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Post by LorrB on Nov 9, 2010 9:12:59 GMT 9.5
Masonry is much more than a social organisation of fraternal benefit to its members. It is a way of life, and its destiny is to bring spiritual benefits to all men, Masons and non-Masons alike.
Masonry is a spiritual quest. The right function of modern Masonry is to be the builder of each man’s unseen temple of life. We are concerned with true life values and right human relations. We inculcate self-control, honesty, justice, mercy, morality, personal integrity and brotherhood as the necessary foundation for spiritual growth. Indeed the goal of every Mason is growth in understanding of spiritual values; the achieving of mastery of life itself is perfected in our succeeding initiations. This is fascinatingly practical. From the back cover of The Spirit of Masonry - by Foster Bailey www.amazon.com/Spirit-Masonry-Foster-Bailey/dp/0853301352 |
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Post by paul on Nov 9, 2010 13:11:11 GMT 9.5
And the brother having attained a reasonable level of self-control and then some degree of deliberate alignment with the GAOTU, is ready to commence service in the temple that extends from East to West and from North to South.
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Post by torence on Nov 10, 2010 6:27:14 GMT 9.5
And the brother having attained a reasonable level of self-control and then some degree of deliberate alignment with the GAOTU, is ready to commence service in the temple that extends from East to West and from North to South. From the level to the center and from the earth to the Heavens. |
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Post by paul on Nov 10, 2010 7:28:35 GMT 9.5
So how does a brother commence service in such a temple?
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Post by LorrB on Nov 10, 2010 7:45:40 GMT 9.5
Revelation 10:10 I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. We devour our rituals, and what it tells us is sweet. The contents make us feel good and we instinctively know that this is the way to go. But when we are called upon to put it into practice, it turns to gall. Visit most masonic forums and you will see how easily Bro will turn on Bro, for just having a differing opinion. How much more difficult is it for a Bro to forgive or even try to understand a Bro who has made a serious error of judgement. What is Masonic work? This, is masonic work. In my ritual is says something about being within due bounds with all mankind, but more particularly your Brn within Freemasonry... is this really saying 'charity begins at home'? |
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Post by paul on Nov 10, 2010 8:04:49 GMT 9.5
Certainly charity begins at home and that work must be done first.
And having made significant progress in developing virtues, how does a brother commence work in the planetary temple? What does that work look like?
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Post by LorrB on Nov 10, 2010 11:38:23 GMT 9.5
... I have no idea! I have trouble keeping up with the duties of our suburban lodge.
If we do try to help out mentally, as in meditation, how does one know that it has an affect? What sort of works would a planetary temple need doing?
If one does one's best here, wouldn't there be an automatic flow on to 'there'?
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Post by paul on Nov 10, 2010 11:41:03 GMT 9.5
That is a common situation and as a substitute humans serve the race and each other rather than the planet.
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Post by LorrB on Nov 10, 2010 11:46:34 GMT 9.5
Should we being doing anything specific with regard to the planet apart from being better custodians of its body (soils, water etc)?
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Post by paul on Nov 10, 2010 11:47:50 GMT 9.5
Certainly. An early question is: How do we assist the light body of the planetary Being?
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Post by LorrB on Nov 10, 2010 14:33:20 GMT 9.5
ok ... How do we assist the light body of the planetary Being?
I have previously mentioned meditation and the like, is there any other way/method/process?
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Post by paul on Nov 10, 2010 14:52:00 GMT 9.5
If we consider the light body of the planet as an ecosystem (within a greater ecosystem) then we can distinguish the orders of beings that contribute to its functioning. Having done that we might put our attention to which functions are in need of attention and what contributions human(oid)s might make.
The above statements may clarify the significance of Masonic ritual
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Post by mgc on Nov 11, 2010 1:30:36 GMT 9.5
Perhaps u can elaborate on the planetary being.. What does it consist of? What kind of groups that influence the "ecosystem" should we think of? How do they influence it?
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Post by paul on Nov 11, 2010 7:49:29 GMT 9.5
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Post by mgc on Nov 11, 2010 10:55:11 GMT 9.5
make it a lake?
i dont understand much of these scematics.. i see theyre based on the jewisch traditions.. so what does the planetary being consist of?
do u have any info that doesnt require me to buy (and read) half a dozen books?
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Post by paul on Nov 11, 2010 11:06:56 GMT 9.5
Just as the human is comprised of a vast number of intelligences from various kingdoms so too is the planetary being. Indeed the human race is regarded by some as forming a chakra in the planetary being - at least on some levels of existence.
The easiest process to understand the planetary being is to understand and experience the intelligences that comprise a human. The skills and understanding thus acquired will enable a partial exploration of the lower natures of the planetary logos.
The primary requirement is significant inner experience based on proper discipline and focused by a valid conceptual framework.
While external assistance may allow flashes of insight, typically years of disciplined inner work are required before planetary light work is effective - even then it tends to be instinctive and formulaic
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Post by mgc on Nov 12, 2010 0:11:54 GMT 9.5
kingdoms?
what should i imagine those r?
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Post by paul on Nov 12, 2010 7:26:28 GMT 9.5
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Post by LorrB on Nov 12, 2010 8:14:13 GMT 9.5
Good links Paul, thank you. C W Leadbeater was a visitor to Adelaide Lodge in it early years and donated a Thurible. I love using it. Excerpt from the his book: Thus we see that Theosophy combines within itself some of the characteristics of philosophy, religion and science. What, it might be asked, is its gospel for this weary world? What are the main points which emerge from its investigations? What are the great facts which it has to lay before humanity?
They have been well summed up under three main heads.
"There are three truths which are absolute, and which cannot be lost, but yet may remain silent for lack of speech.
"The soul of man is immortal and its future is the future of a thing whose growth and splendour has no limit.
"The principle which gives life dwells in us and without us, is undying and eternally beneficent, is not heard or seen or smelt, but is perceived by the man who desires perception.
"Each man is his own absolute lawgiver, the dispenser of glory or gloom to himself, the decreer of his life, his reward, his punishment.
"These truths, which are as great as is life itself, are as simple as the simplest mind of man."
Put shortly, and in the language of the man of the street, this means that God is good, that man is immortal, and that as we sow so we must reap. There is a definite scheme of things; it is under intelligent direction and works under immutable laws. Man has his place in this scheme and is living under these laws. If he understands them and co-operates with them, he will advance rapidly and will be happy; if he does not understand them--if, wittingly or unwittingly, he breaks them, he will delay his progress and be miserable. These are not theories, but proved facts. Let him who doubts read on, and he will see. (Bold type my contribution) Book easier to read from this free source www.sacred-texts.com/the/tot/index.htm |
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