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"Why I became a Mason" is
a question posed to me by very many of my friends and
relatives. sometimes even Masons - a question which
though looks simple it indeed complex and leads to contemplation
- contemplation over a period of 40 years.
It cannot be denied that a vast number
of candidates had approached and continue to appraoch
the portals of our Order in absolute ignorance of the
nature of our institution, than out of sheer curiosity,
or at the least, for the more acceptable, though equally
nebulous reason of being blessed with Masonic relatives
and friends. I was however a little more fortunate or
blessed in being a Lewis-though this special privilege
in my younger days had not helped in removing that fearful
apprehension of sordid ordeals attached to Masonry prevalent
commonly amongst not only the lay public but even amongst
the educated class.
I am reminded of a practical instance
which had affected my mother Lodge to a considerable
extent on this score. Lodge Pandyan had, as early as
in 1920, felt the need to remove it Temple to the outskirts
of Madurai City due to developing congestion within
the inner precinct of the city where the Temple was
situated. All endeavours to sell the Building to any
individual having proved a failure, in 1920 an offer
was made to Madurai Municipality to sell the building.
The Municipal Chairman, in all good faith, offered to
purchase the property for not less than Rs. 25,000,
but nothing had happened in the succession of Councils
for years. This process was oft repeated till 1937,
when the offer was again made to the municipality, as
by then the Lodge's abode in the city was engulfed on
all sides by squalid quarters; and it became imperative
for the Lodge to move out. A letter finally came from
the Commissioner of the Municipality, an I.C.S. Officer,
setting out the reason for this inordinate delay on
the part of the successive Municipal Councils to have
averted the purchase of the Lodge Building. He had explained
in the letter that ever since the initial offer was
made to the Municipality in 1920, the successive Municipal
Councils had been periodically considering the subject
of purchasing the Building for use of a Municipal School,
and that each time, the subject had been shelved unanimously
by the Councillors, for the reason that the building
was a haunted place and that most of them believed that
the building was an abode of black magic and sorcery.
Hence the Councilors had, for a period of nearly 17
long years, championed the cause of saving the poor
innocent school children from occupaying such an abode.
The Municipal Commissioner, had, however, volunteered
that if the price be reduced from Rs. 25,000 to Rs.
15,000, he hoped to convince the Councillors to venture
out to make the purchase, as very many of the then Councillors
believed that the building could be sanctified by special
poojas. The Lodge, after much deliberation, had no alternative
but to accept the offer to the Municipality, for a loss
in price amounting to Rs. 10,000 and that too, after
a lapse of 17 years - only because of the unfavourable
image that Masonry had projected in the community. I
understand that similar atmosphere prevails in many
places where Masonic Temples are situated. This is indeed
a sorry state of affairs.
If a census were taken within the Lodge,
not only in India, but throughout the world of Freemasonry
on the subject of the treatment of aspirants for initiation,
it is probable that result would show that despite the
advancement made in Masonic thinking in the matter,
a vast majority still have their candidates not only
in a state of complete and utter darkness but also in
a condition of anxiety which is quite unwarranted.
It is indeed a fundamental principle
in our order that no "improper solicitation"
be made to entreat or petition a person to become a
member. But it is common knowledge that many of our
friends and relatives, who could be considered as suitable
building materials for Masonry, lie languished simply
because they are not aware of the very existence of
our beautiful institution and in certain cases, they
do not know the nature of our order. I feel that a discreet
and casual enquiry put to a close friend or relative,
who could be considered to be suitable material, to
ascertain if he has ever given any thought of the Order,
should in no way offend the Constitution. I know of
very many cases, where worthy men, who could have adorned
our Order with distinction, had expressed rather very
late in their lives that, as is the rules in several
associations, they were under the impression that it
would be polite to await an invitation rather than seek
admission, to avoid the possibility of causing embarrassment.
This added to the reticence of their Masonic friends,
had made them keep away from the subject, rather than
thrust themselves.
The strange and repugnant wall of reticence
is unfortunately found even between the fathers who
are Masons and their sons. Many stones of lustre and
beauty and strength have thus been left unturned.
It is my firm conviction that there
need not be any secret with regard to the basic principles
of Freemasonry, Are we not to tell the educated men
that Masonry is a fraternal Association for just, upright
and freemen of mature age, sound judgement and strict
morals ?
While I would strongly champion the
fundamental principle that no 'Improper solicitation"
be made to attractmen into Masonry, I would like to
see that proper steps be taken to dispel the fearful
apprehensions and anaemic misunderstanding of Masonry
that are prevalent in our society, to endeavour to project
true image of Masonry in the eyes of the public, to
become integral part of the society and this Nation,
without shedding any of its tenets and dignity, and
to attract into our exalted order, proper and precious
materials which remain unturned and which would prove
to be ornaments to our Order.
I consider myself most fortunate not
only in being a Lewis but in having had an opportunity
to know during my adulthood that it was worthwhile to
become a Mason, to be aware that Masonic brotherhood
was worldwide, that Masonry is meant to make a man a
better man and that the principles are sound and based
on moral principles. It may be that I had gained these
thoughts in my conscience and inner self, by fleeting
images of the Masonic relationship of my father with
the other members of his Lodge. It may be, the grand
and the edifying passages of the Masonic Ritual which
I had wantonly or unwantonly overheard or eavesdroped
when being recited by my father, in preparation for
ceremonies, had presumably prepared me in my mental
approach to become a Mason, Though my resolve was received
by many friends and relatives with sympathy, I am happy
I had the courage to approach my father and to express
my desire that I would like to be Mason.
"Why I became a Mason ?"
Well, it is amazing that I have become a Mason in spite
of all the wall of utter secrecy. I am happy I have
become a Mason.
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