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Complete twentyfour years back from
this date, I was initiated in Freemasonry in the Lodge
St. David in the East then under the Scottish constitution
and now under the Indian Constitution.
I quite recollect, let me be more precise,
10th July 1948 was the date when I was admitted as a
brother in Freemasonry. A man can afford to forget many
incidents of life but the date of his initiation remains
written in quite legible letters on the canvas of his
mind till his last breath. There can be no deviation
in my case. Every minute incident in connection therewith
I remember even now, so clearly, so vividly as if those
occurrences were of yesterday only. 10th July 1948 can
never sink into oblivion. So to say, I was re-born on
the aforesaid date.
In a pensive mood but not at all burdened
with oppressive anxieties I alighted from the taxi in
front of the spacious corridor of 19 Park Street, Calcutta.
In spite of agitation within myself I managed to maintain
a calm composure outwardly. It would be a suppression
of truth if I do not say that my mind was obsessed with
a big question - Why this secrecy about the ceremonies
in Freemasonry. Of course when I went through the several
ceremonies of Freemasonry I quite realised that there
is sound logic for the secrecy and cogent reason for
the same.
Now let me switch back to narrating
some of the incidents of the aforesaid 10th July evening.
A little before the appointed time for initiation, after
crossing the corridor I entered the spacious Hall in
the ground floor of the Masonic temple. I was big dinning
tables were well arranged there one after another, all
covered with spotless white sheets of cloth and decorated
with colourful flowers. Around these were seated the
members relaxing with sweet drinks. The very sight,
I would say unhesitatingly, was invigorating and inspiring.
The moment I entered the hall I was
received by the members present with so much warmth,
with so much depth of feeling and in so elegant a manner
that I at once felt easy and homely and my pensive mood
vanished as if by the touch of magic wand.
Now the fateful hour came. I was led
to the upper floor and made ready for the ceremony.
The ceremony over, I along with other
brothers came down to the dinner table.
Though I am under oath of secrecy about
the details of ceremonies, certainly there can be no
bar in expressing my inner re-action after the ceremonies.
I would simply describe the re-action in one word "Magnificent".
I realized that the charges and / or
addresses that were delivered unto me contained the
cream of all religions, essence of all scriptures, condensed
sermons of all great men of all ages, intended for the
upliftment of mankind, for showing the true path of
self-purification and self-immolation.
What can be considered as more impressive
sayings of sermons were those which formed the basis
of Freemasonry ritual. The Ritual says to your most
serious contemplation the Volume of the Sacred Law charging
you to consider it as the unerring standard of Truth
and Justice and to regulate your actions. Therein, you
will be taught the important duties you owe to God,
to your neighbour and to yourself."
Ritual does not stop with only preaching
sermons for the mundane world. It dives deep into philosophical
discourse. It goes on to say "To your mind, thus
modelled by virtue and science, Nature however presents
one great and useful lesson more. She prepares your
by contemplation for the closing hour of existence and
when by means of that contemplation she has conducted
you through the intricate windings of this mortal life
she finally instructs you how to die."
In the silence of midnight I have thought
over the sayings of the ritual with deep concentration
of mind and I can well assert with all emphasis at my
command that Masonic temple does not fall short of any
other temple of the world pertaining to any religion.
Now the question is how far we have
been able to use this temple for our self purification
?
How far have we been able to translate
the preachings in our practical life ? If we have failed
to raise ourselves up to the desired standard, it is
not Freemasonry which is at fault, but we ourselves
are responsible for our failures, incapacitates and
inactions.
It should be the constant care of the
senior members of a lodge to create such climate for
the young members whereby they can appreciate the true
spirit of Freemasonry. More stress should be given on
the working of the ceremonies in strict compliance with
the ritual and less stress on dinners and refreshments.
Now let me conclude by saying that
merit and merit alone should be the guiding factor in
the matter of conferment of fhonours and under no circumstances
it should be matter of course and never for other considerations.
May the banner of Freemasonry remain
aloft able in it glorious position for all time to come.
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