Page 7 - ASHLAR - Oct-Dec 2019

N A L G R
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G E AND LODGE
The Ashlar R Vol. XV Issue III
outside the British Isles, however, is Lodge Star Obligations on the Volumes of Sacred Laws of
in the East under the English Constitution. the major 5 Religions; however, in parts of
Around 1954, after representations from eminent Europe they use a 'blank' book. Candidates from
Grand Lodge Officers of the day, it was decided any Religion, caste or creed take their
to form a Sovereign Grand Lodge of India. Thus, Obligations on that book. It is, like much of
the Grand Lodges of Scotland, Ireland and the Masonry, a symbol of one of the three great but
United Grand Lodge of England, our three Parent emblematic Lights of Freemasonry. Thus, Faith
Grand Lodges, formed the Grand Lodge of is of the utmost importance; and where there is
Antient, Free & Accepted Masons of India in Faith, there is Hope.
1961. In teaching all this, Freemasonry moulds a
Speculative Masons chose to apply the tools of Masons character and takes him to an inward
the Operative Masons to their Morals. Which journey - the discovery of oneself. If God created
literally speaking meant that instead of building Man in His own image, there is a spark of His
Cathedrals and Forts they would use Moral consciousness hidden unawakened within us.
tenets to build a Mason's character. A Temple The discovery of self leads to a better
within, fit for the habitation of the Most High. It understanding of the Creator and the Creation.
developed allegorical rituals, scientific After teaching all this, Freemasonry teaches us
circumambulations, it also adopted ancient how to die. Not just to die, but to welcome Death
wisdom from different cultures and religions and with open arms. A Mason lays down his earthly
wove them into the rich tapestry of it's language - working tools to become one with his Creator in
symbolism. Freemasonry speaks through it's what we call the 'Grand Lodge Above '. A True
Symbols. Freemasonry also teaches us to make Freemason is one who lives respected and dies
a daily advancement in our pursuit of knowledge regretted. But then, a True Freemason never
by studying the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences. dies. He lives on by his deeds, the memories of
A small, but growing segment pursue Esoteric
Masonry which has a much wider scope of
research and provides a platform to reflect on
Freemasonry from different points of view.
Whichever method we apply to evaluate our
Craft, it has always lived upto it's reputation.
Freemasonry, through it's various Degrees does
not only turn a Rough Ashlar into a Perfect Ashlar,
it teaches us how to live. It even tells us how we
should spend each day. It conveys to us the
importance of Brotherly Love by teaching us the
Five Points of Fellowship. It teaches us that the
heart of a true Mason is of a charitable disposition
and extols the virtue of Relief; not just to our
Brethren, but also to anyone in need. Throughout
the Various Degrees of Freemasonry we are
taught that Truth is supreme and it cannot be
hidden under a bushel for long. Faith and Hope
are two other teachings of Freemasonry in
addition to Charity. Freemasonry is a Fraternity
under the Fatherhood of God and the
Brotherhood of Man. Trust or Faith in God, or, a the fairness of his demeanour and steadfastness
'Supreme Being' to be precise is not only a tenet, of his character. It is true to say of them:
but also a pre-requisite to join Freemasonry. This They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow
Supreme Being can be from any Religion. It is the old:
belief that is important. In India, we take our Age shall not weary them, nor the years

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