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Very often a question is asked, what
is Freemasonary and why is it shrouded in a veil of
mystery or secrecy? What is the Secret about it? Sometimes
misunderstandings arise and Non-Masons, get suspicious
about us. Governments are not unknown, who have gone
to the length of banning this Organisation and confiscating
its properly. Our lodges carry the nick name of "JADU
GHAR" of "BHOOT GHAR". Even some masons
themselves have been found to be unable to give setisfactory
explanation of this peculiarity of our institution.
In this article, my attempt is to explain Masonary and
the "Secrecy" about it and the reason for
it, as I understand it.
To begin with it is necessary to understand
what Freemasonary is? The very word "Freemasonary"
brings to one's mind, the ideas of a 'structure' of
"building". From the very day of birth, Man
is engaged in building his habits, his character, his
personality, his outlook on life. Every day we get opportunities
to do things which will make us better individuals.
We can and do neglect these opportunities. But there
are other opportunities which are not so neglected Every
such opportunity that is grasped, enables us to prepare
figuratively a stone, which we lay on the superstructure
of our character which we are constantly building. There
can be bad stones, which make the superstructure look
ugly. But there can be prepared good looking and polished
stones which make the building shine and attractive.
Our institution lends us helping hand
to prepare many such stones of superb craftsmanship.
Each and every such stone represents figuratively one
or the other excellence of character to which our attention
is drawn inside the temple in a peculiar manner. The
institution thus aims at building man's personality
his character and developing in the brethren an outlook
on life which may enable them to be regarded, trustworthy,
useful and adorable ornaments is Society.
God fearing, as we are the opening
of the V of S.Ls and placing there before the Worshipful
Master at the head of our assemblies, when the business
of the lodge is in progress is thus, as invocation to
the Almighty, b looking up to Him for support and comfort
in our meetings. The repetitively recitation of our
rituals, whenever we meet, like the daily recitation
of the holy mantras, which is recognised method of assimilating
their true meaning to howsoever little or more extent
it may be, is again intended to instill in our minds
a senser of morality, social virtue and good behaviour,
the practice of which is enjoined in the tenets of our
craft Strict observance of our Constitution and prompt
attention to signs and summohses and a correct demeanour
in the lodge will teach us Fidelity and discipline.
A ready aquiescence to all resolutions duly passed by
a majority of the brethren and a submission to the W.
M. and the Wardens while acting in the discharge of
their respective duties, inculcates obedience. The solemnity
of our ceremonies develops a serious deportment. We
are taught to render to our fellow beings all Co-operation
and assistance in all their lawful undertakings; and
to do to others, as in similar circumstances, we would
wish they should do to us. The very idiea of brother-hood
tends to engender courtesy and affability to equals
Brotherly love, relief and truth are the main foundation
stones on which our istitution rests. Prudence, temperence,
fortitude and justice, and above all benevolence and
charity are the true masonic arnaments. Freemasonary,
thus, is not a mere social institution or a club it
is ments. Freemasonary, thus, is not a mere social institution
or a club. It is a way of life. The institution aims
at developing the correct personality of the brethren.
In our attempt to keep the above ideals
always in mind, we adopt the method of reciting them
through various addresses, and observing a correct behaviour
in assemblies, so that the brethren can develop a moral
and virtuous outlook and thereby conform to and put
to practice the aforesaid principles and become useful
members of society.
"Security" also is regarded
by us another good trait of human character. it does
not mean that ours is a secret society. This is clear
enough from the very location of our temples in prominent
places. We prominently display our sign boards showing
the building as "Masonic Lodge" or "Masonic
Temple". We do not hide our existence as a secret
society would do. The various traits of human character
that we are trying to inculcate are universal in nature.
There can be nothing secret about them. But the capacity
to keep a secret and to make this a habit is another
thing and is recognised by us to be one of the good
points of human behaviour. Whenever a brother's secret
is conveyed to us in confidence, we should be able to
keep it to ourselves. This habit of maintaining a secret
is intended to be developed by a strict adherence to
our obligation of keeping masonic activities in the
temple a secret. Thus we aim in this manner to develop
amongst the brethren the habit of presserving as secret,
confidential matters that may be entrusted to their
care, and avoiding an unnecessary communicative nature
of futile rumourmongering and gossiping. This also helps
to avoid all unnecessary controversies and uncalled
for criticism from those who may not agree with our
methods.
These are out peculiar means by which
we try to build certain habits and an outlook on life
which is intended to make us better men. And the trait
of 'Secrecy' considered by us to be one of the important
traits of human character, is likewise aimed to be inculcated
by the peculiar method of inviolable adherence to our
obligation of not disclosing whatever we learn or do
inside our temple.
Such appears to me, to be the basis
idea, which underlies our activities both inside and
outside the temple.
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