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The question is often posed about the
importance of Ritual Working in our Institution.
In order to get a true perspective,
it is necessary to recollect as to what Freemasonry
is – what are its hallmarks, what are its objectives
and how it differs from other institutions.
The classical definition of Freemasonry,
as we all know, says that it is – “a peculiar
system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated
by symbols”. No definition can be more complete
than this one. Each word is saturated with potential
meaning. Each word therefore is to be thoroughly understood
with reference to Freemasonry to arrive at the answer
to the point mooted.
So, it is a system of morality all
right, - morality aiming at the brotherhood of all God
fearing and law abiding men irrespective of their religious
belief, political opinion or the allegiance they hold
to the rulers of the States to which they belong.
But that is not all. It is peculiar
system of morality. The Dictionary meaning of the word
peculiar is special, exclusive, different from others.
But in what way, is it “peculiar”? It is peculiar
because it is “free and speculative”.
A codified system of morality, certain
cardinal virtues excepted, becomes limited in its acceptability
and in course of time tends to become static because
of fast changing circumstances all over the world. The
purpose with which the same was formulated loses its
way into some obsolete dead habits.
However, because of its free and speculative
nature, Freemasonry has become a living system of morality
– dynamic and vibrant.
It offers creative zest to members
of its order to find new meanings, to discover newer
paths towards the achievement of ‘brotherhood of
men’, to understand and appreciate the secrets
of Nature and above all to gain self confidence by way
of self realization through reflection and introspection.
The working of our Ritual affords this
opportunity because the teachings are veiled in allegory
and illustrated by symbols. Like the ultimate purpose
of any higher educational system, its objectives are
to set the course of thought process to discover, to
find newer and better paths in the journey of human
lives.
Like the result of any work of art,
be it a painting, a sculpture, cinematographic or musical,
its purpose is to let the mind experience in varied
ways the various thrills or pathos because the teachings
in Freemasonry is suggestive rather than explicit.
Hence Ritual working, to a truly Initiated
is an experience he always looks forward to participate
in. To others, who have not yet come to that stage of
realization, it unfortunately remains a dull repetition
of archaic and obsolete practice.
By M.P.Nandey – Lodge Kohinoor
139
- Courtesy Masonic Education Committee
– Eastern India
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