After the "Grand Festival" at Mumbai during November,2004, we have had the Annual Investiture Meetings ofthe Southern, Western and Northern Regions. And as Iwrite this, the brethren of the Eastern Region are gearing up fortheir Investiture Meeting at Kolkata to follow closely. All thesemeetings so far held have been resounding success as will, nodoubt, the investiture meet of the Eastern Region. Organizingthese meetings could not have been easy. They must haveprovided trying and challenging times for the organizingbrethren.

The logistical difficulty of holding a meet of such a magnitudeat a Metropolis like Mumbai is well known. Yet, the brethren ofthe Western Region in general and of Mumbai in particular farexceeded expectations in organizing what was one of the mostmagnificent Grand Festivals ever.

The brethren of the Southern Region and at Chennai inparticular had to contend with record numbers - perhaps thehighest participation to date at any Regional Grand Lodgemeeting. And yet the meetings went off with so much ofprecision and satisfaction. Similarly, brethren of the Westernand Northern Regions, at Bhopal and Chandigarh, had toovercome great difficulties and inconveniences that one canencounter in smaller towns. Yet, they too did not lag behind.The meetings were excellently managed.

At all these places, it was obvious that there was greatexertion on the part of the organizers in managing the meetingsand the attendant events. And, it was this exertion that broughtabout the spectacular results. In fact, is this not whatFreemasonry also tells us? That, skill without exertion is of littleavail? That the heart may conceive and the head devise IN VAIN,if the hand be not prompt to execute the design? One's life iscomprised of threefold possibilities; Feelings i.e. Bhakti;Knowledge i.e. Gnana, and action i.e. Karma. The heart isassociated with feeling or Bhakti, the head with knowledge orgnana and the hand with action or karma. But the operativemechanism rests with the hand i.e. action. How very true thatwithout action, without exertion, all our knowledge and feelingswill remain dormant. Skill without exertion is like a bird withoutwings.

In the Bhagawad Gita, Lord Krishna glorifies the need ofaction, of duty, of exertion. The Lord does not allow Arjuna tofind an excuse for his inaction and shying away from his duty.In fact, Lord Krishna lucidly expounds to Arjuna the philosophyof action. He says, "Do thou therefore perform right andobligatory actions, for action is superior to inaction. Withoutwork, even the bare maintenance of thy body would not bepossible."

The same thing applies to us as a fraternity. When we comeinto the fraternity we say that we have come into it to be moreserviceable to our fellow creatures. This can be possible onlywhen we exert. Many times we wait for things to happen - notrealizing that an exertion is necessary for things to happen.

A flood was threatening a small town and everyone wasleaving for safety except one man who said. "God will save me.I have faith." As the water level rose, a jeep came to rescue him,the man refused, saying "God will save me. I have faith." As thewater level rose further, he went up to the second storey, and aboat came to help him. Again he refused to go, saying, "Godwill save me. I have faith." The water kept rising and the manclimbed on to the roof. A helicopter came to rescue him, but hesaid, "God will save me; I have faith." And finally he drowned.When he reached his Maker, he angrily questioned, "I hadcomplete faith in you. Why did you ignore my prayers and letme down?" The Lord replied, "Who do you think sent you thejeep, the boat, and the helicopter? It was upto you to act."

Today, we speak of excellence. In any sphere of life excellenceis required. Our fraternity, our Lodges, are no exceptions. Butexcellence is a difficult ball game. Excellence is not a result ofluck; it is the result of a lot of hard work and exertion.Abraham Lincoln says, "Things may come to those whowait, but they get only the things left by those who hustle."An author writes, "Hard work is both a beginning and anend in itself. The harder a person works, the better he feels; andthe better he feels, the harder he works. The best ideas will notwork unless you work the ideas. Great talent without will-powerand hard work is a waste."

And finally to us as Masons, exertion must not mean servicewith a selfish motive - It must mean benefit to others not just toourselves. Such an exertion or service not only enriches theperformer materially and spiritually, it also benefits manyaround. The wise have said: "That alone is living by which manyothers live". "This is called the yagna spirit in the - the spirit ofsharing. The whole universe is the expression of this exertion toshare the results. The sun gloriously burns to give warmth andlight, the ocean sacrifices itself to become vapour, the cloudscondense into rain and gushes into streams to quench theparched earth and the earth in joy tears open its breast to nourishthe world with abundance...."

As did our brethren in Mumbai, in Chennai, in Bhopal, in Chandigarh and now at Kolkata. God bless them.

Arun Chintopanth
Grand Master

The period from January 2005 to March 2005witnessed a surfeit of Masonic activities, which keptour M.W. Grand Master virtually on his toes alongwith the Masonic fraternity as active participants andcontributors to them.

On January 8, in the annual meeting of the RegionalGrand Lodge of Southern India at Chennai, R.W.Bro. G.K.Selvarajan, in a glittering and majestic ceremony, performedwith utmost precision and dignity was installed as theRegional Grand Master by M.W. the Grand Master,M.W.Bro. Arun Chintopanth, OSM. M.W.G.M. wished himGodspeed with the conviction that Masonic activities wouldsoar still higher during his stewardship.

On January 9, M.E. the First Grand Principal M.E.Comp.Arun Chinopanth installed M.E.Comp. G.K. Selvarajan asM.E. the Grand Superintendent, and later on, R.W.Bro. G.K.Selvarajan was installed as R.G. M.M. by the M.W. GrandMaster. These two ceremonies were conducted in all thesolemnity bearing the stamp of excellence. We take thisopportunity to congratulate the new Regional Grand MasterR.W.Bro. G.K. Selvarajan and believe that under his ablestewardship the region will reach still greater heights.

Another ceremony of installation took place at Kolkata,where R.W.Bro. Girish Shastri was installed as RegionalGrand Master by M.W. the Grand Master, M.W.Bro. ArunChintopanth, OSM, on March 5, 2005. On March 6, he wasinstalled as M.E. the Grand Superintendent by M.E. theFirst Grand Principal, M.E.Comp. Arun Chintopanth, andsubsequently, as Regional Grand Mark Master by M.W.the Grand Master, M.W.Bro. Arun Chintopanth.

These ceremonies witnessed the grandeur, precision,and decorum of highest order. All the three functions wentoff without any blemish. The notable feature of theseceremonies was that a sizeable number of distinguishedmasons, even from far flung areas came to attend them.The zeal, enthusiasm and dedication of the brethren was atreat to watch. It is evident that the Eastern Region is allkeyed up to take a large leap forward. Our M.W. the GrandMaster pinning his complete faith in the new incumbent,hoped that the Eastern Region would take strides forwardand be soon in the vanguard under the fraternal leadership of R.W.Bro. Shastri. We congratulate R.W.Bro. Shastri andwish him Godspeed and all success in his efforts.

In addition to installation ceremony, Kolkata was thevenue of two great significant events, fully dedicated to theacademic growth of Maosnry in every sense and to make itmore vibrant and visible, our M.W.G.M. M.W.Bro. ArunChintopanth, OSM, also convened a meeting of theSecretaries and Worshipful Masters on March 4, for a fulland frank interaction. In this participatory meeting, heexhorted and advised them to put masonry on a higherpedestal in their respective areas by their sincere and selflessefforts.

In order to reach the very core and most influential sectorof our society, he also engineered the formation of a LadiesAssociation. He addressed the members of the associationin the forenoon of March 5. In his own persuasive, effectiveand convincing style, he apprised them with the nobleand charitable activities of the Brethren, and sought theirfull cooperation and help in this regard.

M.W. the Grand Master attended the Annual Meetingof Regional Grand Lodge of W.I. at Bhopal on February 5,2005. It was as usual a grand show and the presence of alarge number of masons bore ample proof of theirenthusiasm. We congratulate R.W.Bro. G.L. Shahu, R.W.the Regional Grand Master and his team of dedicatedofficers for making the Western Region active and vibrant.On February 6, 2005, M.E. the Second Grand Principal,M.E.Comp. Chief Justice V. Ratnam represented M.E. theFirst Grand Principal M.E.Comp. Arun Chintopanth, at theAnnual Convocation of Regional Grand Chapter of W.I. atBhopal and the same evening R.W. Deputy Grand Master,R.W.Bro. R.S. Dewan represented the M.W.G.M. at theAnnual Convocation of the Regional Grand Mark Lodge ofW.I. Needless to say, that these two functions went off verywell with due Masonic grace and decorum.

On February 12, M.W.G.M. attended the Annual Meetingof Regional Grand Lodge of N.I. at Chandigarh. The meetingwitnessed the spontaneous enthusiasm of the masons ofN.I. in all its glory and decorum. M.E. the Second GrandPrincipal, M.E.Comp. Justice V. Ratnam represented M.E.the First Grand Principal at the Annual Convocation ofRegional Grand Chapter of N.I. held at Chandigarh onFebruary 13, 2005 and in the evening R.W. the DeputyGrand Master R.W.Bro. R.S. Dewan represented theM.W.G.M. at the Annual Convocation of Regional GrandMark Lodge of N.I.

On January 25 , M.W. G.M. consecrated R.A.M. LodgeLevel No. 105 at Pune; and Mark Lodge Bharathi No. 109at Chennai on March 27. The M.W. G.M., M.W.Bro. ArunChintopanth, expressed his joy and satisfaction at theaddition of these higher degree lodges to our fraternity. Hesaid such additions to the family speak in volumes aboutour vertical growth.

The M.W. G.M. dedicated Banner of Lodge Kalinga No.337 at Visakhapatnam on January 28, Lodge Sanchi No.247 and Haratwar No. 202 at Bhopal on February 5, and ofLodge Gomantak No. 248 at Margao on February 26. Theseceremonies were held quite immaculately.

This period also marked the presentation of LTS Jewelto R.W.Bro. S. Chintopanth on the completion of 40 years ofhis meritorious and illustrious service to masonry. Hisgreatest contribution to our masonry are his grandson andillustrious son. The spectacle-a father receiving the jewelfrom his son-in itself is a living testimony to our cultureand our norms and such sublime and noble things give themessage "Rules, Laws or norms are sacrosanct and theyare followed in masonry with all the grace and decorum".Our congratulations to R.W.Bro. S. Chintopanth, and webelieve that the torch will continue to burn still brighter.On January 28, M.W.G.M. presented 50 years' LTS jewelto R.W.Bro. G.S.K. Arya at Visakhapantam. R.W.Bro. Aryahas contributed richly to masonry and is continuing withhis innings with all the aplomb and zeal. We congratulatehim and pray God for his long life and continued supportand service to masonry.

M.W.G.M. dedicated Masonic Temple of LodgeGodavari No. 89 at Rajmundary on January 27. On February26 he laid the foundation stone of Lodge Gomantak No.248 at Goa, and on March 19, he attended the Area Meetingof Craft Lodges at Tiruchirapalli.

Brethren, the enumeration of this long list of functionsand activities attended by our M.W.G.M, M.W.Bro. ArunChintopanth, OSM bear eloquent testimony to the fact thatthe Masonic activities hardly gave him any breathing space.But, with his indefatigable energy and strong dedicationtowards masonry, he exudes inspiration and is a beaconlight for us. He has been constantly fighting hard to makemasonry in our country vibrant and stimulating.

Brethren, I take this opportunity to appeal to you to movestep by step with him and put your shoulders to the wheelwhole heartedly and make his Dhanya Dhan and othercharitable projects astounding successes with your sincereand selfless efforts. I know that we have to go a long wayand in this arduous journey, with a captain like our GrandMaster in the vanguard, we shall be able to surmount allthe difficulties that come in our way.

With fraternal greetings,
Dr. Harish Gupta
Grand Secretary

The team at The Square and Compasses wishes all itssubscribers and readers fraternal greetings and bestwishes for a great 2005.

It is said that, the only thing constant in life is"CHANGE". The Square and Compasses has been slowly butsteadily undergoing a metamorphosis and the year 2005 ismore significant. The bi-monthly has now become aQuarterly Journal.

Consequently, the new year sees a change in VolumeNo. to XXVI and will have four numbers of which this isthe first. We will not be bringing out Nos. 5, 6 of VolumeXXV, although the period in question gets covered. Thoseof you who are collecting the Journal may kindly take notefor chronology and good order.

MW the Grand master had expressed a desire that theRegional Grand Masters should contribute to the Journalin terms of original work. This would most likely manifestitself in the Journal in the subsequent issues of this year.Mrs. Adarsh Bali has painstakingly written inmanuscript an article for publication, in her capacity asthe President of "The Association of Masons' Wives". Ourgratitude to her for her effort, may her tribe increase!!The Square and Compasses is carrying a list of all Pastranks awarded to the brethren in the Grand Craft, Chapterand Mark Lodges too, that may be of some use to thesubscribers, and information is further disseminated. TheSquare and Compasses team joins all the brethren of the GrandLodge of India in congratulating the brethren who havebeen conferred past Grand ranks.

MW the Grand Master has also expressed a desire thatLodges have more Inter Regional Lodge visitations. To thisend, a circular was sent by the Grand Secretary, it is alsoenclosed as a pull out in this issue. Secretaries of Lodgesmay please send the same to Grand Secretary forcoordination. The more we travel, move, visit, receivevisitors and share, the more enjoyable and enriching it isfor us masons.

We are keen on knowing your views on this forum and shall look forward to your critical suggestions and comments on the Journal.

Warm fraternal greetings.
Vishwanathan Ganesan
Sub-Editor

1. Introduction

1.1. Rule 92A of the Book of Constitutions provides thatthe Treasurer of the Lodge shall be elected by themembers by ballot on the regular day of the electionof the Master.

1.2. The Book of Constitutions is silent on the qualificationof the member (eligible to stand) for the office of theTreasurer. Hence, it may be assumed that even anEntered Apprentice who is capable of dischargingthe duties of a Treasurer can be elected to that office.

1.3. The candidate for the office of Treasurer should beregularly proposed and seconded in the open Lodgebefore proceeding with the ballot.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

2.1. The Treasurer's work starts immediately after theInstallation meeting. He should take charge of thebooks of account, the bank pass books and otherrelated records from his predecessor after theInstallation Meeting

2.2. The Treasurer is responsible for collection of allmoneys due to the Lodge. It shall be his duty to collectall the amounts due to the Lodge directly and ensurethat the same is remitted to the Lodge bank accountwithout any delay.

2.3. Similarly, the Treasurer is responsible for makingpayments as are duly authorized or have beensanctioned by the Lodge out of the Lodge funds.Although the resolution passed for the operation ofthe Bank account will be "any two of the following,viz., the Master, the Treasurer and the Secretary", it isadvisable that the Treasurer signs the cheque as oneof the signatories.

2.4. It is advisable that all the payments made are bycheques only and cash payments be done only in anemergency, in any case not above Rs.500.

2.5. The Treasurer must ensure that separate bankaccounts are maintained for the General Fund, theBenevolent Fund and Refreshment Fund.

2.6. The Treasurer shall regularly enter a complete recordof all moneys passing through his hands in the properbooks of account, which shall be the property of theLodge and which, together with all Lodge funds andproperty in his possession shall be transferred to hissuccessor upon investiture.

2.7. It is the responsibility and duty of the Treasurer toprepare a statement of Receipts and Payments everymonth and present the same to the PermanentCommittee for checking and in the open Lodge at eachmeeting for consideration. A specimen is given inAnnexure 4.

2.8. The Treasurer must ensure that no part of theBenevolent Fund or Refreshment Fund is used for theexpenses of the General Fund.

2.9. The Treasurer must inform the Secretary of all themoneys due from the Brethren towards subscriptionetc., so that the Secretary may inform the Brethrenaccordingly.

2.10. The Treasurer shall prepare the annual statement ofaccounts, viz. Receipts and Payments Statement,Income and Expenditure Account and the BalanceSheet, as on the date fixed by the bye-laws of the Lodgefor closing of accounts.

2.11. The annual accounts shall be presented to the AuditCommittee for verification and report. The annualaccounts and the audit committee's report shall becirculated to the members together with the summonsfor that meeting at which they are to be considered. Itis the usual practice in some Lodges to circulate theannual accounts and the report to the members justbefore the item is being considered for adoption at theInstallation meeting, which should be avoided.

2.12. The annual accounts, if not adopted at the Installationmeeting, should be presented at a meeting not laterthan the third Regular Meeting after the date to whichthe accounts are made up.

3. Records to be maintained

3.1. The Treasurer shall maintain the following records.

3.1.1.A cash and bank book recording all the moneys received and paid out of the Lodge funds.

3.1.2. A Ledger to record the total amounts received / disbursed under different heads of account.

3.1.3.A register showing the balance due from/to membersas on the first day of the financial year of the Lodge,the total dues for the year, the amounts received fromthe members during the year, the receipt number anddate, and the amount due from/to the members onthe closing date. A specimen format of the register isgiven in Annexure 1.

3.1.4. Vouchers duly authorized by the Secretary or Masterfor all payments made. A specimen format is given inAnnexure 2.

3.1.5. Printed receipts serially numbered should be issuedfor all amounts received and the original given to theperson from whom the amounts are received. A copyfor Lodge records should be kept as a duplicate orsecond counterfoil. A specimen format is enclosed inAnnexure 3.

3.1.6. The Treasurer should ensure that the bank pass booksare updated regularly and when presenting theaccounts at the Permanent Committee meeting, theBank balances as per the Lodge books and the bankpass books are duly reconciled.

4. Annual Accounts

4.1. Receipts and Payments Statement

4.1.1. The receipts and payments statement will include allmoneys received and payments made. The statementwill not include any adjustments made in the booksby way of transfers from one head of account toanother.

4.1.2. Total amounts received and paid under a particularhead of account has to be separately shown on thereceipts side and payments side of the statementrespectively. The figure should not be netted for thepurpose of presentation. A specimen of the Receiptsand Payments Statement is given in Annexure 4

5. Income and Expenditure Account

5.1.1. The Income and Expenditure Account should includeall items of income and expenditure after makingadjustments for any amounts receivable or payableat the end of the year.

5.1.2. The gross subscription to be reflected in the statementwill include the arrears of subscription to be receivedfrom members at the end of the year together with theadjustments to made for any advance subscriptionreceived for the subsequent year. The grossing ofsubscription for the year may be done as under:
Actual subscription received during the year aaaaa
Add: Subscription received in advance in the previous year aaaaa
Subscription in arrears for the current year aaaaa
Balance xxxxx
Less: Subscription received in advance for the subsequent year bbbbb
Arrears of previous year recovered bbbbb
Transfer to Benevolent
Fund @ Rs .. per member bbbbb
Transfer to Refreshment
Fund @ Rs .. per member bbbbb
Balance taken to Income and
Expenditure A/c yyyyy

5.1.3. The irrecoverable part of the subscription have to bewritten off each year. Since the arrears of subscriptionto be written off will include portion of the BenevolentFund and Refreshment Fund, proportionate amountswill have to be written off in the funds also.

5.1.4. The interest from fixed deposits or long terminvestment which have not been actually received butdue for the year must be included to the income underthe head Interest and shown as Interest Receivableon the Assets side of the Balance Sheet. It should benoted that interest on fixed deposits made fromBenevolent Fund and Refreshment Fund should betaken to the respective fund account.

5.1.5. It is necessary to provide for outstanding expensessuch as rent, printing and stationery, postage, Tyler'sfee which have become due for the incurred duringthe year but not paid, by including the amount notpaid to the respective head of accounts and showingthe outstanding payable as Outstanding Liabilitiesor Expenses Payable in the Liabilities side of theBalance Sheet.

5.1.6. The difference between the totals of the Income andExpenditure represents the excess of Income overExpenditure or the Excess of Expenditure over Incomeand should be transferred to the General Fund in theBalance Sheet.

5.1.7. A specimen of the Income and Expenditure Account is given in Annexure 5.

6. Balance Sheet

6.1. A Balance Sheet is a statement showing the Assetsand Liabilities what the Lodge owns and what theLodge owes respectively. A specimen of the BalanceSheet is given in Annexure 6.

6.2. It should be ensured that the balance shown in theBenevolent Fund and Refreshment Fund on theLiabilities side of the Balance Sheet should tally withthe bank balances of the respective funds.

7. Audit Committee

7.1. The members of the Audit Committee shall be elected as per the byelaws of each Lodge.

7.2. The Treasurer should ensure that the annualaccounts are prepared in time and request theSecretary to call for a meeting of the audit committeeto verify the accounts and submit their report to themembers of the Lodge.

7.3. The meeting of the audit committee should beconvened giving the Secretary sufficient time to makecopies of the annual accounts and the auditcommittee report so that the same may be circulatedalongwith with the summons of the meeting where itis to be adopted.

7.4. A suggested format for the audit committee report is given in Annexure 7

Note : Receipts and Payments statement is a summery of : (Opening Balances of Cash and Bank + Receipts during the year) Less (Expenses during the year) = Closing Balances of cash and Bank at the end of the year.

We have examined the Balance Sheet of Lodge ……………..…………….. No …....... as at ……………….. …….. and the Incomeand Expenditure Account for the year ended on that date. The said statements are in agreement with the books maintainedby the Lodge.

In our opinion, the Balance Sheet reflects a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Lodge as on ………………….. …….and the Income and Expenditure Account of the Excess of Income over Expenditure ( or Expenditure over Income ) for theyear ended on that date.

Since my association with Freemasonry 32 years ago,when my husband joined it, I have seen a sea ofchanges in masonry. Earlier, neither he nor any ofhis brothers would tell us what they have joined.As he used to go for his meetings once every month andreturn home late at night, none of the family members wouldlike it. My impression at that time was that he had joinedsome sort of club, where he goes in the evening to enjoyhimself.

On many occasions, I would request him to take mealong, but he would make some excuse or the other. Hewould tell me that it is a masculine society, where onlymen can join. No ladies are permitted.

Whenever I tried to know regarding his activities in theLodge, he used to tell me that he has taken an oath not todisclose what they do in the Temple. So it struck me that hehas joined some secret society of which he would notdisclose what they do.

After a few years, for the first time I got some idea aboutfreemasonry, when his Lodge had done some eyeoperations of poor people. So I came to know that they dosome charitable work too. But I knew that some otherorganizations like Lions Club and Rotary also do lot ofcharity works. So I asked him as he was also a member ofthese organizations, why he has joined freemasonry, inwhat way masonry differs from them. By now, masonrywas opening up, so he explained to me that he agrees thatother organizations are also doing a lot of charity butfreemasonry is different from them.

I learnt that freemasonry is a worldwide organization.It teaches morality. A freemason is to have faith in God. Itadmits upright and good men and with its teachings, makethem better.

The basic principles of freemasonry are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

My knowledge of freemasonry further grew, when Iattended the open sessions, in which they read somepassages from their Rituals. I came to know that its originwas from actual stone masons who used to build churchesand cathedrals and masonry uses their working tools toteach masons moral lessons in their meetings. Thesemasons' tools were shown by slides with their meaning inmasonry. I learnt that this organization is engaged in thewelfare of mankind.

In open sessions, the five books of our major religions inIndia were also opened during the session from which Ilearnt that freemasonry does not follow one religion. Theyteach their masons the truths that are taught by eachreligion.

In these open sessions, we were also told the charitableprojects undertaken by masons throughout our country.Two major projects are in Delhi, which of course I knew.One, Gen. Williams' Polyclinic and the second, a MasonicPublic school.

The polyclinic has grown by leaps and bounds from avery humble start. In beginning, only few pathological testswere done, but now it is equipped with the latest machinery.It can compare with any good labs in Delhi. They havenow two X-Ray units, one Ultra Sound Color Doppler, twoDentistry units, an Eye Unit, C.T. Scan and an OrthopaedicUnit with latest equipment. Almost 400-500 people fromall walks of life visit it. Its tests are 100% accurate, whichonce I heard from our family doctor who works at BatraHospital.

The second project of Masonic Public School was builtbrick by brick in my presence, as the building was startedduring my husband's tenure when he was the R.G.M. ofN.I. and was completed at ground level during his tenure.Today this building has been completed at the first floorlevel by his successor. This school is serving the purpose ofMasonry by giving free education to poor and deservingstudents. The association formed by Masons' wives hasalso contributed their assistance to the school.

A thought has always come to my mind as to whyMasonry does not admit women in their Lodges when theyare now in every field. Be it Politics, Social Work, MedicalProfession, Education or even the Army and the Air Force.I have read that many women Lodges are working inFrance, Belgium, England, Australia, etc. Of course, theseLodges are not recognised by the Grand Lodge of India.

I know that this is not possible in India, as it is a societyof men only and will not admit women in this organisationdue to their basic principles and constitutions ofFreemasonry. So, we ladies in Delhi thought of startingsome women's association which can work on theprinciples of Masonry.

Once, in a Ladies Night Meeting in Delhi, this topiccame up when Mrs. Heena Udeshi, wife of the then GrandMaster gave us encouragement to start such an Association.We few ladies from East and West Lodges, along with afew from other Lodges, took the initiative and formed "AllIndia Masons' Wives' Association"

In the beginning, we were 14 members only. But today,we have touched 130 in Delhi. We have also drawn ourown Constitution, mostly based on Masonic principles,which has been approved by the Grand Lodge of India. Wehave received lot of support from the Masonic brethren ofDelhi. In many Masonic centers, our Chapters are beingformed all over the country. Our association has followedthe basic principles of masonry - and have taken up fewcharitable projects as follows:

i. Have paid fee for poor children of Masonic Public School and donated books.
ii. Have organized blood donation camp.
iii. Have distributed calcium tablets to poor pregnant ladies.
iv. A lady whose husband met with an accident and became invalid, was given financial aid of Rs.10,000 and we have taken the responsibility of educating their two children.
v. Have organized meals to raise funds.

Within a short period of our existence, we have formeda useful unit to work for the welfare of our society. I feel thatwe ladies can also help in the growth of Freemasonry. Whenever we visit our friends or social circles or ourrelatives, we must utilize these opportunities and talk ofour association and what masonry is doing for theupliftment of our society.

IN THE LODGE & OF THE LODGE

W. BRO A. V. RANGARAO
LODGE DECCAN NO. 20, HYDERABAD

(THIS IS THE THIRD CHAPTER OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED BOOK BY THE AUTHOR)

3. YOUR LODGE AND THE MASONIC FRAME

The Lodge you have been admitted to thus may be oneof the Foundation Lodges which formed the Grand Lodgeof India in 1961, or may have been chartered by the GLIsubsequently. If the former, you may find some vestiges ofthe former customs and usages in your Lodge, and thecolour of your Aprons may be derived from the parentGrand Lodge, that is, sky-blue, dark blue or dark green. Ifyour Lodge is chartered by the GLI, you may have no suchvestiges of the past, and the colour of your apron may benon-traditional like purple or red! (However, we may notethat many of these younger Lodges have also adopted thetraditional blue). But what you will have in common, theframework within which all Lodges in GLI operate, is theBook of Constitutions and the Craft Ritual issued by theGrand Lodge.

The Book of Constitutions, which the Grand Lodge ofIndia gave unto itself, is the binding document under whichthe Grand Lodge, the Regional Grand Lodges, theDaughter Lodges and all Brethren function. That is theauthority under which all act, which lays down the powers,privileges and rights of all, and the procedures to befollowed in administration and management of all Masonicactivity under the GLI. The Book of Constitutions alsoincludes a Declaration of Principles, the Old Chargespreserved in various documents, such as those referred toabove, and the "Antient Charges and Regulations",29 stillread out to every Master at his Installation, all of whichMasons hold inviolable.

The conduct of Ritual and Masonic ceremonial in theLodge should be in accordance with Masonic principles,tradition and practice and, to ensure this, GLI issued aBook of Craft Ritual in 1965. As many of the Lodges affiliatedto the GLI had come from three different Constitutions, itwas for long permissible for Lodges to follow traditional orcustomary practices in their respective working. Finally, in1988, GLI issued instructions that the GLI book on CraftRitual be followed thereafter, and this is now the norm forall our Lodges. However, overarching all these are theAncient Landmarks of the Craft, old-established Masoniccustom, usage and tradition, which we are bound to upholdand maintain, and our Constitutions, Bye-Laws andprocedures all subserve this aim.

Basis of operation

The unifying basis of all Freemasonry is an unswervingfaith in the Great Architect, and that whatever be his modeof worship or religion, it is equally acceptable to the Order,for all who believe in the Divine Creator are alike welcomein the brotherhood. The Grand Principles on which theOrder is founded are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth,which themselves are potent unifying factors. The thirdelement that gives strength to the Order, is a strong sense ofself-discipline, no less binding for being entirely voluntaryand self-imposed. These are the firm foundations on whichour operations must rest.

In the operation of our Lodges, we have severalauthorities to guide us; firstly, the Book of Craft Ritual, whichguides us in conducting the Lodge; secondly, the Book ofConstitutions, which defines and enables or facilitates thegovernment of the Institution and the Lodges; thirdly, theBye-Laws of the Lodge, duly adopted by the Lodge andapproved by the Grand Master, which lay down theprocedures to be observed by each Daughter Lodge, and,finally, the Bye-Laws of the Regional Grand Lodge, whichspecify certain procedures and conditions to be observedin the management of the Lodge.

Book of Constitutions

The B.o.C. lays down the constitution of the Grand Lodgeof India, its composition and constituents, powers vestedin its several components, procedures to be followed invarious matters; the Regional Grand Lodges and theirfunctioning; Daughter Lodges, their constitution,composition and operation; Rights, responsibilities,obligations and privileges of Brethren; and powers andprivileges of different Masonic functionaries under the GLI.The Book of Constitutions also specifies all the Officerswho may be appointed in the Grand Lodge, the RegionalGrand Lodges and the Daughter Lodges, and lays downtheir Order of Precedence. It provides for the creation andadoption of Bye-Laws by and for the Daughter Lodges andRegional Grand Lodges, including their approval by GrandLodge. The B.o.C. also specifies the procedures for appeal in case of Masonic dispute, as well as for action againstoffending Brethren or Lodges, in case of Masonic default orbreach of conduct. Various fees and subscriptions payableto the Grand Lodge are also laid down. Finally, the B.o.C.prescribes the regalia and Masonic clothing of Brethren ofall ranks in Lodges, Regional Grand Lodges and the GrandLodge, as well as the medals and awards made by the GLIto Freemasons. In fact, there is, indeed, "scarcely a case ofdifficulty that can arise for which that book will not indicatean answer!"

Lodge Bye-Laws

The Bye-Laws of the Lodge are to be adopted by a Lodgeimmediately after formation, and the draft submitted to GLIfor approval. The Bye-Laws of the Lodge must prescribethe regular place of meeting of the Lodge, the daysprescribed for its regular meetings, the Election meetingand the Installation meeting. The ballot procedure and thenumber of disqualifying black balls may also be laid down.The fees and subscriptions payable are to be laid down,and the apportionment of those fees to several (defined)Funds of the Lodge. Action to be taken in the event of defaultby any Brethren of the Lodge, and the related proceduremust be prescribed. The Bye-Laws also prescribe theCommittees of the Lodge, their duties, and the manner oftheir constitution. It may be noted that any committee of theLodge may, in general, only make recommendations andall executive powers vest only in the Lodge30 .

If the Lodge has created any Trusts or is associated withany other masonically linked institutions, the Bye-Lawsmay need to provide some empowering provisions to enablethe Lodge to discharge the associated responsibilities andfunctions, including the nomination of Brethren of the Lodgeto function on behalf of the Lodge in such institutions. Ingeneral, the Bye-Laws of the Lodge must be adequate toenable it to function effectively, within the ambit of the B.o.C.

The Bye-Laws, as adopted by the Lodge, are forwardedto the RGL (concerned), for recommendation andtransmission to the Grand Lodge for approval. Once theyare approved, with or without amendment, by the GrandMaster, and so communicated, they come into effect.Thereafter, a Lodge may amend its Bye-Laws from time totime under procedures laid down in the Bye-Laws and theB.o.C. Each such amendment must be approved by the GLI,for the Bye-Laws are always to be consistent with the B.o.C.and Masonic principles, practice and traditions.

RGL Bye-Laws

These lay down the procedures to be followed by theLodge, both on the maintenance and periodical submissionof various reports and returns, as also in the correspondencewith Region and the Grand Lodge, and in thecommunications to be routed through the Region to theGrand Lodge. Included in the Bye-Laws are also the feesand dues payable to the Region by the Lodge. Details ofprocedures to be followed in seeking certain sanctions orpermissions from the Region or the Grand Lodge are alsocovered.

Ritual and Ceremonial

The Book of Craft Ritual issued by the GLI containsdetailed instructions on the ritual working in the Lodge,during Lodge meetings, including the opening and closingof the Lodge, and conferment of degrees. In general, thisbook is a comprehensive guide to Craft Ritual, in its text, inthe rubric and in its coverage. The book, however, must notbe read and used in an ad hoc manner or piecemeal, butmust be carefully and intelligently studied, to receive thefull benefit of its guidance and to understand the Ritual inall its implications. It must be emphasized that a full andcareful study of the Ritual is vital to gaining anunderstanding of the Masonic system in its totality.

It must be borne in mind that though Freemasonry isnot a religion, and all religions are equally welcome in theOrder, a faith in the Great Architect is fundamental, and soevery Masonic meeting is covered by ritual instructions,apart from Masonic etiquette. Similarly, the three grandprinciples may not be forgotten in any such meeting, either.Therefore, understanding the ritual and applying itappropriately is a necessary duty, cast on all Freemasons.The Grand Lodge and the Regional Grand Lodge issueletters and circulars from time to time, includinginstructions and advice on different aspects ofadministrative procedures and requirements, specialceremonial for various occasions, clarifications and adviceon Craft ritual and changes if any, and rulings or awardsby the GM or the RGM on several matters. Events andoccurrences of general interest to all Brethren are alsocommunicated regularly.

Autonomy of the Lodge

Thus, there is a wide variety of material available toguide the Lodge in its regular functioning. It is onlynecessary to collate all the material and have it readilyavailable to the Master and Brethren to ensure thesatisfactory and successful working of the Lodge. It must,however, be noted that despite this bulk of material, thereis still wide latitude for the Lodge to manage its own affairsto the satisfaction of the Brethren. It must only be ensuredthat nothing is done at variance with the AntientLandmarks and the general principles of the Craft, orinconsistent with the Book of Constitutions or the LodgeBye-Laws.

This autonomy is a very valuable feature of the Lodge,which must be jealously guarded and effectively utilised30However, a committee may be authorised to take specific executiveaction, within clearly defined limits by, a specific resolution of theLodge.

for the promotion of the advantage and reputation of theLodge and of Freemasonry. It must not be forgotten that theLodge is the front end of the Order. It is the Lodge that ismost in contact with the rest of Society; it is the Lodge thatgives the popular and uninstructed world the impressionsof Freemasonry and what it does or stands for; the image ofFreemasonry is made or marred by that contact.

Believe me, to the world of affairs, the Grand Lodge maymean little, except to the resident of Delhi walking past itsgates, to whom it may be just one more building with aname to it. The Grand Master may at best be one more newsitem in the papers, if that. But the Lodges in his own town,the buildings where they meet from time to time, theneighbour who does not accept engagements on certaindays every month because he must attend his Lodge, thehospitals where the masons have donated facilities, theschools which have been supported by local masons, whenhe gets to hear of them, for masons traditionally do not liketo publicise their charities, or at the other extreme, the storieshe hears of "goings-on"31 at the local lodge, this to thecitizen, to most people, is the face of Freemasonry.

The Lodge and the non-Masonic World

This fact, that the Lodge is the front end of Masonry hasbeen often emphasised by both the Grand Lodge and theRegional Grand Lodge. Lodges must gear themselves up tothis responsibility. But Lodges may not seek publicity forobvious reasons. They must therefore organise theiractivities in such a way, innovatively, to project the correctimage of Freemasonry, while not seeking publicity for theLodge. The considerable autonomy that Lodges enjoyenables them to do this effectively.

The most important area of Lodge activity, i.e., in theinterface of the Lodge with the non-Masonic world, is thatof Lodge charities. Masonic charity has no limits norlimitations, except those dictated by prudence. Prudencemust ensure that the donor's ability to give is not itselfjeopardised by the charity. Prudence dictates that the doneebe able effectively to absorb the charity given. Prudencedemands that the act of charity be followed up to examinethe continued effect, whether the charity given is wellapplied and what further steps may have to be taken toimprove the situation. In all these, there is clearly no roomfor publicity, for that might jeopardise any of the objectives.But, ultimately, such circumspection alone will serve toestablish that a Freemason's charity knows no bounds savethose of prudence.

The other area where the autonomy of the Lodge can bewell utilised to create a new interface with the popularworld is in the dissemination of information aboutFreemasonry. Again, this is an area where calls have beenearlier issued by GLI and RGL, that Lodges could take uporganisation of contact sessions for the public aboutmasonry, by way of seminars or similar gatherings. Theobject of such meetings will be to remove popularmisconceptions about Freemasonry, such as those aboutits being a secret society, and hence possibly anti-nationalor anti-social(!), about its being a religion and hencesomehow blasphemous, or incompatible with true piety,about its being a hedonist organisation and hence given toorgies, or at the best that it is a bunch of affluent people,who primarily meet to dress up, have a bit of innocent butshallow fun, and eat and drink and go home late.

Such educative meetings take some organizing, andneed plenty of preparation, especially about thepresentations to be made, and getting geared up for themyriad questions that may be raised by the audience.32 Thepoints to be kept in view are the care to be taken to preservethe secrets that may not be disclosed, and, equallyimportant, to avoid soliciting membership!

Lodge membership and Growth

The Lodge must always be on the alert for newCandidates for induction into Masonry. Here again theLodge must organise itself for such a drive. Drive is probablythe wrong word, for one cannot set a numerical target anda date and start filling up the Lodge! Nor can we ever solicitmembership or invite anybody to join. Nevertheless,concerted action will be required to build up Lodgemembership, just because suitable candidates for masonrycannot be found casually. The Proposer and Seconder havea great responsibility.33

It is perhaps best to form a Screening Committee ofsuitable and experienced Brethren, and let that committeebrief Brethren as to the type of candidate desired, and whatpreliminary checks the Brother may make to satisfy himselfthat a particular Candidate would be suitable, beforeproposing his name. The problem of course is that morethan the physical circumstances of the Candidate, hismental attributes, his personality orientation and thecharacter of his faith are important. These are not easy tojudge, especially if he has not been seen under varyingcircumstances.

The Screening Committee has a difficult task on itshands. For all these aspects have to be probed, and in adiscreet manner, and withal tactfully, for the Candidate isa gentleman seeking admission into a fraternalorganisation. He is almost certainly a man of someconsequence in his own chosen line, and with, often, anexisting commitment to social, charitable or communityactivities. The Screening Committee can simply not affordto hurt his feelings in any way, especially if eventually heis not to be admitted!

On the other hand, the Screening Committee has toensure that the Candidate will fit into the pattern of activityof the Lodge; that he has the capability to accept and abideby the self-imposed discipline of the Lodge; that he is deeplyreligious and that his faith in God is so strongly rooted thathe has no trace of bigotry in his approach to religion; thathis commitment to charity and relief transcends theslightest self-interest so that he may be entirely anonymousin good works; that the strength of his character enableshim both to present his views clearly and frankly in openLodge and yet to accept gracefully, and implementsincerely, any decision by the Lodge at variance with hisown views, that not being against the regulations of theOrder or in violation of our ancient landmarks and customs.An onerous responsibility indeed!

That is perhaps why the best proposals, and mostsuccessful inductions, are likely to be of those candidateswho have been long standing friends of the Proposer, whois himself a staunch Mason, even if he has not been of longstanding. In such a case, the Screening Committee's task isgreatly facilitated. Perhaps, the members of the ScreeningCommittee of the Lodge should talk informally to Brethrenof the Lodge and proposers and seconders about theproblems of finding good and suitable candidates. Frommy personal experience, I may mention a few points I havefound it worth probing in assessing candidates. Since wemake no secret of our faith in God, and that it is an absoluterequisite for any entrant, it certainly is most unlikely thatany one not so disposed will offer himself as a Candidate,but it is worth probing the matter at the outset. We may tryto understand the character of his Faith, his approach toceremonial in his own religion, and his attitude to othersects and faiths in general. I would personally seek to probethe degree of his tolerance to other creeds, and thus to gain,indirectly, a practical understanding of his attitude tosymbolism. I would then turn the conversation to his work,especially the human relations side of it, and thus gain ameasure of his discipline, his sense of fair-play, and hisgenerosity; how he is able to resolve the conflict that oftenarises between the demands of official duty, and personalsympathy or generosity.

His association with community, social or welfareactivities are of interest, in particular the nature of hiscontribution and personal preferences in this regard, hisliking or toleration of an active personal involvement insuch activities, and his response to the public projectionthat such involvement may entail, with the special intentionof determining his attitude to publicity in such activities. Igenerally do seek to enquire as to his participation in thepast, even in his student days, in debating societies ordiscussion groups, or in dramatic activities, as this canserve to indicate his possible approach to ritual, whencombined with other traits that we may discover.

It may seem that so elaborate an exploration is notnecessary; but we need to consider that we are looking fora blend of seriousness of purpose, a high sense of disciplineand a talent for cooperation, even self-abnegation in acommon task, in association with a faith well-founded.

31A dear old lady, rich in experience and learning, once asked three ofus Masons, who had called on her in connection with Lodge charities,"What do you do in your Lodge, do you dance in the nude?" Aquestion so innocently put and so totally unexpected that we threeburst out laughing! Luckily, our leader an experienced Mason andthe Secretary of the Lodge, and very intelligent, had the presence ofmind to turn the joke, and explained briefly what Masonry was about.

32An example is the recent Seminar for non-masons organized during2002 jointly by all the Lodges in the Hyderabad-Secunderabad area.This has been reported in the Square & Compasses of Jan 2003, andmore fully in the Bhagyanagar Bulletin of Jan 2003.

33A valuable guide and starting point for this important activity isthe booklet on "The Lodge System of Masonic Education", publishedmany years ago by the Grand Lodge.

PREFACE

It is possible to give a Christian interpretation to the wholeof Craft Masonry, including all its symbols and no one candeny the correctness of that interpretation. But beforeChristianity existed systems similar to our own wereknown and venerated and some of their symbolism andteaching has undoubtedly linked up with Freemasonry. Itis therefore natural that a non-Christian interpretationshould also exist, and be just as correct.-Colin Dyer"Symbolism in Craft Freemasonry".

All great religions of the world preach morals, compassionand charity and have subsisted through millennia. On theother hand, many institutions, which have preached andpractised these admirable virtues in abundant measure,have become defunct after sometime. Proof enough thatthere is more to Religion, than mere sermonising onmorality and virtue. It fulfils a need, innate in every man, torealise the Eternal Truth - "Satyam".

Freemasonry, like all great religions is, but Man's quest forTruth. Truth indeed, is the most important of the threeGrand Principles on which the order is founded - BrotherlyLove and Relief being only precursory or preparatory to it.Its symbols, allegories and ceremonials, in all their richnessand variety are meant to awaken in every Mason a desire toknow the Truth and guide him in his search for it.

Scriptures of all religions employ parables and allegoriesto propound their philosophies. This essay attempts toproject the symbolism of Freemasonry through the vividimagery of the Upanishads, with excerpts from the Bible ascounterpoint and interpret it in the context of theirteachings, to point out 'Masonry Universal'.

WHAT IS TRUTH?

And the light shineth in darkness and darkness comprehended it not-1 John 1:5

It is pure; It is the Light of lights; It is That which they know, who know the Self. Mundaka Upanishad 2-2-9

The Truth that Freemasonry teaches is 'that most interestingof human studies' - the knowledge of oneself. There is aninner light, a divinity, in each of us, which is the genuinesecret of a Master Mason and which, in our present state ofdarkness or ignorance, is lost to us. Freemasonry teachesus that the sole purpose of our existence is ' to seek for thatwhich was lost'. That we must persevere in our search forthis light and labour incessantly to make ourselves perfecttill time or circumstances restore it, even though that goalmay remain incomplete, as was the temple in our legend.Our rituals and ceremonies are specifically designed toguide us in this spiritual journey- to dispel ignorance, toknow God and finally to experience God.

ILLUSTRATED BY SYMBOLS

The way of Masonry is largely inculcated by symbols. Ithas been found in all ages that emblems and symbolsexpressing great truths by a few simple strokes appeal tothe mind more strongly and are better remembered thanwords. To make the most of them it is necessary to graspthe meaning underlying them, and to carry the mind alongwith them.

-F.V.Mataralay " The Masonic Way"

The principles of Freemasonry are taught at two levels,exoteric and esoteric. Its moral and ethical teachingsexpound the duties that a Mason owes to God, hisneighbour and himself, and are demonstrated by simpleceremonials and explicitly explained by usingstonemason's tools as symbols. The working tools mostfamiliar to a Freemason are the 24-inch gauge, commongavel, chisel, plumb, level, square, and compasses. We aretaught that the 24-inch gauge relates to the 24 hours of theday: to be spent in prayer, labour and refreshment, and inserving the needy. That the gavel, as the force of conscienceknocks off all undesirable propensities, and the chiselrepresenting education smoothens the rough ashlar into aperfect one. The level teaches equality and universalbrotherhood, which is the fundamental creed of ourfraternity. The plumb stands for uprightness and rectitude;the square, used for truing stones, is an emblem of moralityand virtue; the compasses symbolise restraint and selfcontrol- to circumscribe our passions within due bounds,and limit our desires.

These symbols impress their moral teachings forcibly onour minds, and act as constant reminders to practise themin thought and deed. However, all symbols are capable ofmore than one interpretation. As speculative Masons we are enjoined to contemplate these symbols and discoverdeeper, hidden meanings, as we make ' further progress inthe science'.

VEILED IN ALLEGORY

Our teaching is purposely veiled in allegory and symboland its deeper import does not appear on the surface of theritual itself. This is partly in correspondence with humanlife itself and the world we live in, which are themselvesbut allegories and symbols of another life and the veils ofanother world; and partly also, so that only those who havereverent and understanding minds may penetrate into themore hidden meaning of the doctrine of the Craft. The deepersecrets in Masonry, like the deeper secrets of life, are heavilyveiled; are closely hidden. W.L.Wilmhurst " The Meaningof Masonry"

Therefore I speak to them in parables; because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. -St. Matthew: 13:13

O Sun! The face of truth is hidden by a golden disc. Unveil it that I who am in search of truth may behold it.- Isa Upanishad: 15

Esoteric Freemasonry is taught through veiled allegory.

Masonic symbolism comprises essentially of two separatebut interwoven allegories - the quest for Light, and thebuilding of King Solomon's Temple. To the Mason, thebuilding of the Temple itself is a symbol of human life. Hecarefully builds his character, speculatively using theworking tools of the stonemason and progresses slowlytowards the East in search of light. The culmination of hisjourney is the tragedy of Hiram Abiff, in which he portraysthe Master.

Other symbols like the mosaic pavement, rough and perfectashlars, the two pillars and the winding staircase, areembroidered into the fabric of these allegories to inculcatemoral values that will enable him to live according toMasonic line and rule. All these are veiled becauseFreemasonry does not communicate its secretsindiscriminately. A Mason must properly prepare himself,mentally and spiritually, at every stage of his Masonicjourney to understand their meaning.

SYMBOLISM OF THE FIRST DEGREE

Like unto that of a man blindfolded and carried away byrobbers from his own country is a man's condition. Thefolds of cloth over his eyes being removed by a friend, herecovers the use of his eyes and slowly finds his way home,step by step, inquiring at each stage. So also, the goodteacher instructs the seeker of Truth and helps him tounloose his bonds of desire.-Chandogya Upanishad 6:14:1/3

To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light -Acts 26:18

Truth, penance, understanding and purity are essentialrequisites for this revelation of the Brahman within. Whenthe heart is cleansed, Brahman is revealed, and He is seenshining like a burning light within oneself-MundakaUpanishad 3:1:5

From darkness lead me to Light-Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 3:28

Man is essentially a creature of Light, whose existence inthis world is in a state of darkness or ignorance. Theceremony of initiation depicts the first step in the spiritualquest; awakening from ignorance, and the search for light.Its climax is therefore, the restoration of light. The ceremonystarts with the first stage of our existence, birth. Thecandidate enters in darkness, after having been divested ofeverything valuable, to show that we are born with nothing.After affirming his faith in God, he is taken round the lodge,its flooring representing the joys and sorrows of ourchequered existence and undergoes repeated trials andtribulations. Persevering in his quest, he approaches theEast, which is the source of all Light, his steps growingbolder as he does so. Light is now 'restored' to him, and thecable tow, the emblem of his bondage, is removed. He isnow permitted to wear the apron, that symbol of honourablelabour, to imply that he should work ceaselessly on buildinghimself. He is placed in the Northeast to indicate that thefoundation of the building is completed - that from the stageof youth and learning, he has passed to adulthood.

But the heart is not fit to perceive Wisdom and Truth untiland unless it is purified from every baneful and malignantpassion. So the first degree is also one of purgation. Theforce of conscience knocks off the vices and imperfectionsfrom the rough ashlar (i.e). the candidate. He is taught tocontrol his desires, have charity towards man, and faithand hope in God, so that as a living stone, he is preparedfor that ' spiritual house not made with hands'.

SYMBOLISM OF THE SECOND DEGREE

And one only path between them both, even between the fire and the water, so small that there could but one man go there at once -2 Esdras 7:8

Like the sharp edge of a razor is that path, so the wise say- hard to tread and difficult to cross.--Katha Upanishad 3:14

Be free from the pairs of opposites, ever balanced, free from desire and avarice, and established in the self.- Bhagavad Gita 2: 45

The Purusha, no bigger than a thumb, is the inner Self, everseated in the heart of man. He is known by the mind, whichcontrols knowledge and is perceived in the heart. They whoknow Him become immortal.-Svetasvatara Upanishad3:13

From the unreal lead me to the real.-Brihadranyaka Upanishad 3:28

Two powerful symbols -the two great pillars and the winding staircase dominate the Second degree. As the Fellowcraft approaches the temple, he passes between two great pillars, climbs up a winding staircase and receiveshis just wages. The two pillars, like fire and water, standfor the 'pairs of opposites', encountered in life, pleasureand pain, victory and defeat, praise and abuse, wealth andpoverty. The candidate must warily tread the difficult path,while wisely maintaining equal distance between them.The winding staircase represents Man's instinct to rise, toexcel, to explore the unknown. Climbing the windingstaircase marks his progress in the spiritual path: That hisintellectual faculty has so risen that it even reaches the'throne of God himself '.

The candidate - now a perfect ashlar - learns that the sacredsymbol he has been seeking is in the centre of the building,i.e. in his heart. This knowledge is the just wage he receivesfor his labour, and is illustrated by the sign of F. The seconddegree thus signifies intellectual development culminatingin knowledge of God.

SYMBOLISM OF THE THIRD DEGREE

It is sown in corruption; it is raised in in corruption. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body- I Corinthians: 15:42-44

Leave sin and evil, seek anew thy dwelling, and bright with glory wear another body.
Rig Veda: 10:014:08

I know the great Purusha, who is luminous, like the sunand beyond darkness. Only by knowing Him does one passover death; there is no other way to the Supreme Goal.Svetasvatara Upanishad 3:15

There are three gateways to hell, which destroy the self - lust, greed and anger. Renounce these three.-Bhagavad Gita

From death lead me to immortality.- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 3:28

The third degree is replete with many interesting symbols.The quest for Light is depicted as a drama, with theimportance of the centre, which was only hinted at in theprevious degree, being stressed. The three ruffians,stationed at the three entrances, show that one is destroyedfrom within oneself by the three deadly sins - desire, greedand anger. The f.p.o.f depict universal brotherhood, andinstruct him on the duties he owes to his fellowmen. Thetragedy of Hiram Abiff teaches us that, Good, even iftemporarily overcome and buried by Evil, will ultimatelyemerge triumphant and be adored, while equally, justicewill inexorably overtake Evil, and will mete out thepunishment it deserves.

The candidate now comes to the end of his journey.Abandoning all attachment to 'worldly possessions', andovercoming the fear of death, he walks over the tomb oftransgression. But the purification and knowledge of theprevious degrees avail him naught in experiencing God.They prove a slip. So, with a more firm hold on his faith, hesurrenders his baser self, and is raised as the higher self, toa mystical union with the Supreme. Recovery of The penalsign symbolises this regeneration.

The ceremony of raising is at once sublime and surrealand is the zenith of his Masonic experience.

CONCLUSION

We have now established that Freemasonry hassynthesised the essence of different religions, which itteaches through its symbolism. Each of its symbols andallegories was culled from the wisdom of many faiths, andhad a definite background and meaning when it wasconceived. But while being handed down over centuriesthey have been mutated and modified gradually, till theiroriginal purpose and purport were forgotten. Freemasonryhas the potential to become a great unifying force, whichcan to demolish all barriers, and destroy all differencesthat keep men apart. Brethren of all faiths can empathisewith it, if only they can understand and practise itsteachings. However we are more concerned with becomingexpert in the punctilious observance of the ritual, than withits message. Should we continue to thus prefer form oversubstance, preserve the husk and discard the kernel, weshall be retaining only empty symbols and reducingFreemasonry to a mechanical rendering of the ritual.Symptoms like dwindling attendance and decliningmembership are already in evidence, and if left untreatedmuch longer, could well result in the end of the order.Freemasonry is too priceless a heritage to be permitted toperish through sheer apathy. It has to be nurtured andpreserved. We have all been charged with making dailyadvancements in Masonic knowledge; a duty seldomdischarged. We owe it to the institution, and to ourselves,to delve into the meaning of the symbols and the emblems,that the true beauty of Freemasonry may once again beunfolded to us.

"Throw wide open the shutters of your minds andimagination. Learn to see in Masonry something more thana parochial system enjoining elementary morality,performing perfunctory and meaningless rites and servingas an agreeable accessory to social life. Look to find it in aliving philosophy ... realise that its secrets, which are manyand valuable, are not upon the surface ... that its mysteriesare eternal ones that treat of the Spirit "... W.L Wilmhurst -"The Meaning of Masonry".

FIAT LUX

W.Bro. C.S.Madhavan of Lodge Jyothi, Salem requires hardlyany introduction. He is a prolific writer, a great Sanskrit andMasonic scholar and a consistent winner in the M.W.GrandMaster's Essay Competition. This article was adjudged the SecondBest Essay in the M.W.Grand Master's Essay Competition forthe year 2004.