Post by Tamrin on Nov 14, 2008 18:01:05 GMT 10
The Meaning of Allegory
S.G. Mussared, 1994
S.G. Mussared, 1994
This Address is an attempt to reach an understanding of the concept of allegory. We must, however, right at the beginning remind ourselves of the philosophical background. Not so much our philosophy about Freemasonry, but of its philosophy about us.
Freemasonry has a distinct and definite attitude towards every man who enters its ranks. Just as a seed of wheat, or corn, or barley has within it the potential to grow, so Masonry regards all men as being of potential. Each man is thought to be capable of education, of improvement and of refinement. This attitude towards us is implied in the ritual from beginning to end. It is taken for granted in every phase of Masonic teaching.
Just as the Rough Ashlar fresh from the quarry is capable of becoming the Perfect Ashlar, so Masonry regards us, not as static, fixed or unchangeable, but as individuals able to grow. Just as the moist fertile soil will stimulate development in the seed, so Masonry believes that it can be the environment for man - that if a man is placed within the productive soil of Freemasonry, that man's growth will be promoted.
Each Masonic Brother has been placed within such an environment of buildings, of furniture, of brotherly love, of symbols, of procedure and of allegory. In this Masonic environment we are brought face to face with teachings about ourselves, about our relationship with each other, about our relationship with God. Teachings meant to inspire - teachings that will encourage our mental and spiritual growth, if only we can understand and absorb them. Teachings, Brethren, that sometimes may be direct. On other occasions they may be given by means of symbols, or they may be veiled in allegory. And here, Brethren, is a basic Masonic issue.
For many of us to participate in the Degrees, to observe the symbols, and to listen to the legends time and time again - all this is not enough. Not enough, if the growth process for which Masonry was designed is to take place.
Masonry is saying to each of us; "I have revealed some of my Degrees to you, and some of my messages have been direct but within my allegories there is a vast amount of knowledge and truth hidden away, but if you want to possess that treasure, you must work for it. You can learn from books about my allegories, you can listen to the ideas of another expressed in an Address such as this, you can participate in lively discussions, but ultimately you must work your ideas out for yourself. But work them out, you must, for if Masonry is to have a lifelong appeal to you, if it is to hold you firmly in its ranks, you must look below the surface, you must search in the transparent palace, you must prefer light to darkness!!
When Masonry makes a statement like that, it is not claiming to have captured the whole truth, and organised it neatly into a creed, but it does believe that if a man comes under its influence, he will be stimulated to search for the truth himself, to search both within, and beyond the confines of the Masonic Temple, a search that will take him to many places including his own particular faith. This is a philosophical background to allegorical Freemasonry, a background to an institution which is rightly regarded as one of the world's great teachers.
What is allegory? What is Masonic Legend? Let us commence to put this philosophy into practice. We must begin with the very basic question - What is allegory? This is a question which each Candidate, and indeed every Freemason should ask himself, for it is contained in the definition of Masonry - "a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."
The origin of the word "allegory" lies in two Greek words which together mean - "to say something else." The Pocket Encyclopaedia of Masonic symbols says that allegory is a "story within a story." Allegory is a narrative which can be read at two [or more] levels of meaning, a surface level where we see it as an interesting story, and at a deeper level where there is a concealed meaning - a meaning which is quite different, surprisingly different, from that which was expressed on the surface. The language is presenting one message, but the thoughtful person is listening to a more profound statement behind the words.
"Gulliver's Travels" may be read and enjoyed as an exciting children's story, or it may be an allegory with a biting criticism of the English political system of the time. George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm" seems to be a simple tale about horses, cattle and sheep, but in reality it is a disturbing comment on the Russian Revolution of 1917. The surface story of an allegory is merely the vehicle, but it is constructed in such a way as to indicate clearly, that there is an underlying message.
In Freemasonry, the surface narratives consist of Masonic legends, and they make up a considerable and vital part of the ritual. A Masonic legend has been defined by some authorities as a narrative whether true or false which has been traditionally preserved from the time of its first oral communication. Such legends can be of three classes. Firstly there is a mythical legend. This is a narrative of early deeds with a foundation of facts, but with the facts greatly distorted by the omission or introduction of circumstances and characters. Secondly, there is a philosophical legend. This is a story which is completely fictitious and invented purely for the purpose of conveying a particular thought. Thirdly, there is the historical legend. This is a narrative in which the factual elements greatly predominate over the fictitious and invented materials. The story is largely truthful, but with a slight imaginative colouring to give it greater allegorical force.
It is an interesting exercise to research a Masonic legend by going to the Bible and ascertaining the amount of Biblical support that there is for it , but it is not essential to the real value of the allegorical story. It is basically wrong to feel that something is amiss, if Biblical history does not support the legend in its entirety. To argue over the extent to which the legend is a truthful description of an event, is unimportant in comparison to the more fruitful activity of digging beneath the surface of that legend. This is where the true value lies.
It has been suggested by some writers, that it is in the allegorical meanings of the Masonic legends, even more so than the material symbols, that the really great spiritual messages of Masonry are to be found. We might well ask at this point; Why veil such Divine messages in this way? Why make them seemingly obscure, especially to the Masonic beginner? Why not make a straight forward statement and leave it to be digested in a direct manner by the Masonic student? It seems to me that allegory here is being used as a teaching technique. The legends are being employed in order to make a deeper impression on the mind. They are a type of picture philosophy, which give body and reality feeling, to something which is highly abstract and intangible.
Allegorical messages are like gold hidden away in a mountain. To secure such a treasure will require a great deal of effort. But this effort in itself is a virtue, because it makes us use our minds, our thinking processes, our patience, and the reward may be a spiritual discovery which is highly individualistic and long lasting. And don't we value more highly those things which come to us after considerable effort and persistence?
There are many who look at our allegories and say that we are playing with children's ideas. The same people would probably laugh at a University Professor in English reading and enjoying Gulliver's Travels. These people along with those who have lost interest in Freemasonry, have remained at the surface level. Perhaps we are often at fault in allowing our Masonic beginners to see Masonry only as a series of ceremonies, and not as a spiritual goldmine into which they should dig deeply.
Our final thought on the nature of allegorical interpretation.... there is no standard interpretation. There have been many noble and thought provoking interpretations by good scholars and we are encouraged to study them, but we are not compelled to accept them in their entirety unless we choose to. Although we should give due thought to what others have thought, the reality, the truth behind an allegorical legend is best marked out by the individual for himself.
An allegorical legend can be studied by a Jew, or a Moslem, or a Christian, and each may arrive at a different interpretation, an interpretation which reflects the difference of faith, but an interpretation which has great personal meaning for each man and in doing so, illustrates the wide appeal of Masonry.
Freemasonry has a distinct and definite attitude towards every man who enters its ranks. Just as a seed of wheat, or corn, or barley has within it the potential to grow, so Masonry regards all men as being of potential. Each man is thought to be capable of education, of improvement and of refinement. This attitude towards us is implied in the ritual from beginning to end. It is taken for granted in every phase of Masonic teaching.
Just as the Rough Ashlar fresh from the quarry is capable of becoming the Perfect Ashlar, so Masonry regards us, not as static, fixed or unchangeable, but as individuals able to grow. Just as the moist fertile soil will stimulate development in the seed, so Masonry believes that it can be the environment for man - that if a man is placed within the productive soil of Freemasonry, that man's growth will be promoted.
Each Masonic Brother has been placed within such an environment of buildings, of furniture, of brotherly love, of symbols, of procedure and of allegory. In this Masonic environment we are brought face to face with teachings about ourselves, about our relationship with each other, about our relationship with God. Teachings meant to inspire - teachings that will encourage our mental and spiritual growth, if only we can understand and absorb them. Teachings, Brethren, that sometimes may be direct. On other occasions they may be given by means of symbols, or they may be veiled in allegory. And here, Brethren, is a basic Masonic issue.
For many of us to participate in the Degrees, to observe the symbols, and to listen to the legends time and time again - all this is not enough. Not enough, if the growth process for which Masonry was designed is to take place.
Masonry is saying to each of us; "I have revealed some of my Degrees to you, and some of my messages have been direct but within my allegories there is a vast amount of knowledge and truth hidden away, but if you want to possess that treasure, you must work for it. You can learn from books about my allegories, you can listen to the ideas of another expressed in an Address such as this, you can participate in lively discussions, but ultimately you must work your ideas out for yourself. But work them out, you must, for if Masonry is to have a lifelong appeal to you, if it is to hold you firmly in its ranks, you must look below the surface, you must search in the transparent palace, you must prefer light to darkness!!
When Masonry makes a statement like that, it is not claiming to have captured the whole truth, and organised it neatly into a creed, but it does believe that if a man comes under its influence, he will be stimulated to search for the truth himself, to search both within, and beyond the confines of the Masonic Temple, a search that will take him to many places including his own particular faith. This is a philosophical background to allegorical Freemasonry, a background to an institution which is rightly regarded as one of the world's great teachers.
What is allegory? What is Masonic Legend? Let us commence to put this philosophy into practice. We must begin with the very basic question - What is allegory? This is a question which each Candidate, and indeed every Freemason should ask himself, for it is contained in the definition of Masonry - "a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."
The origin of the word "allegory" lies in two Greek words which together mean - "to say something else." The Pocket Encyclopaedia of Masonic symbols says that allegory is a "story within a story." Allegory is a narrative which can be read at two [or more] levels of meaning, a surface level where we see it as an interesting story, and at a deeper level where there is a concealed meaning - a meaning which is quite different, surprisingly different, from that which was expressed on the surface. The language is presenting one message, but the thoughtful person is listening to a more profound statement behind the words.
"Gulliver's Travels" may be read and enjoyed as an exciting children's story, or it may be an allegory with a biting criticism of the English political system of the time. George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm" seems to be a simple tale about horses, cattle and sheep, but in reality it is a disturbing comment on the Russian Revolution of 1917. The surface story of an allegory is merely the vehicle, but it is constructed in such a way as to indicate clearly, that there is an underlying message.
In Freemasonry, the surface narratives consist of Masonic legends, and they make up a considerable and vital part of the ritual. A Masonic legend has been defined by some authorities as a narrative whether true or false which has been traditionally preserved from the time of its first oral communication. Such legends can be of three classes. Firstly there is a mythical legend. This is a narrative of early deeds with a foundation of facts, but with the facts greatly distorted by the omission or introduction of circumstances and characters. Secondly, there is a philosophical legend. This is a story which is completely fictitious and invented purely for the purpose of conveying a particular thought. Thirdly, there is the historical legend. This is a narrative in which the factual elements greatly predominate over the fictitious and invented materials. The story is largely truthful, but with a slight imaginative colouring to give it greater allegorical force.
It is an interesting exercise to research a Masonic legend by going to the Bible and ascertaining the amount of Biblical support that there is for it , but it is not essential to the real value of the allegorical story. It is basically wrong to feel that something is amiss, if Biblical history does not support the legend in its entirety. To argue over the extent to which the legend is a truthful description of an event, is unimportant in comparison to the more fruitful activity of digging beneath the surface of that legend. This is where the true value lies.
It has been suggested by some writers, that it is in the allegorical meanings of the Masonic legends, even more so than the material symbols, that the really great spiritual messages of Masonry are to be found. We might well ask at this point; Why veil such Divine messages in this way? Why make them seemingly obscure, especially to the Masonic beginner? Why not make a straight forward statement and leave it to be digested in a direct manner by the Masonic student? It seems to me that allegory here is being used as a teaching technique. The legends are being employed in order to make a deeper impression on the mind. They are a type of picture philosophy, which give body and reality feeling, to something which is highly abstract and intangible.
Allegorical messages are like gold hidden away in a mountain. To secure such a treasure will require a great deal of effort. But this effort in itself is a virtue, because it makes us use our minds, our thinking processes, our patience, and the reward may be a spiritual discovery which is highly individualistic and long lasting. And don't we value more highly those things which come to us after considerable effort and persistence?
There are many who look at our allegories and say that we are playing with children's ideas. The same people would probably laugh at a University Professor in English reading and enjoying Gulliver's Travels. These people along with those who have lost interest in Freemasonry, have remained at the surface level. Perhaps we are often at fault in allowing our Masonic beginners to see Masonry only as a series of ceremonies, and not as a spiritual goldmine into which they should dig deeply.
Our final thought on the nature of allegorical interpretation.... there is no standard interpretation. There have been many noble and thought provoking interpretations by good scholars and we are encouraged to study them, but we are not compelled to accept them in their entirety unless we choose to. Although we should give due thought to what others have thought, the reality, the truth behind an allegorical legend is best marked out by the individual for himself.
An allegorical legend can be studied by a Jew, or a Moslem, or a Christian, and each may arrive at a different interpretation, an interpretation which reflects the difference of faith, but an interpretation which has great personal meaning for each man and in doing so, illustrates the wide appeal of Masonry.
