"Freemasonry is a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory .............." This is the way Freemasonry is defined to a candidate at the time of his initiation. I am sure however, that freemasonry is sOI1:l,ething more than this traditional definition. This appears to be more so when one has been in Freemasonry for several years and has been exposed to its tenets, its principals, its finery, its nuances arid its philosophy.

Pragmatism is that which evaluates "assertions solely on practical consequences and requirements. To be pragmatic is to deal the matter from the view of a practical application. In the instant case of Freemasonry, pragmatism means application of the Masonic principles, practically, in our daily lives, actions and mental make up.

Sometime back I happened to read a quotation which said, "The wisest and most inspired words in the world are merely words unless you apply them to your life."

Undoubtly masonry teaches us the fine principles in life. It teaches us truism, uprightness, theism, respect to the law of the country, allegiance to the Government, submissiveness before God, adoration to God, need to help a brother in times of crises, to extend brotherly love, to act within the frame work of the sacred laws, to develop strength, humility and harmony; to practice charity, and above all to make a daily improvement and advancement in the realm of thse qualities.

Now the moot question to be asked is how far do we apply these principles in our daily lives? The answer is very difficult because there is no working tool to measure how much we have actually applied the Masonic principles in our lives. The yardstick or such a workint tool is however given by the Great Architect of the universe, which, in my view, is the inner voice or one's own conscience.

Nature has placed nothing so hIgh that man cannot reach it with true dedication. The application of the principles is a mattcr of rclativity. Each one is the best judge to make his honest assessment as to what extent these tenets and principles have becn applied, What is required is to have a true and mirror like reflection through introspection. Freemasonary without pragmatic appltcatlon of its tenets and principles would amount to hypocracy.

It is not in doiubt that freemasons are not answerable to anyone as to how much one is pragmatic in the application or non application of the Masonic principle. But one thing is certain, beware, the all Seeing eye always observes us.

W.Bro.C.V.Angadi - Courtesy - Lodge Oharwad No.54