ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN NEWSLETTER OF LODGE GANGES NO. 48

RELEVANCE OF FREEMASONRY TODAY – By. W.Bro. Rajiv Sethi

We are today living in an era in which science & technology has made great progress. This is an era of change, an age of experiment. Man has taken great strides in the conquest of nature but he has not learnt to conquer himself. The progress made by science in the last century is much more than all that had taken place during the previous thousand years. But, there has been no corresponding advance in the practice of fundamental values and eternal truths. We are no more satisfied with what we have but forever search for something new. We are restless, discontent and want a short cut to everything, be it knowledge, culture or success. In the bargain our moral values, integrity and moral conscience have declined. The cynical attitude displayed everywhere today is alarming. Old virtues are despised; an honest man is looked upon as an object of ridicule and pity. Science has today advanced so far that man is ready not only to kill man but mankind.

If we were to follow truly the teachings of Freemasonry, slogans of war, armaments and self-aggrandizement would disappear from the world and all people of earth would dwell together in brotherly love, peace and harmony. The spirit of Freemasonry can go a long way in effectively and successfully improving the lot of distracted humanity in the days ahead.

The Principles and Tenets of our Order teach us to measure our actions by the Rule of rectitude, To Square our Conduct by the Principles of Morality and to Guide our Inclination and Even our Thoughts within the Compass of Proprietary.

Let us, as freemasons strive to bring about a resurgence of the old moral values. Let us resolve to translate our principles and tenets into our lives and conduct and our teachings and doctrines into our acts and deeds so that we may become an ornament to our Order and Pride to Humanity.

Freemasonry requires growing, both quantitatively and qualitatively. We have to rebuild the Temple of fallen humanity and to do so we need educated, dedicated and intelligent members, especially from among the younger generation, which is highly motivated.

With various nations at constant war with each other, man fighting with man over religion and other petty issues, let us spread the message of freemasonry and bind people outside our fraternity with Brotherly Love, relief and Truth. Let us endeavor to build a super structure, perfect in all its parts by practicing the principles of freemasonry in our daily lives ever bearing in our mind that the rewards of Freemasonry are neither material nor are they spectacular, they are however, humane, mental and spiritual. We must understand that Freemasonry is not a Lodge affair – it is a life undertaking.

Let all those who fight over religion know that freemasonry honors all great seers and prophets, be it, Christ, Krishna, Zoraster, Mohammed, Guru Nanak, Buddha or Confucius. Freemasonry seeks the truth which each has to tell and brings them together under one Brotherhood believing in the existence of a Supreme being – The Glorious Architect of the Universe. Freemasonry provides a link between our creator and man as well as between man and his fellowmen, irrespective of religion, race, class, color or creed. Let them know that the Temple of Freemasonry is open to only one community – the community of Man, Freemasonry speaks only in one language – the language of Humanity, its Teachings embody truths and principles, universally recognized. Freemasonry, whilst not a religion is consistent with and adaptable to each and every religion. It is a Universal Religion.

Freemasonry has weathered many seasons and its principles, if rigidly followed can be a dynamic force to reckon with in the modern world, which despite much progress is shorn with enmity, jealousy, strife’s and destructive forces. To live on earth in peace, we do not know. With all the pomp, pride and wealth, man is not a master of himself. He is a slave – a slave to passions, greed, avarice and many vagaries of mind. The crux of all the human problems is not in what all politicians propagate but the control of oneself as taught to us in Freemasonry.

Every true Masonic thought and word of action will bring that goal of peace and happiness a little closer and we as Freemasons must make a determined effort to bring the world to peace and harmony.

Let us therefore look to the road that lies ahead. It is a road on which the light will shine more brightly, the birds will sing more merrily and on which our feet will march more confidently for the Good and Glory of Freemasonry.

 

Freemasonry & Charity

“A peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols”- This the very first & possibly the most crisp and poignant definition of our craft must lead us to realize that the understanding of any of its’ precepts must go beyond the literal and the obvious.

“Charity” too, in this sense, must be examined from a deeper and more elaborate point of view than just as a virtue or a Masonic practice. The purpose of this paper is to examine the symbolism of Charity, its’ place in Freemasonry in both physical and metaphysical planes as also its’ day to day practice.
Let us first explore the symbolism of Charity. We first come across the concept of Charity when the initiate is made aware of his penniless status and than we come across the “theological ladder of Jacob, reaching from earth to heaven” that has an allusion to having three principal staves namely, Faith, Hope and Charity. But it is widely believed that like in all ancient religions including the mysteries of Mithras in Persia or the mysteries of Bramha in our own country, this ladder consists of seven steps. In this sense the seven staves are the seven virtues, namely Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance, Justice, Faith, Hope and Charity.

In the Persian mysteries, each step represents a planet with the highest symbolizing the Sun, as well in our own mythology, each step represents a world of existence with the highest representing the Sphere of Truth- the abode of Bramha who is symbolized by Sun. Thus we arrive again at the Masonic symbolism of the universe and the Sun. Since Sun represents the highest point of signification and Charity occupies the same exalted status, it is sufficient to realize that the practice of Charity is the principal lesson of Freemasonry.   

The symbolism embedded in the virtue of Charity however does not end here. We are well aware that Freemasonry considers humanity as the temple of God and the progression of a Freemason through the lodge is carried out at three levels, viz. the three stories or chambers of King Solomon’s temple. The entered apprentice is at the physical or the first level of consciousness as represented by the first story of KST and is instructed to practice the action oriented virtues- Fortitude, Temperance, Prudence and Justice. The working tools in this degree are also the tools of action-the common Gavel, representing the force of action, the chisel, representing the conscious ability to temper the force of action, and the 24 inch gauge that represents the ability to reason. 

As we move up, we reach the more evolved plane of our psyche- the Unconscious or the Soul, represented by the middle chamber of King Solomon’s Temple. As we climb the winding staircase again, we are reminded of the concept of our movement upwards in the East West direction. The virtues celebrated here are Faith & Hope; since both the virtues occur outside the thought process and are rooted more in the soul or psyche. The working tools here are the tools of testing- representing the test of morality against set standards.

It is however the master mason who is able to relate at all the three planes, physical, metaphysical and spiritual and thus the highest of the virtues ”Charity” characterizes this degree which takes us beyond the middle chamber, to the holy of holies.  Apt enough, as we move upwards in King Solomon’s Temple or rather in our own lives we come closer to “Charity”. The working tools in this degree are the tools of creativity- related to the spirit. It is thus obvious that Charity is beyond mere  action and morality, it is the characteristic of spirit expected of every master mason. It is also in this degree that we see the employment of the “Five Points of Fellowship” in raising the candidate from his figurative death. It is the expression of “Charity” in its’ fullest sense-giving one’s full support physically, morally and spiritually to a brother in need that characterizes a master mason. ”Charity” thus is the most exalted virtue in Freemasonry.

“Charity” is therefore an act of giving that must occur in the physical sense. It is also a temporal act that requires an unequivocal thought for it implies an act of giving away what is rightfully belonging to the other and thus is characteristic of the psyche or soul. It is also as spiritual in nature as any virtue can ever hope to be since this considers us all as creations of God and fellow brethren thus.  It is therefore an act of giving, prompted by a thought that we are all a part of the divine .

Let us now examine “Charity” from the numerological point of view. In Jacob’s ladder as also in the hierarchy of virtues, it appears at the seventh position. The import of the number seven can not be over emphasized, especially to masons. It is however interesting to examine the import of this number from non Masonic perspectives as well. The number seven was considered the perfect number in Hebrew, the creation was completed in seven days, Noah had a seven day notice and the septenary break up of time, seven days a week are well known. Even in our own mythology we have the seven sages or rishis, seven births is an established belief and the saat phere to solemnize our marriage ceremonies are proof enough to establish the importance of this holy or venerable number.    

To the mason, this number represents many significations; King Solomon was seven years and upwards in building the first temple, there are seven liberal arts and sciences and seven officers in a lodge. This is the number without which no lodge is perfect. And it is no coincidence that Charity occupies this position. Like astronomy is the most evolved of the liberal arts and sciences, and the Master occupies the highest position among the officers, so does “Charity” among virtues.

Even if one were to look at the three principal staves in Jacob’ s ladder, Charity occupies the third position, representing our master Hiram Abif, symbolizing beauty beyond wisdom and strength. Once again it is amply demonstrated that Charity goes beyond just thought and action and meanders in the realm of creativity; the ability that is a divine gift.

Having thus examined the virtue of “Charity” from the perspectives of symbology and numerology, let us now appreciate the virtue itself. The book of Corinthians provides the following description:

“Charity suffreth long, and is kind,
Charity envieth not;
Charity vaunteth not itself,
Is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly,
Seeketh not her own,
Is not easily provoked,
Thinketh no evil;
Rejoiceth not in inequity,
But rejoiceth in the truth,
Beareth all things,
Hopeth all things,
Endureth all things,
Charity never faileth”

From the above it is very clear that Charity is beyond the mere physical act of giving. It is a more profound and fulsome practice that must encompass all the aspects of our behaviour at all times. It is not just the act of giving but also the mindset of not wanting for one’s self. It is the very essence of selflessness or the appreciation of all beings as that of our own that constitutes “Charity”. As is vividly captured in our scriptures;

“Matruvat par daaraani, par dravyasch losthvat,
Atmaanam sarvbhuteshu, yah pashyati sah pashyati”

Charity thus is the life thread of equality or the quest of it. It is embodied in the very fabric of Freemasonry in that we consider each child of God as a fellow brother, worthy of receiving the fruits derived from the application of our best faculties, as much as ourselves or our families.

Charity is said to extend beyond the grave and it is true since the act of charity is much like performing the labour in this life for the wages to be collected in the later life or afterlife. The concept of such charity is so strongly ingrained in the mythology of all religions, ancient and modern that the practice of it is deemed of paramount importance in  all of them. In fact Charity is considered to be greater than knowledge and faith, love and sacrifice. As St. Paul claims in the ”Book of Corinthians” –

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could move mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing”

From the above it is very clear that charity is beyond the  gift of knowledge and faith, of the ability to foresee the future or soothsaying. But what is very strange and important for us to consider at this juncture that it has also been distinguished from the act of giving or the act of sacrifice.
This is an important distinction that needs to be appreciated in its’ full light. If Charity is not the act of giving than what is it? Why does St. Paul say that even though I give all my goods to the poor but if I have not charity, it profits me not? Are we then to understand that charity is more a matter of the mindset than the physical act? Is it not a reference to the “jalkamalvat” state of mind that our ancient scriptures have taught us. Is it not then the concept of “Aparigraha” as explained in Jainism that resources beyond our current needs are meant for distribution and not storage.
From the above it is evident that giving away alone does not constitute Charity. An act of Charity done with a view to profit, name & fame being primary motives, is not an act of charity but almsgiving or an effort at furthering one’s popularity. As said by William Hutton “The charity that hastens to proclaim its good deeds, ceases to be charity, and is only pride and ostentation”.
 Charity does not seek, either fame or recognition, either gratitude or reciprocation. It is wisely said that the practice of Charity brings about humility in both the giver and the recipient. The great poet and one of the “Navratnas” in Emperor Akbar’s court, Abdul Rahim Khankhana is known to have always kept his head bowed while giving away charity since it is the recipient who favors the giver and not vice versa, for it is the recipient who allows us to deposit our karma so that we may enjoy its’ fruits in our afterlife. No wonder ”Guptdaan” is a much cherished practice in our society. It is therefore wisely said that “The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother conduct that will make her proud of you, to yourself respect; to all men, charity”   Francis Maitland Balfour

Now that we have come to appreciate the virtue of “Charity” in a wider sense than just the act of being charitable, let us explore its’ Masonic practice and also its’ place in our day to day lives. As the tracing board of the first degree exhorts- ‘a freemason’s charity should have no bounds save those of prudence’ our practice of this virtue must be  boundless. In fact our actions must illustrate our beliefs. Let me quote an anonymous friend of masonry who says-
“I would not give much for your masonry unless it can be seen. Lamps do not talk, but they shine. A lighthouse sounds no drum, it beats no gong, and yet far over the water its friendly spark is seen by the mariner. So let your actions shine out your masonry. Let the main sermon of your life be illustrated by your conduct, and it shall not fail to be illustrious”

A very important calling yet one that throws up a dilemma. Should Freemasonry than become a charitable society like the various movements across the world or continue its practice as unobtrusively and silently as it has done so far. What is Masonic charity? Is it building hospitals and schools, or helping the poor and the needy? If so, what is the distinction among our ancient institution and the modern movements such as the Rotary or Lions?

The answer I believe lies in our rituals and practices. The mason is considered an ashlar, rough to begin with and perfected as he goes up the planes or levels. This ashlar is the building block of the superstructure of society. The more perfect in both horizontals and perpendiculars the ashlar will be,  better will be the  building. It is the very practice of making good men better and thus bettering the lot of our society that is the true practice of Masonic charity. As said above the purpose of every mason’s life is to be like that shining lighthouse whose glow rises above the storm of worldly happenings and provides to those gone astray a safe return to the shores of goodness and virtue.

Let this not lead us to believe that the act of helping the needy is not a part of our sphere of activity. The collection of alms or the practice of “Dhanyadaan”- giving grains to the poor is as much an act of charity as is  establishing a hospital or conducting a divine service. The practice of Charity sure is a part of our Masonic lives but only as a means to lifting our souls from the considerations of the mundane, a way of realizing, that to give is to get. To be able to help is being helped. We must all realize that the need for charity today is far greater than at any time in the history of mankind. Despite the many advances made by our race, there are more poor and destitute on the streets than ever. Inequality is at its’ zenith and we have been given a unique opportunity of being able to help. We must seize this opportunity to give as much as we can, for as is famously said:

“Love in this differs from gold and clay,
to divide is not to give away”

Charity thus can be summarized as follows:

1. That Charity is a powerful symbol employed in Freemasonry.
2. That Charity occupies the most exalted position amongst the virtues promoted and practiced by Freemasonry. It is the master among all virtues, the sun among the planets.
3. That Charity is at once physical, thoughtful and spiritual and in that sense pervades through all the three degrees of Freemasonry.
4. That Charity is not merely an act of giving but the act of loving kindness that extends beyond the grave.
5. That Charity must begin at home and thus the act of bettering one’s self is as much a part of it as is helping others.
6. That Freemasonry is the embodiment of the spirit of Charity yet is distinct from the worldly charitable institutions.
7. That every Freemason in his figurative ascent from earth to heaven must practice the virtue of charity.

“Mahir”

The Freemason´s Wife

Many light years ago when hubby dearest decided to become a mason I knew nothing of what he was talking about (I suspect he didn’t know much either), and neither did the family. The Masonic Lodge and our residence shared a common wall and we (the kids and I) found it incredibly funny to see him dress up in all his finery to go next door for something that he pompously referred to as Meetings!

We were of course allowed a peep into the pomp and show during the family get-together meetings when we would see men of all shapes and sizes wearing colorful aprons, running around with a great sense of purpose and raising toasts with glasses of water! The ceremony, the sense of import and the general ambience lent a somber note to the proceedings but try as we did – we could never figure out the rationale behind the tamasha. “So, what do you do there” was answered vaguely if at all, and all that we could see was that the man left home looking like the cat’s whiskers and came back home a drunk tomcat.

I must say that for me – the wife – the importance of the Lodge began and ended with taking care that the white shirts were laundered in time. Since the whole rigmarole excluded the wife and the family – there was always a faint resentment. As a young wife I expected my husband to spend weekends with me and not in some dreary building which he called the temple but which the rest of the town’s population called the “Jadoo Ghar”.

It’s almost twenty five years since the day hubby took his first step towards that Jadoo Ghar. Much has changed in the interim – towns have changed, the family has scattered, we are now grandparents, but what has not changed is the reverence with which even today that white shirt is pulled out of the wardrobe every other weekend. The fervor for the lodge and its activities takes precedence over everything else and even family events have to be scheduled around the fact that they should not clash with lodge meetings!

What has dramatically changed however is the family’s attitude towards what was previously referred to as hubby’s idiosyncrasy. We have come to realize that every person has his own driving force – something that compels him to do good for his fellowmen and if hubby’s driving force takes him through the portals of a Masonic Lodge then so be it!

How does that impact us? Are we still laughing at him or getting frustrated with his pre-occupation with the lodge? Sometimes we do – but more often than not we all smile indulgently when he talks about his achievements and the recognition his lodge has earned over the years. We support him in what he enjoys most – an evening out with men who are still boys at heart. He can discuss lofty ideals, perform rituals with great solemnity, hobnob with the fraternity and go home feeling good about a job well done! During the process of course a lot of good work gets done too. Work for the disabled, for the poor and needy and for the terminally ill.

I am a proud Masonic wife today – proud of the fact that through the Masonic principles of Universal Brotherhood my husband has chosen to make a difference, albeit small, in his social environment. Well done Hubby!

LIGHTHOUSE

It is after 15 years and third time in its existence of 50 years that Lodge Fellowship of Ahmedabad is hosting a meeting of The Regional Grand Lodge of Western India and on this auspicious occasion let us relive the fond memories of an illustrious past.

The first meetying was on 24th November, 1973 with R.W. Bro. the Hon. Justice Dinshah Madon, OSM presiding as the Regional Grand Master, which was a great success. The second was in the year 1993 which was a special meeting presided over by R.W. Bro. P.K. Rele, OSM as the Regional Grand Master which is fondly remembered by old timers till date.

Lodge Fellowship was consecrated on 4th March 1960 under the Scottish Constitution as No. 1564 SC with 49 founder members. The membership rose to 177 members by 1990. Major General H.H. The Nawab of Rampur , Sir Syed Raza Ali Khan , the first Grand Master of Grand Lodge of India was one of the founder members. Also R.W. Bro. H. J. Rushi, Grand Secretary was a founder member. The founder members mostly belonged to either Lodge Salem No. 563 SC or Lodge Hope and Sincerity No.643 SC. Lodge Fellowship opted to join the Grand Lodge of India on 23rd September, 1961 and was allotted No. 140 as a Foundation Lodge.

R. W. Bro. Shivlal Sharma, an earnest and dedicated mason, also an eminent ritualist, set up a trust for Masonic aid for Freemasons of the city in 1969 with a handsome donation of Rs.10000/-. This pillar of the Lodge was awarded 50 years Long Term Service Jewel by R.W. Bro. Noshir Mehta, OSM the then R.W.The Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Western India on 25th November, 1978 in a glittering ceremony, when the brethren of the Lodge presented him a replica of Sidi Saiyad Jali a Sufi Saint as a memento of their love, affection and respect. An atmosphere of great love and harmony always prevailed in the Lodge.

In the formative years R.W. Bro Shivlal Sharma, was a driving force and promoted interaction between this Lodge and other sister Lodges in the country. After his ascent to the Grand Lodge above, the GAOTU presented the Lodge with another stalwart in R.W. Bro. Subramanian (affectionately called Subbu) who became the torch bearer to take the Lodge to greater heights.

After Subbu’s sad demise, a Brother from Kanpur, who was probably Godsend, acted as the cementing force to steer the Lodge and efficiently carry the Olympic torch with a brand new team of young masons, with spring in their feet and smile on their lips. With sheer dint of hard work, dedication, consistency and sure confidence they reminded us of that famous Victor Hugo statement “No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come” and announced to the Masonic World that “they have arrived”.

Whenever Mohd. Azaruddin, the erstwhile Captain of the Indian Cricket team was asked to opine as to why his team lost the match, his favorite one liner was “We batted badly, we bowled badly, we fielded badly”. Of course to an average spectator it was a failure of team work. Now here we have a Lodge who has been a constant winner and consistently firing on all six cylinders. There is a famous adage “There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it does not matter who gets the credit”. This precise definition of Teamwork perfectly fits this Lodge.

Every Freemason is constantly reminded that brotherly love and relief are the means to reach the ultimate “TRUTH”. Both the means are interlinked and Compassion forms the base. The brethren need to be disciplined and trained in compassion to empathize with fellow human beings, to see with their eyes, to hear with their ears and to be in their shoes to realize the “TRUTH” and as a part of this discipline and training the brethren of Lodge Fellowship No.140 undertake projects for the visually impaired, hearing impaired, speech impaired and various such disabilities that hamper normal functional abilities. They focus on children as well and motivate the parents to rise above despair and train them professionally to let the disabled child grow in a creative ambience that would lead the child to an honourable living.

The latest feather in their cap is the novel project at Noble Nagar – a colony of low wage earners in Ahemdabad. The project is entirely handled by the brethren of Lodge Fellowship under the stewardship of Bro. Colonel Yashavant Joshi, a compassionate brother who with his trained team provides vocational training to young boys and girls of the area to enable them to procure either gainful employment or self employment.

Every brother contributes in some way or the other and participates in every project of the Lodge but to name a few with a cutting-edge is inevitable. W. Bro. Rajiv Sethi stands in the forefront with his brethren in line. Computer savvy, prompt in communication and courteous in manners, this brother has earned both affection and admiration of his fellow brethren. W. Bro. Suresh Mehra a Senior Mason of 30 years is an excellent ritualist and can easily be a fine preceptor in any instruction lodge. He is a soft spoken humble man always willing to share any responsibility in and of the Lodge.

The present W. Master W. Bro. Samir Desai is confidence personified. He is fully conscious of the glorious past and determined to steer the Lodge to greater heights.
His predecessor, W. Bro. Manjot Singh, under whose stewardship the Lodge won the “Lodge of the Year” award in 2008 as also the “Best Web-site” award from the Grand Lodge of India, is very positively oriented and willing to undertake the difficult odd jobs and make success look easy.

W. Bro. Ratan Vadvan, W. Bro. Dr. Arun Atrey, W. Bro. Dr. Ganesh Nayak, W. Bro. Madhav Kulkarni, W. Bro. Dr. Vinod Kr. Jain, are all dynamic and creative and form an important link in the value chain.. Its amazing how with their extremely busy schedules they manage to find time for the Lodge and its activities. W. Bro. Dr. Ganesh Nayak bought a beautiful gold plated Masonic Sword from USA which is the pride of Lodge Fellowship and is used on all important events. W. Bro. Ratan Vadvan was instrumental in setting up the “Lodge Fellowship Early Intervention Center for Multiple Disabled Children”. W. Bro. Lt. Col. Vikas Arora helped the Masonic Ladies Association from Mumbai to send 3000 Rakhis on Raksha Bandhan Day to Fauji Bhais in Leh, Kargil and Drass Sector of Ladakh for the last 2 consecutive years.

Brethren coming from diverse fields have blended themselves in an unique manner each providing value additions with their vast experience and expertise.

The team is proficient in all departments of the game. Be it Rituals, Masonic Education, Social Projects, Community involvement, Inter-personal relationships – they excel. With such a great team in action, no wonder Lodge Fellowship No.140 always comes out a winner year after year.

May the Great Architect of the Universe, bestow upon the brethren and their families health, happiness and prosperity for all times to come.

Enjoying the Magic of Free Masonry!

Three years ago (in the early 2007) I did not know much about Freemasonry. I had read a few articles about the Organization, its secret rituals and working. But I had no inclination of joining it because I was involved with my activities of Social Work.

However, thereafter, things changed rapidly…I am saying rapidly, because the course of events moved very fast and I saw the “real face” of Freemasonry in the next few months. It was W. Bro. Col Vikas Arora’s initiative; he invited some brethren to visit our Teachers Training Program in Ahmedabad. During their visit, I had some interaction with W. Bro. Dr Iqbal Hakim and W. Bro. Suresh Mehra. They elaborated on the role of Charity and Brotherhood in Freemasonry and I got sold to the idea. Finally, I was balloted in to the Magic of Freemasonry on 28th July 2007.

However, there was a final hurdle to overcome! That is the strict dress-code for the Regular Meetings. After taking pre-mature retirement from the Army, I had discarded the formal dress-code of “pant-shirt-tie” as it was not in tune with my chosen work-style of a Social Worker. Therefore, on the day of Initiation, I had to borrow a shirt from Col. Vikas Arora and shoes from my son and lo! I was ready for the occasion. The dress-code still hurts my conscience, but, like a good soldier I have opted for the “result” and not the “method”.

In Freemasonry, we are taught about the three Great Lights (the VSL, the Square and the Compasses); three Lesser Lights (S, Mn and the M); the four Cardinal Virtues (Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice); truly Masonic Ornaments of Benevolence and Charity as well as the three tenets of a Free Mason’s profession (Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth). But our “Black Book” is silent about the real Magic of Freemasonry and that is what I want to reveal.

The Oxford dictionary defines the word Magic as “the power of apparently influencing events by using supernatural forces”. How do we create Magic in Free Masonry? When we combine the forces of all Great/Lesser Lights and apply our tenets keeping our Cardinal Virtues in the forefront, the Magic happens. Magic cannot be performed or done, it just happens! This is what I experienced in the last two years, Masonic Magic happening in front of me, within me. When I joined Lodge Fellowship No. 140, Ahmedabad in July 2007, I was new to the people, situations and the Organization. The turnabout came; slowly and steadily and I enjoyed the Magic…three Magic of Free Masonry!!!

The First Magic is Brotherhood! All the brethren act in the true spirit of “Five Pts of Fellowship”. This Brotherhood can be compared with what we have in the Army called “Regimentation” i.e. we work together for the pride and prestige of the Unit we belong to; no matter what we need to sacrifice! The same Regimentation could be seen and experienced in all the events of Free Masonry, be it Regular/Emergency Meeting, Standing Committee Meeting or Area/Regional Meeting. This brotherhood gives a sense of satisfaction of “marching together” and enjoying the desired results without “scruple and diffidence”.

The second Magic is our Charitable Work! Lodge Fellowship No. 140, Ahmedabad, is enjoying this magic seriously as year after year, it is able to contribute gainfully to some sustainable charitable projects. What gives me immense satisfaction is that the complete contribution comes from the hard earned money of our brethren. It is through the Charity of Lord Nature that we enjoy so many privileges like light, water etc. Learning from the Nature, through our charitable works, we develop a sense of pride as Human Beings. This magic makes us instrumental in helping our society, in whatever measures/ways we can.

The Third Magic is our Discipline! It is our disciplined way of functioning – just like the Army – that makes us different from other such organizations like Lions, Rotary etc. We have discipline in all walks of life; we balance our social and professional commitments. We respect our Seniors; we adhere to Punctuality and we attend to Summons dutifully.

Finally, the real Magic of Free Masonry lies in our SPIRIT, a way by which we decide to govern our lives and help our society. Therefore, we say that we were first made a Mason in our HEART…Let us continue meeting upon the Level, act upon the Plumb and part upon the Square. This is the only way; we will continue enjoying the Magic of Free Masonry forever!

 

“Help me to need no aid from men, that I may help such men as need!”