The 21st
century has turned out to be an Era of colossal changes. Globalization, artificial intelligence, space
exploration, social media, and the expansion of private enterprise have all
seen growth of unprecedented proportions. In spite of all of these great
advancements, the new millennium has also presented us with an escalating number of challenges. Social divide,
terrorist attacks, political unrest, and an alarming increase in the frequency
of natural disasters. These events have all had a radically transformative
effect on the economic, political and ecological systems on a Global scale. We
are living in the midst of a rapidly changing World.
It’s often been said
that change is what makes the world go
around. Energy in motion permeates the entire Universe, causing a state of
constant transformation. As a consequence of this Universal law, the human race
continues its dynamic forward march perpetually
transitioning from a state of lesser complexity, into a state of greater
complexity. In a nutshell, as our inner and outer realities change, the world as we once knew it, is no more.
This brings us to the
matter at hand:
After enduring 300 years of
time has Freemasonry evolved enough to make it relevant to a new generation
of young men in 2017?
The answer to this
question lays beyond the deceptive veil impressed upon our senses by the
wonders of this fast changing information age. In order to gain an appropriate
degree of perspective, it is necessary to delve into a deeper source by
exploring the very essence of human nature.
Emotional needs are
inherent in all humans beings . In order for a man to achieve a degree of self
actualization, his emotional needs, those that are a part of his essence, must
be satisfied first. It is due in part to Masonry’s proven ability to fulfill
the finer needs of man, which has enabled its resilience to the passing of
time, ultimately cementing its staying power.
Freemasonry is a selective institution where
not everyone is accepted; unless of course the applicant is willing to
prove himself as a man under the tongue of good report. Once he’s received, the
new member is granted access to a world-wide fraternity which
honours the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. It is this
noteworthy aspect of membership which fulfills a young man’s intrinsic
need to belong; particularly to something that’s important and
worthwhile.
Freemasonry provides a young man with the
opportunity to establish long lasting friendships with like minded individuals.
Having this type of bond with fellow members reassures the new mason that
should he ever feel the need to turn to someone for advice, he can do so at
anytime by confiding in one of his brethren.
It is this aspect of membership
which fulfills some of the other innate desires in man, namely: the need to be sociable, while experiencing a feeling of safety in his environment.
Just as importantly, Freemasonry equips a young man with the necessary
tools to improve all aspects of his character. The masonic system enables the
member to rid himself of some of his less favorable traits by improving his
weaknesses; and it also facilitates a deeper understanding of who he is by
refining his strengths. The process is both transformational and enlightening;
conducive to a journey towards self-actualization,
which gradually becomes a mason’s ultimate destination.
2.
These are only a few
of several transcendent and
unconditional qualities which set the institution of Freemasonry apart from the
rest.
Some people may say “All of this sounds very appealing but... What
type of specific knowledge can a young
man expect to obtain from Masonry which makes it strictly unique, and could not
be found anywhere else?”
By becoming a Mason a
young man can expect to have access to a type of knowledge that is unaffected
by the passing of time.
He may expect to learn that…
Masonry is Universal
Masonry knows no
creed, race or color. The tenets of
liberty, equality and fraternity which Masonry advocates and champions know no
bounds. These proverbial axioms embrace all cultures and transverse every
geographical line; promulgating a genuine sense of brotherhood amongst all
nations. And
although Masonry is neither a religion nor a substitute for one, the Craft
acknowledges the significance of all religions, grasping their corresponding
qualities, unifying their variances; but yet remains impartial to all. It
counts within its circle Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Hindus amongst many
others. Freemasonry’s embracive nature also makes it equally welcoming to those
men who are not necessarily creed bound, but who being true to their conscience,
will only profess a belief in a Supreme Being. The abbreviation G.A.O.T.U. meaning the Great Architect of The Universe,
truly is a most egalitarian, unbiased and integrating expression. The term is
non denominational, allowing each mason the right to follow the spiritual path
he so chooses.
A
young man may also expect to learn that…
Masonry
is Educational
One of Masonry’s principal facets is the applicability of its wise
philosophies to everyday life. The Craft inculcates morality by encouraging its
members to be ethical in all their undertakings. It instills charity by
emphasizing the existing interdependence and common ground of all mankind. The
lessons are imparted in their purest
form, proclaimed unpretentiously, and demonstrated with candor. The charges and
lectures are sources of great inspiration, motivating each initiate to furnish
favorable contributions toward society; making it a better place for every one
to live in. Freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and freedom of thought are
the three timeless precepts which rest on the cornerstone of the masonic
foundation; ever ready to obliterate the imminent threat from humanity’s three
principal
3.
enemies, namely: ignorance, fanaticism and
tyranny. Its rituals are the channel which transmits this timeless knowledge,
making the essence discernable. Such rituals play a fundamental role in keeping
the flame alive. The masonic
system of communication is expressed through symbols, an idiom that is
comprehensible in all of the world’s languages, and decipherable by all
initiates; enabling each mason to derive benefits from the teachings in
proportion to his own individual capacity.
Since the inception of
The Grand Lodge of England, Freemasonry has
progressively become an organized, policy making body. The essence infused the substance giving it identity, the
spirit acquired form making itself intelligible, and the foundation which had
been laid in centuries gone by gave rise to a superstructure. For three hundred
years the Craft has disseminated its ancient wisdom the world over. This perennial knowledge has been transmitted
from the homely repose of its temples of instruction, those distinctive
dwellings we commonly refer to as “the lodge.”
It is at the lodge where each mason is extended the inestimable
privilege to partake of its mysteries, and it is there where he learns that
such invaluable ancient knowledge truly is time transcendent.
Since time immemorial
the essence of Masonry has lived and
breathed in the heart of mankind. From that defining, enlightening moment when
man first became aware of his own consciousness and developed a sense of Self,
the torch of Masonry rose and soared; emerging as an inextinguishable beacon of
light for all seekers of truth to revere and follow.
So mote it be!
Written by:
Brian Louis Chaytor & Brian Lawrence Chaytor (Father and Son)
Members of Claude. M. Kent Lodge number
681, Oakville, Ontario
District A
Brian Louis Chaytor, MM, FRC XII° (12th Degree
Rosicrucian)
Claude M Kent Lodge 681, Oakville, Ontario,
Canada (Craft Lodge)
Member of The Martinist Order
Member of The Esoteric Hierarchy, Ancient
and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis
Brian Lawrence Chaytor, 32°, FRC XII° (12th
Degree Rosicrucian)
Claude M Kent Lodge 681, Oakville, Ontario,
Canada (Craft Lodge)
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley
of Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario
Master Craftsman Program, Levels I, II
& III
Member of The Esoteric Hierarchy, Ancient
and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis
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