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God created Man. Man created Religion.
The History of Civilization is replete with instances
of religion strife and bloodshed. It is surprising that
even in this 21st century of enlightenment, awareness
and education, religion dogmas and fundamentalism are
dogging communities with flaring of disputes, skirmishes
and even wars! It is in this context, that the Philsophy
of Freemasonary and its role in bringing about tolerance
and unity in diversity has to viewed and appreciated.
Unfortunately, not much is known to
the public about Freemasonary, ot its philosophy. lt
is often considered a secret organisation, indulging
in the occult and even black magic!
Freemasonry is, infact, one of the
World's oldest secular fraternal societies. It is a
Worldwide organization based on the principle of the
Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man. It is
a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual
values. Its members are taught its'precepts by series
of rituals which follow ancient forms and use stone
masons' customs and tools and allegorical guides. It
seeks to make good men better and thereby make the World
a better place in which to live. Free masonary's classical
definition as communicated to the candidate on his initiation
is that, .... "it is a system of morality veiled
in allegory and illustrated by Symbols" Joseph
Fort Newton an eminent Freemason offers a very comprehensive
definition taken from the German Hand buch as follows:-
"Masonry is the activity of closely
united men who, employing symbolical forms borrowed
principally from the mason's trade and from architecture,
work for the welfare of mankind, striving morally to
enable themselves and others, and threby to bring about
a universal league of Mankind, which they aspire to
exhibit now on a small sca1e."
Norman Vincent Peale, Minister and
Author says :
"To me freemasonary is one form of dedication to
God and service to humanity."
Douglas MacArthur has this to say of
Freemasonary :
"Freemasonary embraces the highest moral laws and
will bear the test of any system of ethics or philosophy
ever promulgated for the uplift of man."
Freemasonary dates from the middle
ages in Europe. Its present form began in the 18th Century
in Britain came to India in 1728. The Grand Lodge of
India is the authority which administers Freemasonry
in India.
Unfortunately, Freemasonry's policy
to be rather discreet about itself, its community work
and even membership has given it the brand of a secret
organisation.
Freemasonary is certainly not a seceret
organisation but has some 'secerets' restricted to the
traditional modes of recognition and some portion of
its rituals.
Today, however Freemasons will often
talk freely about their activities and their membership.
Lodge rooms are often opento visitors and enquiries
about Masons and their valuable community work, are
alwas welcomed.
Freemasonary has certain charities
but it is not in any sense a benifit society. These
charities are, infact, large in numbers spread all over
the Globe and yet unobtrusive.
Some of the charitable activities in
India may be listed as belows :
1. Gen. Williams Poly Clinic at Delhi.
2. Masonic Public School, Delhi.
3. Masonic Pediatric Hospital, Coimbatore.
4. Kappula Uppada a village Vishakhapatnam
completely adopted and nutured by Freemasons.
5. Old Age Home at Bangalore.
6. Hundreds of Scholarships to students
each year.
7. Medical Clinics and camps to provide
health care and relief all over the Country.
8. Midday meals ot students.
9. 'Dhanya Dhan' -a continuous project
of contributing food grains to the needy.
10. Assistance to disabled etc.
Upwards of five million Freemasons
meet world-wide in buildings known as Lodges. The word
"Lodge" has been traditional name for a meeting
place since the middle ages. Most Masonic lodges can
be found in prominent locations in the comminity.
Traditionally, Freemasonry has been
just for men. However, within the Masonic family there
are various other activities social and charitable which
cater for all members of the family.
In a world of
Greed and force, it teaches self-restrain
and reason.
Selfish rivalry, it teaches fidelity
and universal Brotherhood.
Intolerance, bigotry and violence,
it teache tolerance and kindness.
Cynical disbelief, it teaches reverence
for Divinity and firm belief in a Supreme Being.
Floundering depths of great moral and
spiritual depression and depredation, it teaches industry,
self-reliance, temeprence and integrity.
In addition
It aids, comforts, reassures and inspires
individuals in developing a good moral character.
It leaps barriers of Race, Cast, Religion,
Colour and distance to draw together the finest aspiration
of al lmen and unites them in a Universal Brotherhood.
It recommends the practice its teachings,
so that the world may know that Freemsaon is one to
whom the burdened heart may pour forth its sorrow and
distressed may prefer their suit, whose hand is guided
by justice and whose heart is expanded with benevolance.
It belives in making a good man better,
there by making him a useful member of society, so that
goodwill and harmony may prevail in the world.
It asserts that the distinguishing
characteristics of every Freemason are Virtue, Honour
and Mercy.
It encourages the practice of the four
cardinal virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Honour and
Mercy.
Freemasonary is indeed a WAY OF LIFE.
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