#universal monk

[didanawisgi]

A human being is a spatially and temporally limited piece of the whole, what we call the “Universe.” He experiences himself and his feelings as separate from the rest, an optical illusion of his consciousness. The quest for liberation from this bondage is the only object of true religion. Not nurturing the illusion but only overcoming it gives us the attainable measure of inner peace.

Albert Einstein

[didanawisgi]

Black men admitted to an Edinburgh Masonic Lodge in 1904

“In the minds of many, Freemasonry is linked with elitism and secrecy yet a little research and asking simple questions produced information that belies the preconceived prejudices of many. Recent research carried out by the Curator of the Grand Lodge of Scotland Museum and Library, Robert Cooper, has established that the Masons blazed a trail in the field of race relations – a trail they pursue to this day.

Cooper has discovered a remarkable photograph what shows that Freemasons in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, were welcoming black men over 100 years ago. The photograph shows 10 black men, all members of the Williams & Walker Co, a touring vaudeville act after having been Initiated into Freemasonry in Lodge Waverley, No.597, on 2nd May 1904. They were subsequently Passed on 16th May and Raised on 1st June of that year. “The principals of Freemasonry”, said Cooper, “dictate that there can be no discrimination on the grounds of race and this is but one example.” The picture, and many others, also showing black Freemasons, are held by the Grand Lodge Museum in the Masons’ George Street headquarters. “Thank goodness for the camera” said Cooper. “Because Freemasonry per se is not interested in anyone’s religion, race, or politics our records contain no details as to the race etc. of the individuals concerned. These images show that Scottish Freemasonry has been admitting black men since, at least, the invention of photography.”

But further research revealed that admission of black men into Freemasonry had been taking place even earlier...”

[didanawisgi]

My wish for you... is that your skeptic-eclectic brain be flooded with the light of truth.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, The First Circle

[didanawisgi]

When you make two one, you will become Sons of Man and if you say: ‘Mountain, move!’, it will move.

The Gospel According to Thomas or The Secret Words of Jesus, from the Coptic, translated by Jean Doresse and Rev. Leonard Johnston; Chenoboskion, Codex X, circa AD 60.

[didanawisgi]

The process of initiation is one of regeneration.  It means developing your inmost essence, first to birth and then to full growth. This involves a rejection and mystical death of all the lower principles that obstruct your growth. This path is traced through our three degrees: The first stage involves refining your gross sense-nature, killing your desire for material attractions and developing indifference to the allure of the outer world. The second involves disciplining and clarifying your mind till it becomes pure and strong enough to respond to a spiritual order of life and wisdom. This is why in our Second Degree the discovery of a sacred symbol in the center of the building shows a first glimpse of your personal center.  This knowledge is followed by a desire to wipe from your heart all obstacles to complete union with the Center. The third stage, the last and greatest trial, involves the voluntary death of your sense of ego and separation from the universal life-essence. As your limited ego dies, you become conscious of a Bright Morning Star within you, illuminating your mental horizon.

The Secret Science of Masonic Initiation by Robert Lomas