrator
Staffs
Posts: 3,295
|
Post by staffs on Mar 25, 2005 20:08:03 GMT
And here is the review of the book which i have slightly altered which gives a good explanation of esoteric freemasonry. :
An important part of becoming an esoteric Freemason is learning about the various individuals, groups and traditions that have influenced the symbolism and ritual of Accepted and Speculative Freemasonry. But esoteric Freemasonry is more than historical studies, theorizing about our hidden beginnings, or speculating on the "real" meaning of our symbols. Furthermore, the real secrets of Masonry won't be found in some old dusty manuscript written by a Knight Templar. If reading about these things is your game, then you may be an intrepid historian, but you really aren't becoming an esoteric Mason. You see, in its proper sense, "esoteric" means more than secret, hidden, or obscure; it literally refers to that which is "within" - within your heart, your mind, your spirit. How can we Masons overlook this kind of work?! Aren't we taught that all the working tools of Masonry are to be applied within the heart and mind? So to be an esoteric Mason we must enter the quarry of the soul. In that quarry, through the disciplined practice of introspection and meditation, we apply the working tools of Masonry in order to receive more Light. (Enlightenment!) This is the kind of work that separates the craftsmen from the apprentices.
Research in the form of history, philosophy, and internal disciplines such as meditation, prayer and contemplation may also be useful tools in helping you to become an esoteric Mason. And the most wonderful thing about Masonry is that you do not have to conform your thoughts to anyone else's dogma. Whether you are Christian, Jew, Moslem, Hindu or Wiccan, you work according to the designs on your own trestleboard and the Sacred Law in your religion.
So, pick up your tools and get to work!
|
|
|
Post by a on Mar 25, 2005 20:16:50 GMT
Aren't we taught that all the working tools of Masonry are to be applied within the heart and mind? So to be an esoteric Mason we must enter the quarry of the soul. In that quarry, through the disciplined practice of introspection and meditation, we apply the working tools of Masonry in order to receive more Light. (Enlightenment!) This is the kind of work that separates the craftsmen from the apprentices. Indeed. And by this standard those Freemasons who don't do such work, are well - apprentices, regardless of what their rank may say.
|
|
|
Post by Hubert (N. Z.) on Mar 26, 2005 0:50:45 GMT
This could be one of the BEST threads yet!
To me esoteric study develops over time. Just as in Meditation, one needs regular and constant practice, to become proficient at it - and thereby AWARE of what it can deliver - SO TOO MUST WE PRACTICE OUR CRAFT.
Initially, we learn the ritual, the secrets, the methods; BUT it is when we learn to apply them that things start to happen. I've been a mason for over 25 years, and I still have only scratched the surface. Fora such as these, however, greatly help in broadening one's horizons.
This subject is the hardest to teach new aspirants - that the secrets are not written or spoken - they have to be found by personal endeavour. This is ably assisted by the age old saying "when many gather in my name, much enlightenment can be achieved" (with apologies to the original text)
|
|
jmd
Member
fourhares.com
Posts: 1,081
|
Post by jmd on Mar 26, 2005 5:20:58 GMT
...so the question also is, what are we doing to educate our brethren to this important, or even VITAL (in its full sense), aspect of Freemasonry and, concurrently, what are we doing to encourage those non-Freemasons with esoteric interests that within Freemasonry lies (at least to my way of viewing things) one of the important foundation stones of Occidental Esotericism?
In an early lecture by Steiner (in Düsseldorf, 9th Feb 1906, GA 97), mention is made as to what needs to be done in relation to various stages of development, that 'that we learn to stand erect when the world despises us and casts derision on us'. A good Masonic piece of advice, I would suggest, for even from other Freemasons do we face such...
|
|
|
Post by Hubert (N. Z.) on Mar 26, 2005 5:36:14 GMT
Whistler continually reminds me that what we, as followers of esoteric study both within the craft and outside of it, take for granted, is actually very new to the general masonic membership. Granted that in CoMasonry there is more of a bent towards this understanding, but we still find it difficult to attract even spiritually minded individuals. I for one feel we should advertise/make known our existence, as this forum has shown. For many have indicated a surprise that we in fact are a functioning body! Let us rejoice in this new wonder - the internet and strive to "enlighten" those in the dark! ;D
|
|
jmd
Member
fourhares.com
Posts: 1,081
|
Post by jmd on Mar 26, 2005 5:46:52 GMT
I suspect not so much that it is new (as evidenced from the numerous books that have come out in various parts of the world in exclusively Masculine jurisdiction), but rather that we have long been a small pool within an oceanically sized order(s).
From the day I became initiated, I have always found numerous Freemasons esoterically oriented. Of course, living in a city with over three million people, this may be more easily done. Also, official publications from various GLs do not reflect (at the moment) views held in high esteem by even those who may be involved in those publications.
In some Lodges, some of us simply give the fraternal support of merriment and joy, and keep our conversations for more appropriate times.
|
|
|
Post by atarnaris on Mar 26, 2005 10:48:08 GMT
Indeed. And by this standard those Freemasons who don't do such work, are well - apprentices, regardless of what their rank may say. Well said. Would that include the Grand Masters then? Oh what blasphemy.Punish me, please...
|
|
|
Post by a on Mar 26, 2005 11:18:45 GMT
Well said. Would that include the Grand Masters then? Of course. Why wouldn't it?I think Staffs knows a place in Brighton that could help you with that.
|
|
|
Post by middlepillar on Mar 26, 2005 12:42:18 GMT
Hubert There are many 'esoterically' minded members out there, in UGLE land, it is just a question of reaching them, I am lucky that I belong to the SRIA, which tends to attract a majority of them, however there are still an awful lot of 'Profesional Masons' in the order. The fact is The SRIA opens doors for those who want to 'see' it is hard to explain but if you ask the right questions and make the right enquiries there is plenty of stuff to broaden your knowledge, and I would say in every College there are a few members of 'esoteric' orders that stay quite and observe everyone. If they think you could benefit both them and yourself they might approach you. The fundamental difference (IMHO) is simply from the outset Co-Masonry has endeavoured to develop all its members esoterically, and I believe our Male masonry always intended to use our system as a 'Filter'. I have held this theory for many years, and the more I see how our system works the more I believe it to be correct. I blame it on the French
|
|
staffs
Administrator
Staffs
Posts: 3,295
|
Post by staffs on Mar 26, 2005 12:43:03 GMT
Stewart,remember that Andrew is coming to Brighton on the 8th.
He may well get his wish.
|
|
|
Post by whistler on Mar 26, 2005 19:40:49 GMT
Just read this and it seems to fit this thread. "To the initiated of the sanctuary, no doubt, was reserved the knowledge of the God in the abstract, the god concealed in unfathomable depths in his own essence. But for the less refined, adoration of the people were presented the endless images of deities sculptured on the walls of the temples" Anybody been into a Chuch lately
|
|
|
Post by Hubert (N. Z.) on Mar 27, 2005 3:45:05 GMT
Thanks Middlepillar for that bit of wisdom. It does make sense to discover which members are genuine and will benefit from enlightened insight. I only wish that we could at least have visiting rights to your more "esoteric" lodges (or SRIA) so that there could be an interchange of ideas for the benefit of all.
For the present I shall satisfy myself with gleanings from this forum.
WHGW, Hubert
|
|
|
Post by middlepillar on Mar 29, 2005 20:46:19 GMT
[quote author=Hubert (N. Z.)
I only wish that we could at least have visiting rights to your more "esoteric" lodges (or SRIA) so that there could be an interchange of ideas for the benefit of all. For the present I shall satisfy myself with gleanings from this forum.
WHGW, Hubert[/quote]
I can only agree with you Hubert, so much knowledge going to waste. Like you I enjoy the sharing of thoughts that this Forum allows, and for that I constantly say a quite thank you to Lee for having the B@lls to start it up.
|
|
|
Post by a on Mar 29, 2005 20:50:50 GMT
Staffs Will we be seeing you in dark blue next year
|
|
giovanni
Member
odi profanum vulgus, et arceo
Posts: 2,627
|
Post by giovanni on Mar 31, 2005 15:40:39 GMT
I thought it was not possible to become a NON ESOTERIC FREEMASON. After 20 years in the Craft, I think they are the majority...
|
|
jmd
Member
fourhares.com
Posts: 1,081
|
Post by jmd on Mar 31, 2005 21:57:59 GMT
... well spoken I suppose it is more a matter of recognising that which is living within, rather than denying it.
|
|
|
Post by leonardo on Apr 8, 2005 9:22:57 GMT
I thought it was not possible to become a NON ESOTERIC FREEMASON. After 20 years in the Craft, I think they are the majority... This seems to be the case on this forum What's interesting is more, and more Masons are opening up to the esoteric side of FM.
|
|
|
Post by a on Apr 8, 2005 9:45:04 GMT
Leo
And this trend will continue, for Freemasonrys time has come.
It will be a huge culture shock for many, but fortunately Freemasonry holds the tools to help in this regard.
Mind you any fraternity that finds that its members can't apply the tools of the Craft, may find that its relevance rapidly diminishes in the general scheme of things.
|
|
|
Post by taylorsman on Apr 8, 2005 10:42:27 GMT
"I thought it was not possible to become a NON ESOTERIC FREEMASON. After 20 years in the Craft, I think they are the majority... "
Giovanni, you are correct at least as far as matters here in England are concerned I would say that the Non-Esoterics are in the majority at least as regards Craft Freemasonry, so yes it is perfectly possible to be a Non -Esoteric Freemason. Indeed on "another Forum" there was one from overseas who took great pleasure in attacking any Esoteric and Symbolical postings with great vigour. He is barred from this Forum "sine die".
Some join Freemasonry already seeking the Esoteric, some join and are thus put in contact therewith and investigate it, but some join and will never tune into that aspect even if they are there for 50 years. That's Life!
|
|