Post by whistler on Jun 9, 2010 1:52:59 GMT
In the constant delving into the origins of our symbols I found this I would like to share -
THERE have been many descriptions of the high mystical meaning of the p. within the c. and with these the writer thoroughly agrees, but does not remember having seen any attempt to trace the origin of this emblem back to its primitive beginnings. Just as the Cross of Sacrifice has its origin in the tau cross, which in itself evolved out of a primitive phallic emblem, so in India the p. within the c. has always been recognised as having a humble beginning in the combined lingum and yoni.
Indeed, if we look down on the top of one of these symbols as depicted in any Hindu Temple we shall at once see that the p. within the c. is merely the lingum and yoni drawn in plan. And yet the same emblem is the most exalted symbol in Hinduism, standing as it does for Paramatma, the Omniscient Cod Who lies behind all the gods. This apparent paradox is, however, perfectly intelligible if we realise that the spiritual meaning of the lingum and yoni is "Love," and thus the p. within the c. when representing Paramatma stands for Love, Vast and All-embracing.
This, then, is its divine meaning, and its humbler earthly significance is surely that the way back to God is the pathway of Love. The same thing is said in our Western religion, although the symbols used are less primitive, as we should expect in dealing with a religion several thousand years younger than Hinduism. Yet the lesson is the same for all who have eyes to see. The Christians talk of the Sacrament of Marriage as the symbol of Christ and his Church, the Hindu of the Lingum stone and Paramatma, and yet the esoteric significance remains the same.
1he writer has contributed these few lines in the hope that the idea thus briefly sketched out may lead other brethren to explore more fully the meaning of this emblem where it appears in our Masonic rituals. T
THERE have been many descriptions of the high mystical meaning of the p. within the c. and with these the writer thoroughly agrees, but does not remember having seen any attempt to trace the origin of this emblem back to its primitive beginnings. Just as the Cross of Sacrifice has its origin in the tau cross, which in itself evolved out of a primitive phallic emblem, so in India the p. within the c. has always been recognised as having a humble beginning in the combined lingum and yoni.
Indeed, if we look down on the top of one of these symbols as depicted in any Hindu Temple we shall at once see that the p. within the c. is merely the lingum and yoni drawn in plan. And yet the same emblem is the most exalted symbol in Hinduism, standing as it does for Paramatma, the Omniscient Cod Who lies behind all the gods. This apparent paradox is, however, perfectly intelligible if we realise that the spiritual meaning of the lingum and yoni is "Love," and thus the p. within the c. when representing Paramatma stands for Love, Vast and All-embracing.
This, then, is its divine meaning, and its humbler earthly significance is surely that the way back to God is the pathway of Love. The same thing is said in our Western religion, although the symbols used are less primitive, as we should expect in dealing with a religion several thousand years younger than Hinduism. Yet the lesson is the same for all who have eyes to see. The Christians talk of the Sacrament of Marriage as the symbol of Christ and his Church, the Hindu of the Lingum stone and Paramatma, and yet the esoteric significance remains the same.
1he writer has contributed these few lines in the hope that the idea thus briefly sketched out may lead other brethren to explore more fully the meaning of this emblem where it appears in our Masonic rituals. T