Preface
I WISH to express my deep gratitude to the late M.P.G.C. of the Eastern Federation, The V. Ills. Bro. N. Sri Ram, 33°, for his acceptance of, and arrangement for, the publication of these studies in Co-Freemasonry. As I do so, I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to the valuable literary and personal contributions which the late V. Ills. Bro. C. W. Leadbeater, 33°, made towards an understanding of the esoteric significance and impor-tance of Freemasonry. For such knowledge as I may have gained, I owe much to his two books Glimpses of Masonic History and The Hidden Life in Freemasonry. Many other notable brethren have made important contributions in this field by means of addresses and articles in Masonic journals. My deep appreciation is offered to them and to the late Ills. Bro. John Hitch-cock, 32°, and his wife Cathy Hitchcock, 32°, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A., who have made possible the printing of my studies in Co-Freemasonry. I also wish to thank Mrs. Jane Evans for her cover design; also The V. Ills. Bro. Radha Burnier, 33°, and the Ills. Bro. Seetha Neelakantan, 32°, for seeing it through the press. The ideas advanced are to be regarded solely as the thoughts of a student and in no sense as Landmarks. They are founded upon a belief that Freemasonry, including Co-Freemasonry therefore, is indeed a survival of the Ancient Mysteries.¹ THE HASTENED PATHWAY TO PERFECTED MANHOOD AND WOMANHOOD In Freemasonry, the goal of human evolution is defined as the attainment of perfected manhood or Adeptship. Human life consisted, it was taught, of a process of perpetual unfoldment through stage after stage of development-degree after degree in Masonic language through primitive man candidate, through civilized man or E.A., to benefactor and servant of the race or F.C., then to the spiritually self-illumined man or M.M., and on to Superman or perfected Master Builder. Beyond this achievement other heights beckon, the term "perfect" being relative and referring only to purely human development to perfect manhood or womanhood. This procedure of Nature may be inferred from two Masonic symbols. In one of these, a primitive man is represented as a stone newly hewn from a quarry-Universal Life. This stone is then to be shaped into a cube but with surfaces which are still rough the rough ashlar of Freemasonry. Ultimately, this is worked by the stone-mason into a smooth ashlar, ready to be fitted into its duly appointed place within the building. The other symbol of human evolution is the ladder of Masonic progress, which is to be ascended rung by rung or degree by degree leading from earth up into the infinite star-strewn canopy of heaven, referring to entry into Sun-Consciousness or realized union with the G.A.O.T.U. or Solar Logos.
About The Book
Through allegory and symbol incorporated in the rituals, Masonry presents instruction and teaching about the human journey from a state of ignorance to that of an illumined, unitary consciousness. It seeks to inspire its members to build an ideal human society based on brotherly love, charity and truth. As a clairvoyant, deep student of Theosophy, and a Mason, the author of this book provides valuable information about the esoterie significance of Masonic ceremonies and how it helps to elevate the human consciousness step by step. He deals with many aspects of the free Masonic work in this publication, and thus it serves as a guide for enquirers and students. A glossary of keywords increases the value of the book.
Hindu (935)
Agriculture (118)
Ancient (1086)
Archaeology (753)
Architecture (563)
Art & Culture (910)
Biography (702)
Buddhist (544)
Cookery (167)
Emperor & Queen (565)
Islam (242)
Jainism (307)
Literary (896)
Mahatma Gandhi (372)
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