In January 2001, some parts of the State of Gujarat were devastated by earthquake. In February, 2002, once again some parts of the State of Gujarat were devastated, this time by a communal frenzy. Lives were lost, properties destroyed, and innocent persons suffered. The first calamity was the wrath of God, and the men had only to give a healing touch to the sufferings of those afflicted. The second calamity was self-created. Several theories are doing rounds, and several groups and agencies are being blamed for this calamity. We are not here to apportion the blame. However, we Freemasons look at this orgy of violence with a sense of distress and with disbelief. How can one take the life of another in the name of religion? Is this what religion teaches us? Any religion is just a means to reach that God Almighty. That Great Architect of the Universe is the same for one and all, be he Hindu or Muslim or Parsi of Sikh. No means to achieve Him can teach violence. Brethren, this reminds me of an article that I read some time back. It reads as follows :

“The story is told of five men sitting round a potbellied stove, arguing about which is the “right” religion - which offers the greatest assurance or salvation. It was a fruitless discussion because no one could agree. Finally they turned to a wise old fellow who had been sitting in a corner, listening.

“Gentlemen” he said “when the cotton is picked, there are several ways to get it to the gin. We can take the northern route - it’s longer but the road is better. Or we can take the southern route, which is shorter but filled with chuckholes. Or we can go over the mountain, even though it’s more perilous. When we reach the gin, the man doesn’t ask which way we came. He simply asks, “Brother, how good is your cotton?”

We have been holding divine services around the country to carry the same message to the people at large. We do not object to any religion, nor do we interfere with the religious belief of the others. We respect all religions. This lesson that we have learnt from our great and noble Institution can help others realise their mistakes. If each one of us can spread this message, even in a small measure, we would help the society, and thereby demonstrate the usefulness of our Organisation to a large number of persons who are not Freemasons. Brethren, let us make an attempt. In the mean time our prayers are with those, who have suffered, and our hope is that those who are indulging in violence, will ultimately see reason, and realise the futility of their actions.

(D.D. Udeshi)

Dear Brethren,

The new year has already arrived, and is slowly but steadily moving forward. The chilly, biting and freezing cold winds are now giving way to the joyous and pleasant breeze of spring infusing new life and vigour in all the living beings.

Brethren, on the pain of repetition, I will seek your indulgence to recall the information given to you in our last issue. To recapitulate, let me repeat that on Nov 7 and Nov. 8 we shall be having the VI World Conference of Grand Lodges at New Delhi. On 9th Nov. we shall have another great function – the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge of India, which may also see the presence of a number of Grand Masters from across the Globe. I may also add that 9th Nov. will also witness the conclusion of our One Year celebrations to mark the 40th year of the founding of our Grand Lodge assuming Sovereign Status. Therefore your participation in this Grand event is very much solicited. You may please make your plans and arrangements of your visit to Delhi accordingly in the month of November 2002.

It is a matter of great fulfilment that during the months of January & February 2002, two Craft Lodges were added to our family of Lodges. On 25th January 2002 Lodge Nityanand No.330, Hissar consecrated at New Delhi, in the North and on 31st January 2002, Lodge Goddess Kanaka Durga No.331 at Vijayawada in the South were consecrated by M.W. the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Bro.D.D.Udeshi, OSM in very exquisite and impressive ceremonies.

Besides the above consecrations, One R.A.M. Lodge Dakshin No.100 was also consecrated by M.W. the Grand Master at Chennai on 2nd February 2002.

My congratulations to the Regional Grand Masters of the Southern and Northern India for their contributions to the Freemasonry in their Regions.

On 1st Feb. there was an Open Session at Chennai attended by members of press as well as large number of people from different walks of life including ladies who added charm and colour to the function. M.W. the Grand Master, M.W.Bro.D.D.Udeshi, OSM in his scholarly address apprised them with the aims of Freemasonry and dispelled their misconceptions, if any, about our old and sacred institution.

On 2nd and 3rd Feb. 2002 the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India held its Annual Meeting at Chennai. February 2, witnessed the change of guards in the Southern Region. R.W. Brother Dr.B.Biswakumar was installed as R.W. the R.G.M. of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India by the M.W. the Grand Master, in a glittering ceremony on the successful completion of the tenure of R.W. Bro.Arun Chintopanth. My heartiest congratulations to R.W.Bro.Dr.Biswakumar and I am sure that like his predecessor he would take Freemasonry to still greater heights.

On 9th and 10th February the Regional Grand Lodge of Northern India held its Annual Meeting at Delhi. Here too the members of press were invited. M.W. the Grand Master, M.W.Bro.D.D.Udeshi, OSM addressed them in his inimitable way bringing home to them the role and service rendered to the society by this age old institution. Questions were asked and answers were given to remove their doubts, if any. The message imbibed by them found its way in the print in the leading National Dailies.

On 10th Feb. M.W. the Grand Master dedicated Masonic Temple of Lodge Yadavindra No.141 at Chandigarh.

It may also be mentioned that the Annual Meeting of the Regional Grand Lodge of Western India also took place on 16th and 17th Feb. 2002.

M.W.Bro.D.D.Ude shi, OSM, M.W.the Grand Master had the opportunity of addressing the conference of Grand Masters of Masons in Milwaukee, North America on 17th – 19th February 2002. In his address M.W.the Grand Master apprised the delegates with the present position of Freemasonry in India. He also extended an invitation to them to attend the VI World Conference.

Brethren, in the end, let me share with you the significant and important role that we can play in this turbulent and strife- torn society of today. No doubt we are a very small number in this vast ocean of humanity, but as small islands we can act like the tiny lamps, dispelling darkness and emitting light- the symbol of purity, joy, hope, prosperity, peace amity and above all universal brotherhood. Our first principle in Freemasonry is also “Brotherly Love”, and it stands to create fraternal feelings amongst the entire human race. It transcends all the barriers of caste, creed, race, community and sex etc. This virtue of brotherhood has also been underscored by our brother the great seer Swami Vivekanand, when he said, “ When a man has reached the highest, when he sees neither man or woman, neither sex nor creed, nor colour nor birth, not any of the differentiation but goes beyond and finds that divinity which is the real man behind every human being – then alone he has reached universal brotherhood and that man alone is a ‘vedantist’.” And our avowed aim is also to be the messangers of this motto of brotherhood with the belief that our small efforts can make this planet a better place to live.

Dr. Harish Gupta

THE SQUARE AND COMPASSES

Edited at Published by Dr. Harish Gupta, for and on behalf of Grand Lodge of India

Assisted by :

W. Bro. Subhash Chawla
W. Bro. C.J. Mathew
W. Bro. Dr. Mukul Sharma
W. Bro. Prof. (Dr.) S.P. Pathak

How has all the knowledge in the world been gained but by the concentration of the powers of the mind? The world is ready to give up its secrets if we only know how to knock, how to give it the necessary blow. The strength and force of the blow come through concentration. There is no limit to the power of the human mind. The more concentrated it is, the more power is brought to bear on one point; that is the secret.

Swami Vivekananda

Dear Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries :

At the outset, I must thank all of you for having given me an opportunity to participate in your deliberations. Not being one of the North American Grand Masters, I consider it is a privilege. I have enjoyed the discussion and the fellowship. Ours is a universal Brotherhood, and this but expected.

The Brotherhood of ours is a progressive science. Just as the world progresses in every scientific field, as in the field of Arts and Mathematics, Freemasonry is also progressing. We cannot live only on our laurels or the antiquity. A research into the history of Freemasonry will interest but a few. Therefore, if we have more than just a history to offer to our younger generation, it may be difficult to attract them or to retain them. This has been the experience of many Grand Lodges, which includes my Grand Lodge. It is, therefore, up to us, the Grand Masters and the Grand Secretaries of the world to deliberate, exchange views and find ways and means of improving Freemasonry around the Universe, to make our Institution more serviceable to the people and more educative to our own members. These deliberations can not be restricted to the Grand Masters of North America only. Our views must be shared and exchanged at a global level. It is this noble thought, which prompted the world conference of Grand Lodges, which was founded about a decade ago. The body has achieved its objective of bringing those who guide the destiny of the activities of their respective Grand Lodges together. I must admire the thoughtfulness of those who brought this Organization in to existence.

So far we had 5 world Conference organized by this Organization, each one being successful in its own way. As you are aware the 6th World Conference of the Grand Lodges is being held at New Delhi, India on the 7th and 8th of November, 2002. You all have voted for India hosting this Conference. I had discussion with Bro. Thomas Jackson and he suggested that there should be no particular theme for the papers to be read at this Conference. All papers aimed at improving Freemasonry around the World are welcome. There shall be no personal agenda of any Grand Lodge discussed at this Conference. I recently read a news cutting published in London stating that the United Grand Lodge of England is proposing to come out in the open and the world at large what our Institution stands for Its’ Pro. Grand Master is reported to have exhorted its members not to be ashamed to tell the world that they are Freemasons. We in India are holding open sessions, Divine Services, press conferences etc., for conveying the same to the wolrd. The members of the public ask many questions, the principal question being, why secrecy, why women are barred from the Organization. While replies are given to quench their queries, the people are not satisfied as why no women are allowed. It would be interesting to read papers at the Conference covering these issues, including papers if any covering the two issues to which I have referred to. I, therefore invite you all, with the members of your familes to attend the 6th Wolrd Conference being held at New Delhi.

India, my Brethren, is a country with a rich culture and a variety of places to see and admire. One outstanding monument, of course the Taj Mahal. I am sure your visit to India will be worth the long travel time to India and back. There are many options to choose from. I am sure your travel agents will guide you to choose the best way to come to India in a comfortable manner, since most of the major Airlines stop over at New Delhi. Some apprehensions are expressed about the terrorism and the threat of war with our neighbors. With most of the terroist camps in Afghanistan having been destroyed and, with the presence of American forces in our neighboring State, the threat of terrosim is under control. While the troops of our two neighboring states are lined up at the borders, serious attempts are being made to bring about a peaceful solution to the problems. In any event, any possibility of a conflict would have vanished by the end of April. At my personal invitation, Bro. Thomas Jackson visited New Delhi last month. My team and I have discussed the finer points of organization, and have also shown him the arrangements that we have made. I am sure he left the shores of India fully satisfied.

Your presence at the World Conference will be useful to the wolrd community of Freemasons, and enjoyable to you and your familes. Looking forward to seeing you all in India.

Foreign and Fraternal Relations

I received a request from Brother Max Carpenter last year to present a paper on the subject, “Foreign and Fraternal Relations” to this conference. It is a subject in which I have a great interest, and have also been greatly concerned with, for a considerable number of years. I have become even more concerned in recent years due to major changes taking place in Freemasonry. It is a subject with which all Grand Lodges, and certainly all Grand Secretaries should be concerned.

For many years Freemasonry has been a relatively quiescent entity in regard to increasing the number of Regular Grand Lodges in the world. At the same time, irregular and unrecognized Masonic bodies have also been relatively quiet. This period of quiescence and quiet has been replaced in recent years with a flurry of activity by both categories of Freemasonry. This activity may be regarded in many cases to have been a beneficial activity to Regular Freemasonry, but certainly not all of it has.

Indeed, our Craft is confronted today with resultant challenges, perhaps of a magnitude never before seen in our history, and we cannot afford to remain ignorant of what is occurring. The way our leadership responds today is going to determine the direction Freemasonry will go in the future, which in turn, if we remain a viable institution, influence the direction of civil society.

Every Grand Lodge has an inherent right to make decisions regarding those Grand Lodges with whom they will be in amity. There must also be, however, an assumed responsibility on the part of the leadership to become knowledgeable of, and understand the characteristics of, the Grand Lodges they are considering. They must also be cognizant of the impact their decisions may have upon World Freemasonry. We as Grand Lodges can no longer function with an isolationist attitude that many of us have chosen in the past. As you have heard me express before, “If it affects Freemasonry anywhere today, it affects Freemasonry everywhere”.

The approach to Foreign and Fraternal relations has not only been made more complicated by the increase in the number of Grand Lodges being created, but the picture has been clouded by the creation of competing Grand Lodges in the same geographical jurisdiction. These competing Grand Lodges have not always been a result of creation by any regular Grand Lodges, but of what is regarded as “irregular” Freemasonry.

There has also been a marked increase in shcisms within regularly consecrated Grand Lodges resulting in two Grand Lodges in the same jurisdiction, both claiming to be the legitimate, regular Grand Lodge. The result has been that some mainstream Grand Lodges recognizes one, while other mainstream Grand Lodges recognizes the other. This is an untenable situation, which weakens our Fraternity.

To further compound the problem of recognition, Masonicly affiliated appendant bodies have become instrumental in causing some of the schisms to occur. These occurrences should be even more intolerable to us as officers of Grand Lodges. And yet, we have not only permitted the situations to exist by simple ignoring of the issues, but in some cases have even contributed to it.

The result is that today many of the Grand Lodges in the world have no idea, which Grand Lodges in some jurisdictions are regular and which are not, while most appendant bodies know even less. To give you an example; Several years ago while visiting in the jurisdiction of Greece, I became aware that every Grand Chapter in the United States recognized a Grand Chapter in Greece that was not part of the Grand Lodges of Greece in Amity with all North American Grand Lodges. What this amounted to, was that our Grand Chapters recognized the irregular Freemasonry of Greece. I do not cite this is an example to criticize our grand Chapter’s leadership, but to illustrate the lack of knowledge of what is occurring in other jurisdictions, as well as the need for caution when we make decisions regarding fraternal relations.

Personally, I would like nothing more than to see all Freemasonry in the world united as a like-minded brotherhood of men, with a common goal. Such unity would not only contribute to the strengthening of our noble institution, but would increase our potential to be an influence in the ongoing evolution of civil society and search for world peace.

This cannot and will not happen, however, so long as our leadership remains ignorant of, or ignores the protocols of fraternal relations. Nor can it, nor will it happen so long as conformity to these protocols which has sustained us for almost 300 years are not complied with by those seeking recognition. We as Masonic leaders today cannot permit ourselves to be seduced into accepting anything less. We cannot offer ourselves for sale to the highest bidders.

So where does that leave us in dealing with this issue of Foreign and Fraternal relations? First of all, we must recognize and acknowledge as leaders that we cannot and do not know everything. This will not be easy for many Masonic leaders, for we just might have the greatest accumulation of egos of any organization in the world. Even the most ardent of us, however, must acknowledge that in this day and age, it is simply not possible for any one individual to keep abreast of the changes that are occuring in our Craft. Most of our leadership today are dealing with demands in their lives, which will preclude any hope of their determining which Grand Lodges are entitled to recognition.

For the sake of Freemasonry it is therefore imperative that we become capable of divesting ourselves of our limiting egos, and accept guidance from those whose function it is to make these studies. In our case that responsibility lies within “The Commission on Recognition of The Conference of Grand Masters in North America”. They have been charged with this responsibility, and although they are not an authoritative body, having no dogmatic powers, it would behouve our Grand Lodges lacking the wherewithall to conduct their own independent investigations to look to them for guidance.

My brothers, we are creating many of our own problems today. By contributing to disunity instead of unity, by supporting the irregular instead of the regular, by reacting instead of acting, and by failing to recognize our ignorance on specific issues, we are not only not helping the perpetuation of our Masonic craft, we are aiding and abetting its demise. Our leadership should not permit it. Our Grand Lodges should not accept it, and Freemasonry should not tolerate it.

If our Craft is to have a stable and contributory future, then we must, support our requirements of regularity and requirements for recognition. We must also be unwilling to accept deviations from these requirements. Fraternal relations must be limited to Regular Freemasonry. Those Grand Ledges seeking recognition know what is required. If they cannot accept these parameters, then they fail to gain recognition, and if a regular Grand Lodge chooses a divergent pathway, then they must risk losing recognition.

Fraternal relations between Grand Lodges is not a right, it is a privilege. Each Grand Lodge is free to choose, but if that choice contributes to disunity, then Regular Freemasonry has the responsibility to attempt reunification. Only through unity, can there be unity, and we certainly need that today.

Thomas W. Jackson
Executive Secretary
World Conference

M.W. the Grand Master, R.W. the Regional Grand Master, R.W. Brn. V.W. Brn., and Brethren all, I feel greatly honoured on being asked to give an oration on the nature and purpose of our Institution, before this august gathering.

Brethren, we have assembled here on a solemn and important occasion, when none other than our M.W. the Grand Master in about to dedicate this temple to the honour and glory of His Most Holy name, for the good of Freemasonry in general and for the Freemasons of Chandigarh and nearby areas in particular.

It is therefore but appropriate that we pause for a while on this occasion and dwell briefly on the nature and purpose of the Institution of Freemasonry.

The first question that arises when we consider the nature of our Institution, in the context of the dedication of this temple, for which we have gathered here in large numbers, is whether Freemasonry is a Religion? Most Masonic Scholars are agreed that Freemasonry is not a Religion. It is however Religious in character. Brethren, I believe that there is a subtle difference between Religion as it is generally understood and being Religious. One may believe in any particular Religion and yet not be Religious. At the same time one can also be Religious, without believing in any particular Religion, or being dogmatic about it. There are of course others, who may neither be Religious nor believe in the existence of God or in any Religion. We in Freemasonry are not concerned with this last category, as only those who believe in God can become Freemasons.

Religion, as we understand is a highly personal matter and is mostly based on ones personal belief, brought about by circumstances of one’s birth, upbringing, history and culture and if I may add, geography too. It is essentially a belief on the existence of God, to whom certain name or names and often physical shape or shapes, or symbols are given, depending on the precepts of the Religion which a person professes. It is therefore highly individualistic. Religion is thus a generic name given to an innumerable number of human faiths which believe in the existence of God and the manner in which His Omni Presence should be acknowledged and prayers are to be offered. The important thing to remember however is that, inspite of the existence of several religions God is one. God has not given any name to the various Religions all of which believe in Him in one form or the other. It is we human beings in our ignorance and the compulsions of isolation if the early days of civilization, who have given names to various Religious all of which believe in a ceratin God - names such as Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Zorastiarism, Sikhism, Buddhism etc - and having given the names , we have forgotten the Omnipresence, Omnipotence & the Omniscience of God.

Out of fear of the unknown and the great awe and the mystery of the origin and creation of the known and unknown universe, which inspite of scientific explanation of the Great Bang has yet left the basic questions of How, Why, When and What unanswered, that the first belief in the existence of God - a Supreme Being - the beginning of all forms and indeed the end as well - was born, a long time ago, which ultimately took roots and spread through the great religions of the World. Instead of remembering this origin and the goal of all religions, which is the realisation of God, we human beings have been indulging in petty thoughts and meaningless differences.

It is this indulgence, and this confusion, which Freemasonry seeks to overcome. While not being a religion by itself, it emphasises and encourages secularism by teaching respect for and tolerance towards, all religions. It does not impose any religious dogma, of its own and we as Freemasons are well aware that nor does it propagate any rigid approach, either regarding how the presence of God is to be acknowledged, or the manner in which prayers are to be offered. Therefore, Freemasonry is not a Religion. It is in fact something more than what any one Religion individually is. If anything, it establishes an universal concept of a Supreme Being, the Great Creator, known to all Freemasons, through out the world as “The Great Architect of the Universe”-without formally being a Religion. In fact, it embraces all religious, as is clear from the fact that at the very beginning when a candidate is about to be initiated, he is informed in no uncertain terms that he is to take a solemn obligation which has nothing at variance with his own religious beliefs. Obviously, no one can in any case profers more than one relgion! At the same time, he is recommended for his most serious contemplation, the Volumes of the Sacred Law of several great religious and to consider them as the unerring’ standard of truth and justice and to regulate his actions by the divine precepts they contain. Thus Freemasonry believes in practical action, in terms of ones conduct, rather than imposing any religious and irrational dogma. Freemasonry is therefore a highly action oriented philosophical concept, which transcends all religions, while still accepting the divine precepts as contained in the Volumes of the Sacred Law of several great religions.

As far the overall nature of our Institution, there cannot be a better explanation of it than in the Address given to the W.M. at his installation, when all of us are informed that by conduct as a Freemason, we may prove to the World, the happy and beneficial effects of our Ancient Institution, so that when any one is said to be a member of it, the World may know that he is one to whom the burdened heart may pour forth its sorrow, to whom the distressed may prefer their suit, whose hand is guided by justice and whose heart is expanded by benevolence.

Following from what I have mentioned so far, the next question that arises naturally is “If Freemasonry is not a religion then why do we need a temple for our assemblies?” It is no doubt a relevant & good question. Before we find an answer for this question, let us first see “What is a temple?” Obviously, it is a place of worship, where people belonging to any particular religious faith gather, to affirm their religious beliefs and to practice their particular form of religion. We have already seen that Freemasonry transcends all religions. Freemasonry believes in the existence of a Supreme Being, by whatever name called. Therefore, when people who believe in this concept have to meet and constantly remind themselves of the Omnipotence, Omnipresence and Omniscience of God, they cannot do so in any ordinary place and have therefore necessarily to gather in a holy place, which is specially sanctified and dedicated as a Temple. They must know that they cannot enter the portals of such a temple, frivolously or lightly and casually for any odd purpose, but must know and acknowledge that they are meeting deliberately and with all humility and respect and with that awe and reverence which are due from all creatures towards their Creator. Brethren, we who have been Freemasons for long, tend to take our ritual rather routinely and perhaps often do not pay due attention to the wordings of the innumerable prayers that are offered by us, invoking His blessings, on every serious Masonic business, we are about to undertake. I would urge you to hereafter pay close attention to these prayers, which are so beautiful and appealing that we can feel in the very core of our hearts that there is a Supreme Being Who will listen to us. If we pay devout and careful attention to all these and other prayers in Freemasonry, we can actually feel the synergy of genuine and fervent appeal for His blessings and cannot fail to humble ourself before His Omnipotence, Omnipresence and Omnisciense. In fact, I would request all of you who are present here to pay particular attention to the prayers connected with this dedication ceremony, which I will have the privilege to recite as also the observation of the consecrating Officer. The need for a temple for our assemblies and its significance will then, I am sure become amply clear. The Temple is also a special place where we constantly remind ourselves that whatever our station in life and whosoever we may be, we meet on the Level, act on the Plumb and part on this Square.

Before I end, I will be failing in the duty imposed on me by M.W. the Grand Master, it I do not briefly touch on the purpose of Freemasonry. It may be difficult to elaborate this in any great detail in the limited time that I have, Suffice it to acknowledge the well known purpose of Freemasonry of being happy and communicating happiness, as also making good men better. I would go a step further and say that the purpose of Freemasonry is make all men without reception better than what they are, so that they in turn can be better members of a constantly improving society. We have also however to acknowledge at the same time the predominant characteristics of a Freemasons’ heart, namely Charity, which comprises not merely the practice of monetary charity, but also charity of words, thoughts and deeds.

Lastly, I would like to share with you a few lines from two short poems which I read in school, which had left a lasting impression on me then and have gained further significance now that I am a Freemason. The first is appropriately suited to our belief in the possibility of improving every one. It says.

There is so much good in the worst of us
And so much bad in the best of us
That if ill behoves any one of us
To find fault with the rest of us.

As will be seen this urges that we should not think too much of ourself and bloat our ego, but on the other hand find opportunities in finding some good in every one.

The second poem affirms the need for a faith in God and for always acting on the Plumb and the Square. It says :

Courages Brother, do not stumble,
Though your path is dark as night,
There is a Star to guide the humble,
Trust in God and do the right.

So brethren, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth which is our motto will be the belief and the faith we profess, preach and propogate in this temple, and as our Institution has been formed and perfected with so much unanimity and concord, long may it continue. May Brotherly Love and affection, ever distinguish us as men and as Freemasons. May these principles and tenets be transmitted pure and unpolluted through the Lodges meeting in this temple from generation to generation!