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Post by leonardo on Nov 25, 2004 10:27:43 GMT
I got the initial idea for this thread from the foot of Steve's signature.
Some Freemasons, it would appear, stop being Freemasons when they leave Lodge; Kenny Noye comes immediately to mind.
There is a passage in the New Testament: James 1: 22. Which talks about "Living the Word" ( quotes for emphasis only).
Essentially what this alludes to is there is little point learning how to be a Christian if you do not actually live the life 24/7.
Some Buddhist meditation friends of mine, including myself - I must admit, use certain mantras (affirmations, if you prefer) throughout their daily lives in order to stay on "The Path". This, from my own experience, can be extremely helpful.
So I was wondering what steps do members of FM take to be a 24/7 Freemason.
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staffs
Administrator
Staffs
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Post by staffs on Nov 25, 2004 11:38:30 GMT
I believe that i am a 24/7 in some way as my day does tend to revolve around thinking and behaving as a mason and practice the moral and social virtues we are taught.I am also always practicing ritual.
However Taylorsman IS a 24/7 Freemason inevery sense of the word
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Post by Jumile on Nov 25, 2004 21:29:30 GMT
Though very new to the Craft, I have ascribed to the Buddhist philosophy* for a couple of years now - and find a daily "maintenance" and re-affirmation is required to manage this sucessfully. As with Buddhism, with the Craft I find myself regularly thinking about my obligation in many situations throughout the day.
As I am quick-witted, cynical and not afraid to speak (I'm Australian - what can I say?), I find taking a moment to remember my obligation and change my behaviour accordingly leads to a more fulfilling interaction with people. In negative situations it means I (usually) add no fuel to it, and in positive situations it means I can contribute to it. I expect it's similar to what anger management people refer to as "counting to 10".
The harmony I've felt by my regular practice (to use the Buddhist term for it) has increased dramatically - if not overtly visible to outsiders, it has a profoundly positive effect on my own sense of right and wellbeing.
* I make a point of calling Buddhism a philosophy as that's what it is to me - not as a sleight. Theravada Buddhism is non-theistic, which suits my agnostic perspective, although I respectfully realise that it is a religion to millions.
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Post by leonardo on Nov 25, 2004 22:17:03 GMT
Matt, Were we by chance brothers in a former life. You speak my language. The four noble Truths and the eight fold Path are for me very inspirational and a code I try to live by. Samsara has a lot to answer for Lee, I also see where you're coming from. We are after all only human and as such we're bound to slip up now and then. I am delighted to know you have it under control. As you say "practice the moral and social virtues we are taught". To me this is like being simply aware.
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Post by whistler on Nov 26, 2004 0:01:30 GMT
Matt and Leonardo Perhaps I may join your past life club,
I have travelled in both Nepal and Bhutan, I find the sound of Monks Chanting and to sit in on a Puja, with the butter lamps, bells Trumpets, Throat SInging, Smell, the whole experience just total , in fact I get goose bumkbs just writting about it. Bhuddism teaches, as Freemasonry does to recognise the effects of our own actions. They both remind us of Karma. the 24/7 behaviour comes about because we know the bottom line is if we misbehave we will have to pay. The teachings of Non-attachment is so handy when a problem occurs egl having ones house burgled - OK one gets very Pissed off and distressed, until one starts to think about non-attachment and the pain immediately eases. Then when you think about the bad bugger who burgled , you remember the teachings of not judging and start to wonder why you had been burgled and why did he do it to you.. and again the pain and anger starts to go away .
It is really easy to practiice Freemasonic and Bhuddist values 23.5/6.5 the rest of the time takes hard work
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ruffashlar
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Lodge Milncroft No. 1515 (GLoS), Govanhill Royal Arch Chapter 523 (S.G.R.A.C.S.)
Posts: 2,184
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Post by ruffashlar on Nov 26, 2004 0:19:06 GMT
Theravada Buddhism is non-theistic, which suits my agnostic perspective, although I respectfully realise that it is a religion to millions
There is no need to apologise: Buddhism does not validate blasphemy or heresy. One of the tenets to be held in mind during the expectance of satori is The Buddha does not exist. It is a philosophy capable of infinite application to all human activities. Thus Atheism and theism are shown to be indistinguishable; indeed, all distinctions are imaginary.
One of the prime reasonings of moral science is that if we do wrong we are more likely not to be punished at all. Those who do most wrong with the greatest calculation may indeed never be brought to justice. To that end, judgement, hell and dumbnation are necessary constraints upon mankind for reasons of social cohesion and ultimately economic stability. Even the Decalogue eventually boils down to the maintenance of economic stability. That is why Virtue is by itself entirely its own reward; and often, not even that.
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Post by leonardo on Nov 26, 2004 13:32:22 GMT
Whistler, Ruff, I am heartened to know others have this understanding of life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Clearly Budhism and Freemasonry do really go hand in hand. This can clearly be said of many, if not all, other religions as well. Whistler, you have done what I am dreaming of. Metta to all.
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Post by whistler on Nov 26, 2004 22:24:29 GMT
Whistler, Ruff, I am heartened to know others have this understanding of life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Clearly Budhism and Freemasonry do really go hand in hand. This can clearly be said of many, if not all, other religions as well. Whistler, you have done what I am dreaming of. Metta to all. The real interesting thing is when you come to understand the bhuddist teaching - and see beyond the "millions of merit points" you cease to have a religion - You understand there is a Supreme Being or Creator, the rest of the Human experience is you, with all it's triumphs, and disasters- and better still there is a reason for everythng -
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Post by Jumile on Nov 26, 2004 22:52:50 GMT
Very well put, Whistler. It would appear that the Quakers fit this, too. I spent a few hours this afternoon studying what they say about themselves. There does seem to be a general consensus of opinion that the Quakers and Buddhism are remarkably similar. With a few fundamental differences, of course.
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Post by leonardo on Nov 26, 2004 23:24:55 GMT
Whistler......agree 100% Matt...........Seems I should check out these Quakers
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Post by Hubert (N. Z.) on Nov 27, 2004 1:58:42 GMT
Being a 24/7 mason would I have thought been the natural result of joining the Craft. If nothing else, it teaches us how to act honourably with our fellow creatures, which is ongoing. This leads me on to a simplistic view of the Cosmos we inherit/live in:
As above, so below. macrocosm and microcosm.
Each individual is made up of atoms, which in turn have a nucleus surrounded by electrons. These atoms combine to form certain cells, each having a variety of functions.
How about TGAOTU being a composit of ALL such nuclei, or even more compelling each one of us is but one electron of one atom (IE each Lodge is the atom) which forms one organ of GOD.
This explains the many religions and ideaologies extant in the world today. AND reinforces the need to act with brotherly love, releif and truth to all others, as to keep TGAOTU healthy and vibrant we must protect ourselves from cancerous mutations - hence we should be 24/7 masons.
If this should be on a thread of its' own please advise.
Cheers, hubert.
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staffs
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Post by staffs on Nov 27, 2004 7:58:44 GMT
hubert ,good post and when put like that you are right in that we are taught to be 24/7 masons in the way we lead our lives and treat other people .I get your drift
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Post by leonardo on Nov 27, 2004 9:27:12 GMT
Hubert,
An extremely well put analogy. It's a different perspective but certainly shows how a scientific understanding of such things can be very beneficial. I read a very interesting book on this very subject a few years back called: The Journey. It was written by Leslie Feiger. In fact, I'm almost certain I still have the book somewhere within reach, I will look up some appropriate quotes later on today and post them here.
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