The Trestleboard

Origin and Advantages

JC — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:22:42 +0000

From the commencement of the world, we may trace the foundation of Masonry. Ever since symmetry began, and harmony displayed her charms, our Order has had a being. During many ages, and in many different countries, it has flourished. No art, no science preceded it. In the dark periods of antiquity, when literature was in a low state, and the rude manners of our forefathers withheld from them that knowledge we now so amply share, Masonry diffused its influence. This science unveiled, arts arose, civilization took place, and the progress of knowledge and philosophy gradually dispelled the gloom of ignorance and barbarism. Government being settled, authority was given to laws, and the assemblies of the Fraternity acquired the patronage of the great and the good; while the tenets of the profession diffused unbounded philanthropy.

Abstracting from the pure pleasures which arise from friendship so wisely constituted as that which subsists among Masons, and which it is scarcely possible that any circumstance or occurrence can rase, Masonry is a science confined to no particular country, but extends over the whole terrestrial globe. Wherever arts flourish, there it flourishes too. Add to this, that by secret and inviolable signs, carefully preserved among the Fraternity, it becomes a universal language. Hence many advantages are gained: the distant Chinese, the wild Arab, and the American savage, will embrace a brother Briton, and know, that besides the common ties of humanity, there is still a stronger obligation to induce him to kind and friendly offices. The spirit of the fulminating priest will be tamed, and a moral brother, though of a different persuasion, engage his esteem: for mutual toleration in religious opinions is one of the most distinguishing and valuable characteristics of the Craft. As all religions teach morality, if a brother be found to act the part of a truly honest man, his private speculative opinions are left to God and himself. Thus, through the influence of Masonry, which is reconcilable to the best policy, all those disputes which embitter life, and sour the tempers of men, are avoided; while the common good, the general object, is zealously pursued.

From this view of our system, its utility must be sufficiently obvious. The universal principles of the art unite, in one indissoluble bond of affection, men of the most opposite tenets, of the most distant countries, and of the most contradictory opinions; so that in every nation a Mason may find a friend, and in every climate a home.

Such is the nature of our institution, that in the lodge, which is confined to no particular spot, union is cemented by sincere attachment, and pleasure reciprocally communicated in the cheerful observance of every obliging office. Virtue, the grand object in view, luminous as the meridian sun, shines refulgent on the mind, enlivens the heart, and heightens cool approbation into warm sympathy and cordial attention.

- Webb’s Masonic Monitor, Edition 1865. Origins of Masonry and its General Advantages.

Heroism

JC — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:00:06 +0000

When a whole population takes on the status of bystander, the victims are without allies; the criminals, unchecked, are strengthened; and only then do we need to speak of heroes. When a field is filled from end to end with sheep, a stag stands out. When a continent is filled end to end with the compliant, we learn what heroism is. And alas for the society that requires heroes.

~ Cynthia Ozick

Great is Truth

JC — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 03:23:09 +0000

In the past weeks, the word “Truth” has been bandied about in the wake of serious allegations of corruption in the country, not just in the realm of politics but also in business. Many sectors have called for out for truth, urging people to let it out. It is our duty to seek it out as individuals (and certainly as a nation). We should exhaust all peaceable means, searching for it high and low. This is a great time for truth-seeking, amidst all the untruths present in our lives and in society. It is a time to ask, what is my truth? What is my basic truth as a human being? What is the truth of the universe? These are basic questions that philosophers and mystics have pondered, since mankind has began to think. And now we seek it, urging it to come out, because Truth, like Light, eventually comes out and overcomes darkness. We pray that the Truth that we seek shines out in all its glory.

In Masonic circles, we say MAGNA est VERITAS, et PRAEVALEBIT. Great is Truth, and shall prevail.

Life isn’t fair?

JC — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:44:45 +0000

To a person of character, the observation that “life is not always fair” is a challenge to do better – not an excuse to tolerate injustice.

~ Michael Josephson

A moral revolution

JC — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:49:52 +0000

I should clarify that I am not asking for the position of the Craft when it comes to political matters. Indeed, our masonic duties are distinct and separate from our political stands. But inasmuch as Masonry is a moral philosophy, I believe it should stand on the side of truth. Therein lies our duty: when the principles that we uphold are trampled upon by a government that has lost much of its credibility and moral authority, a government that covers up the truth with reckless imprudence and dirty politics, a government which has institutionalized corruption. I am not for or against civil disobedience, which this country has experienced many already. But I am all for it when all the constitutional and legal means for peaceful redress have been exhausted, and the reasons are as valid as the 1986 EDSA revolution, which many of our brethren in politics, military, and civil society participated in to overthrow a dictatorship. One brother laments that many of our brethren in politics seem to have forgotten loyalty to country, to people, and to democratic principles. He thinks duty to country has been replaced by political expediency. As a way of proceeding, maybe the Craft should send representatives to the various fora and discernment talks happening all over the country. Maybe it should join the calls for a different kind of revolution, a moral revolution where truth and justice reigns, as it should in any free country. This does not mean that we should drag the name of the fraternity into politics, but instead break our silence and social malaise, and speak out and join our people in seeking the truth. If we cannot do this as a group, I hope there are brethren who still consider it a masonic duty to contribute individually in condemning “evil”, in this case the unjust social structures perpetuated by a corrupt government.

Empathy

JC — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:49:43 +0000

When you recognize that all human beings are equal like
yourself in both desire for happiness and their right to
obtain it, you automatically feel empathy and closeness for
them. Through accustoming your mind to this universal
altruism, you develop a feeling of responsibility for others
and the wish to help them.

Dalai Lama

Where are the Masons

JC — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:59:17 +0000

What is our mode of proceeding, our modo de proceder, in times like this, when we, as a people, are seeking truth and justice? I attended a Mass yesterday at the Ateneo’s Church of the Gesu, in solidarity to what is happening right now to our beloved Philippines. I joined the singing of “Bayan Ko”, together with a sea of clenched fists. The clergy has awakened from its slumber, is now mobilizing to gather support. Where is Freemasonry? Should it in good conscience stay away from this? I guess I am frustrated. Am I the only one asking these questions?

Traveler

JC — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:04:46 +0000

“The heart is the hub of all sacred places. Go there, and roam.”

Swami Nityananda

Politics?

JC — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:12:43 +0000

With the current political climate, what should we as Masons do? This is the hot topic on the e-groups. While politics in Masonry is forbidden, we are also enjoined to love our country and be good citizens. Support the civil authority, we are told. But what if that authority loses is moral authority? Being a good citizen means speaking against corruption and the injustices in our society.

I believe that our brethren who became national heroes and martyrs were guided by Masonic principles, and acted out of it. Where are the masonic heroes today? It has been suggested that we should wait until the issue cools or dies down, because there are masons on both sides of the political fence. We have brethren in the high echelons of police, military, and judiciary, and we also have those brethren (albeit few) who oppose the current government. Ironically, they are from the military too: from the Marine commanders who were implicated with rebellion, I know there are two Masons. We have brethren from civil society groups, and from business groups as well, who are clamoring for change. What to do with this scenario? Where should we stand? We cannot in good conscience just be fence-sitters: we have to make a stand, no matter which side of the fence we take. We should do our duty as patriotic and loyal citizens, according to the dictates of our conscience, and where we see fit.

Perhaps it is time that we, as individual citizens, as MASONS, search for the truth behind all these issues, and when the truth is found out, we should take action. Masons are never known to be apathetic…or are we? I hope not. Ultimately, this is not politics: it is love of country. We are not dabbling with political issues, we are fighting against injustice and inequality, whenever these are found to exist.

It is unfortunate that many brethren are silent and unconcerned, and choose to be on the safe side. Why should we care, they ask. Perhaps they do not want change because they are not affected. Maybe it is because too many brethren have vested interests in the status quo. Whatever the reason, I hope there are still those of us who care for our country.

What should we do as Masons, in instances of massive cover-ups, cheating, and corruption? Where are the modern-day Masonic heroes? What should we do to contribute to the search for truth and an end to injustice? Where is the Craft and it’s power to effect change in the social and moral order? These are not rhetorical questions.

Let us ask these questions, first within our hearts and then among ourselves, not only as Masons but as concerned citizens. Perhaps the Craft is still relevant in this day and age to effect change on a wider level. Or perhaps our collective wisdom would point to other creative ways of fighting injustice. Whatever answers we may find among ourselves, we should commit to these, always keeping in mind and heart our tenets and principles that guided many of our Masonic heroes.

For eternity

JC — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:28:05 +0000

As is water in a dish,
Be it square or round,
Shaped according to that form,
By that nature bound;
So is man by those with whom
Keeps he company
Shaped and moulded
good or ill
For eternity.

- Imperial poem of the Meiji Era