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Post by Tamrin on Oct 3, 2008 14:31:28 GMT 10
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Post by Tamrin on Oct 4, 2008 11:14:49 GMT 10
Esotericism is a term much abused. It literally pertains to that which is within (either within a group or, more especially, within an individual). Despite this, the term is often used to refer to superstitious beliefs outside of or contrary to reason: Such as in the actual, concrete existence of giants of fairy tale proport-ions; humanoid, alien visitors; mythical creatures, such as unicorns; quack therapies; and dowsing (all of which may be subjects worth considering, if only to plumb the psychological factors underlying them). However, Freemasonry is a rational science which was in the vanguard of thought during the Age of Enlightenment. Further on in one's masonic career, the mason may indeed be charged to oppose super-stition (along with tyranny and ignorance). Thus the esoteric tradition to which we are heirs is a discipline which properly and accurately corresponds to the term, pertaining as it does to that which is within each individual, i.e., their spiritual development. This esotericism enlightens the human condition; promotes our moral and intellectual development; and even provides a glimmer of insight as to our prospects. Few if any of Freemasonry's teaching are peculiar to the institution. However, many find its methods can be more convincing than traditional means of education. Whereas in a class room, one teacher attempts to instruct many students, in Freemasonry this model is turned on its head and many "teachers" focus on the one "student," the initiate, and bring to bear all domains of learning: Cognitive, by way of non-dogmatic information to assimilate; behavioral, impressing lessons on a candidate's mind through active participation in dramatic performances; affective, eliciting each candidate's emotional attention by repeated challenges and unfamiliar surprises; and hopefully, surpassing all this with the combined good will of those present contributing a spiritual domain and an attachment to their group "soul." This is very powerful stuff. The chief lesson learnt is that Life itself is the great initiation and Freemasonry effectively models our human condition and enables us to reflect and deliberate on our development and our present situation, our choices and our future prospects. Central to our tenets is the notion of Brotherhood. It promotes the recognition that all men and women, indeed all sentient creatures, are bound by the Mystic Tie, whereby we are each sprung from the same stock, are partakers of the same nature and sharers of the same hope. Freemasonry has moral, intellectual and spiritual tendencies with respect to all its genuine professors. These tendencies enhance recognition of the ultimate reality, which is Oneness, and those who follow this path increasingly come to see separateness as an illusion, individuality as a mystery and the one soul, the one "I", the One Life or, indeed, the one light shining and being expressed through All that Is, being that one aspect which is essentially us.
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Post by Tamrin on Oct 4, 2008 12:48:38 GMT 10
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