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Post by leonardo on Nov 21, 2004 14:31:38 GMT
As a non mason I'd be interested to hear just what it is about freemasonry that appeals to you the Mason. For example is about being part of a Worlwide community, a social club, or is it far deeper than that?
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staffs
Administrator
Staffs
Posts: 3,295
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Post by staffs on Nov 21, 2004 14:34:28 GMT
It becomes a way of life and gets in your bones and your soul. It gives a warm feeling like when you have peed inyour pants or had a wet dream !!
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Post by leonardo on Nov 21, 2004 14:37:28 GMT
Hey, Lee, steady on. my wife reads these ;D
Love the dept of your response, though.
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Post by atarnaris on Nov 21, 2004 14:40:12 GMT
When I am in a Lodge I strongly feel as part of an ancient tradition. Like Deja vu. It is like I leave the year 2004 and travel back in time. It's an eerie feeling. I only got that as a spectator though, not when I participated in the degrees...
On another level, I am in a quest for the ancient knowledge that I beleive Freemasony holds within its rituals.
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Post by taylorsman on Nov 21, 2004 15:01:29 GMT
Not quite how I would have put it Lee, but I get your drift.
I love the companionship in a Lodge or other Masonic Meeting, and get a real buzz from a good and interesting Ritual well performed.
Those who know me will know that I am greatly into the deeper meanings of the Symbolism in Freemasonry and its Esoteric connections and I also get great pleasure from making discoveries or finding new aspects in this field.
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bod
Member
UGLE - MM (London), MMM RAM(Middx), OSM (London)
Posts: 1,296
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Post by bod on Nov 21, 2004 15:22:56 GMT
It means I get somewhere to have some of the more wierd and philosophical conversations that I like - and Mrs Bod doesn't! I have a 'head-space' zone that enables me to clear my mind and focus. I get meals, drinks and friendship several times a year, I have names and descriptions for the guiding principles in my life.
And I get a couple of nice aprons and a pair of white gloves.....
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Post by leonardo on Nov 22, 2004 13:09:09 GMT
Thanks chaps,
Your comments only confirm why I am looking forward to one day being a Mason.
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Post by middlepillar on Nov 22, 2004 14:52:06 GMT
Leo
I would like to add that when I enter a Lodge room (of any degree or order I am in) I feel as though I have left my mundane life behind and that I am safe in 'my masonry' A truly fantastic sensation.
Alas the spell is broken as soon as I walk back out again!
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Post by leonardo on Nov 22, 2004 16:17:05 GMT
Leo . Alas the spell is broken as soon as I walk back out again! Thank you for that. I'm sure I've read somewhere that it's possible to maintain that feeling for longer periods. I imagine it must be difficult though, re-entering "normal" life. I know this is hard for me when I leave my meditation class - the feeling of peace soon goes, except where we incorporate "mindfullness".
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bod
Member
UGLE - MM (London), MMM RAM(Middx), OSM (London)
Posts: 1,296
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Post by bod on Nov 22, 2004 17:40:46 GMT
Leo
I came across this and thought of you:
People became Freemasons for a variety of reasons, some as the result of family tradition, others upon the introduction of a friend or out of a curiosity to know what it is all about.
Those who become active members and who grow in Freemasonry do so principally because they enjoy it. They enjoy the challenges and fellowship that Freemasonry offers. There is more to it, however, than just enjoyment.
Participation in the dramatic presentation of moral lessons and in the working of a lodge provides a member with a unique opportunity to learn more about himself and encourages him to live in such a way that he will always be in search of becoming a better man, not better than someone else but better than he himself would otherwise be and therefore an exemplary member of society.
Each Freemason is required to learn and show humility through initiation. Then, by progression through a series of degrees he gains insight into increasingly complex moral and philosophical concepts, and accepts a variety of challenges and responsibilities which are both stimulating and rewarding. The structure and working of the lodge and the sequence of ceremonial events, which are usually followed by social gatherings, offer members a framework for companionship, teamwork, character development and enjoyment of shared experiences.
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Post by billmcelligott on Nov 23, 2004 5:45:55 GMT
Meeting good decent honest people. Simple really ?
Thats what it means.
Good luck Leo.
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staffs
Administrator
Staffs
Posts: 3,295
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Post by staffs on Nov 23, 2004 7:37:22 GMT
Absolute trust in your fellow brother
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Post by whistler on Nov 23, 2004 7:57:04 GMT
Absolute trust in your fellow brother Even more important Absolute Trust in your self
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Post by ingo on Nov 23, 2004 8:01:40 GMT
"Participation in the dramatic presentation of moral lessons and in the working of a lodge provides a member with a unique opportunity to learn more about himself and encourages him to live in such a way that he will always be in search of becoming a better man, not better than someone else but better than he himself would otherwise be and therefore an exemplary member of society."
Excellent!
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Post by leonardo on Nov 23, 2004 11:49:38 GMT
I am overwhelmed by the response so far to this thread. For me, on a personal level, it is extremely encouraging to read what everyone has been writing about what freemasonry means to them and what they get from it. Most encouraging, indeed.
I look forward to the next phase of my journey with pleasurable anticipation.
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