tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post7503309083483460438..comments2024-03-26T12:05:58.591-04:00Comments on Freemasons For Dummies: Art de Hoyos: Is Freemasonry Esoteric?Christopher Hodapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-11540260187087706972022-08-28T20:21:51.036-04:002022-08-28T20:21:51.036-04:00How has it worked out?How has it worked out?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-42703247955955137872017-06-27T11:29:56.616-04:002017-06-27T11:29:56.616-04:00Brother Arturo as always, speaks eruditely and wit...Brother Arturo as always, speaks eruditely and with measured, yet humble authority. The (artificial) polarization and false dichotomy, that I've witnessed within the Craft since 2006, is astounding given our ethos. Those in their "missile-chipped, pock-marked ramparts" decry one extreme or another. They are seemingly incapable of considering that nothing is more esoteric than to serve others by submitting one's own ego in support of one's fellow man or Brethren for a greater cause, whether that be washing dishes after a fish-fry or dressing up like a clown to bring smiles to the faces of disease-racked children. Nor on the other end of the spectrum, admit that without the mystical and philosophical trappings, Masonry would just be another Lion's club. It would seem logical (if one has any amount of experience in the oft-lauded mystical traditions alleged to be the fount of Masonic ritual) that a life of service and philosophy put int actual practice is the ultimate expression of spiritual attainment and enlightenment. How obtuse are those with the hubris to sneer at those who find fulfillment in the "dull" business meetings and charitable events, when if they really read and understood the multitude of books (shown proudly in their private libraries, and on display via social media), that "before one reaches enlightenment they must toil in the rock quarries, and after enlightenment must likewise earn their wages." Nathan G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03425695780934104754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-74288827899244418912017-01-11T17:06:36.764-05:002017-01-11T17:06:36.764-05:00Having been on an esoteric learning path, and beco...Having been on an esoteric learning path, and becoming a Rosicrucian and Theosophist, I can point to parts of our rituals, and symbols, that are included in the Mystery systems. For me this is undeniable evidence that the geniuses that composed the ritual were certainly learned in that area. I think they wanted the seekers of truth to find more knowledge regarding these. Excuse me if I punt my book here but it has answers to what I have just mentioned which, when read, may change many people's outlook on the craft. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1530667917/sr=1-14/qid=1460998849/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1460998849&sr=1-14Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16310751339087459653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-36375815580051491562017-01-06T22:57:57.600-05:002017-01-06T22:57:57.600-05:00I think the notion of esotericism can really be ex...I think the notion of esotericism can really be explored well through education. But the key is in finding how to introduce it and teach it.<br /><br />I'm currently the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of South Carolina, and I've been pondering my focus as I take the helm in the Spring. I'm feeling very passionate about forgoing the traditional rhetoric of "bringing in new members, chatting NPDs, and promoting the charities", and instead really emphasizing the need to improve the meeting experience in order to excite and increase the interest of existing members. <br /><br />What really is the point of a meeting where all you do is open, read minutes, pay bills, and close. The problem really isn't in our numbers, but in participation. 200 members on the roll, and not enough show up to legally open a meeting--that's the problem I want to try to address.Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10986248425223362838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-11143520307468008852017-01-03T09:46:15.820-05:002017-01-03T09:46:15.820-05:00If initiatory organizations have infrastructure, t...If initiatory organizations have infrastructure, they have tradition. A community is created with single mindless and yet vast diversity. We only belief whst we know through the limited view of the senses. And yet, the inner self seems to exist as a vast repository of knowledge. Can we tap into its potential. If so, is the guidance given truth and correct? Regardless of esoteric fact, we are going to create ourself as a unique Mason. Perhaps the discussion is more about how we become better with tradition application of a symbol. Like all tools,they are helpful to ultimately building the finished product. I have found masonry accomplishes the initiatory task, regardless.Carloshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05807340890153297076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-61571140570766864332016-12-31T14:46:15.176-05:002016-12-31T14:46:15.176-05:00Freemasonry is definitely Esoteric. I would argue ...Freemasonry is definitely Esoteric. I would argue that for a Mason to say "all men are brothers" and really try to live that realization is 100% esoteric. It sounds simple on the surface but try applying it to all outside the confines of the Lodge.<br /><br />I am not against Traditional Observance (T.O) Lodges or Co-Masonic Lodges but I do think the T.O. movement in the U.S. And regular Masons changing their Masonic allegiance to join Co-Masonic Lodges is/was partly the result of a growing number of Masons who were disappointed with the esoteric interest, or lack thereof, found within their Craft Blue Lodges. <br /><br />Common complaints were long boring business meetings, gossip, too much emphasis on titles/office progression, too much emphasis on public charity events, and stale donuts served with terrible coffee.<br /><br />Esoteric Freemasonry starts in the Craft Blue Lodge with the realization that "all men are brothers" and within the Holy Royal Arch on the nature of Deity. All Master Masons go through an esoteric process but not all Masons become (or want to become) esoteric students.<br /><br />The way to overcome the above complaints is for Craft Blue Lodges to place more emphasis on Masonic education and for Craft leadership to really ENGAGE their membership. Find out what your individual members are interested in and familiarize yourselves with some of the main esoteric concepts related to Freemasonry. A good place to start is by reading the book, "Know Thyself: using the symbols of Freemasonry to improve your life", by Brother Michael Schiavello.Thomas Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16496528868148315705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-21883744770414110702016-12-30T20:10:50.202-05:002016-12-30T20:10:50.202-05:00As Stevenson implies, our thoughts on the esoteric...As Stevenson implies, our thoughts on the esoteric core of Freemasonry must focus on what Schaw meant by the "Art of Memory". If there are answers, they are probably buried in key elements of our ritual, which we are pledged never to divulge. For a mason and historian, it's a dilemma.Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11928719504871994002noreply@blogger.com