标题: 《The Mysticism of Masonry Introductory》 [打印本页] 作者: 飛翔朱雀 时间: 2009-3-7 09:16 标题: 《The Mysticism of Masonry Introductory》 In placing this volume, which is the revised edition of the book first
issued under the title, Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry, I do so without the
thought of an apology, owing to the fact that the first edition was received
by the earnest students of Masonry and the Occult not because it was an
expose, but because it was an interpretation of Masonic symbolism as handed
down to us through the ages from the Mysteries of the Ancients.
As a Masonic work, the book must stand unchallenged for the reason that the
basis of its symbolism is from the highest and universally accepted Masonic
writers. The interpretation is also Masonic, with an additional Mystic
interpretation appearing within brackets. For this I am personally
responsible, though these explanations are based on and entirely harmonious
with the inculcations of the Ancient Mysteries as received by myself through
my various journeys in the realm of the mystic. It is therefore entirely
lawful for me to offer them to the aspiring neophyte.
There are indeed many reasons why the present volume should be generously
circulated among all classes of students of the Occult and Mystic, especially
the members of the Masonic bodies.
Entirely too little is known to the vast majority of these brethren of the
modern organizations known as Masonic. They have been given the letter, which,
though beautiful in itself, does not contain the life, and because of this
lack, they cannot successfully defend the expression frequently heard, that
Masonry is a religion.
Initiation is not what it is generally supposed to be. All Masons are
familiar with the ceremonial form of Initiation but in reality this is no more
than an outward symbolization of an inner, an esoteric work, which should take
place within each man seeking the Mysteries. A man may have received the
degrees of the Blue Lodge and may be an honor to that lodge and yet be wholly
unfamiliar with the method of procedure which would bring into manifestation
the results of the personification of the life as symbolized in these three
degrees. It is this outcome of which, not only Masons but the entire human
race are now so very much in need.
Thousands of good men and true accept the letter of Masonry for the spirit
or as including the spirit. Here is where begins the first great error.
Nothing new can come to Masonry but there is a world of truth in Masonic
symbolism of which the vast majority of the membership of the honored body has
not even heard, to say nothing of having a comprehension of the saving truth
therein contained. It is for the purpose of helping these and pointing them
the way, that the present work in its new form of interpretation is presented
to them, as well as to the public, it being the author's contention that this
plan cannot possibly harm Masonry but, contrariwise, will help to glorify the
institution by showing that it is kept alive and moving forward by a spirit
which makes for the welfare not alone of the members of the association, but
of mankind generally and universally.
