|
Post by Tamrin on May 28, 2009 21:41:59 GMT 10
Would the lecturer have been Pauline Chakmakjian? If it was, then she's been offering this particular lecture for longer than I thought. Recently she has been working the Masonic lecture circuit with a presentation on the 50th Anniversary of the the Grand Lodge of Japan. No, it was a local, District Lecturer, W.Bro. Gordon Row, 15 to 20 years ago. Pauline Chakmakjian was present at the 2007 Edinburgh conference (Paper12a, The Contemporary History of Freemasonry in the Far East). It may have been her who, while discussing Freemasonry in Japan, I asked about the ritual. If so, she said she was familiar with it and knew who wrote it, but she considered it to be a lot of nonsense and, as you imply, even if enacted, it was never formally adopted.
|
|
|
Post by Tamrin on May 30, 2009 15:51:05 GMT 10
Dear Bro. Gaslight,In my contemplation of the possible nuances of Freemasonry in Japan, I have been drawn to the hierarchical nature of both Freemasonry and Japanese society. While Freemasonry emphasizes equality, those who seek rank, titles and gold braid can also find their niche (although I suggest they have grasped the wrong end of the stick): ...although distinctions in rank are necessary among men to preserve due order and authority, and as a reward of merit and ability, yet no eminence of station should lead us to forget that we all are Brethren... From my secondary studies, I recall being told Japanese society is uncommonly stratified and that "knowing one's place" is essential in even the most basic interactions, with, for instance, the degree and duration of bowing on being introduced being a fine art. I was also told of several language levels and, when addressing a superior, one, for instance, speaks as if they might like to amuse themselves by entertaining an idea, rather than making a bald recommendation or request; while, when addressing an inferior, one may speak curtly without being considered impolite; (such distinctions are not entirely absent from English usage). If it pleases you , I would like to read your thoughts on whether or not this type of interaction is also present among Freemasons in Japan. If so, is it absent from the temple or lodge room itself or is it practiced only among Japanese nationals? How is the hierarchical standing measured in such cases: By masonic office or rank; by age, social standing, etc.; or a bit of both?
|
|
|
Post by Gaslight on May 30, 2009 21:20:36 GMT 10
From my secondary studies, I recall being told Japanese society is uncommonly stratified and that "knowing one's place" is essential in even the most basic interactions, with, for instance, the degree and duration of bowing on being introduced being a fine art. I was also told of several language levels and, when addressing a superior, one, for instance, speaks as if they might like to amuse themselves by entertaining an idea, rather than making a bald recommendation or request; while, when addressing an inferior, one may speak curtly without being considered impolite; (such distinctions are not entirely absent from English usage). Apart from the bowing, the only significant difference between being polite in Japanese and being polite in almost any other language is that Japanese makes use of a separate vocabulary/grammar set (with a comparable set for women). Within Japanese "Respect Language" there are, indeed, various levels and various approaches. Level differences can, for example, be signified by use of either respect or humility. Your summary is, I think, fairly accurate. However, use of respect language is now restricted to people who need to use it professionally. A significant number of young people don't know how to use it and need to take crash courses when they find jobs in, for example, the service sector. This is difficult for me to answer as I've visited only four or five lodges in Japan and am in no position to generalise. If a guess based on third-hand information is acceptable, I'd say that Japanese Masons observe the niceties of fraternal equality during meetings, but quickly slip into hierarchical patterns once the lodge is closed. Groups of brethren form cliques led by senior brethren who may or may not have distinguished themselves Masonically, but exert strong control over their clique. Age and personality would probably be the most important factors. Does the above explanation help? If you have any specific questions, I'll do my best to answer.
|
|
|
Post by Tamrin on May 31, 2009 8:09:19 GMT 10
Does the above explanation help? It does indeed: Many thanks for your kind explanation.
|
|