|
|
|
What Masonry means to people
Their thoughts on the Meaning of Masonry
|
|
Turning The Hiram Key
Find out what Masonry means to Robert by reading his latest book,
Turning The Hiram Key.
|
|
|
|
By Benefactor |
Should Freemasonry be secret, or should we be more open about it?
As with all Esoteric or Initiatic Orders, the teachings themselves are usually referred to as being 'private' i.e. for the benefit of the interested member rather than for public consumption. For example, if some of these teachings included tried and tested techniques for developing dormant and little known faculties within, it would be prudent to keep such esoteric knowledge private.
As the individual advances through the degrees, changes will take place gradually within and certain abilities may manifest themselves. An understanding of the inner nature of the individual will take place and a greater attunement with this inner aspect will be made possible.
What is revealed and what transpires in the life of the initiate from this time on is unique to the individual, although some elements are common to all true initiates. These are the development of a higher moral and ethical sense and a greater awareness of the unity of all life. This is accompanied by a stronger sense of purpose and a clearer vision of the goal ahead.
So if any aspect of all this could be termed 'secret', it is the initiatic experience itself, where the individual begins to expand his consciousness to encompass this higher awareness gained through his own efforts.
It is certainly uncommon knowledge in the vast majority of people but humanity as a whole is evolving to an understanding of it, helped in that process by the initiates themselves.
Benefactor
F.R.C.
|
|
|
|
By Andrew Mercieca |
|
I fisrt learnt of Masonry as a boy of around 7. My neighbour was a Mason and had asked my father if he was interested. He rejected the offer as he thought it was just a "dining club". Always inquisitive, I asked what he meant. Well, your descriptions are the same. He then showed me a book, I think it was called "Brothers In Blood" which was about the Knights Templar. I read it within a week. Since that time, I had been certain that their had to be more to Masonry as we know it today than we are led to believe. The books you have written with Christopher Knight argue the case very clearly. Whilst some may say Masonry has had its day, like Christianity, it still serves a purpose. It may not be the original purpose, that is being taken care of. I found your links to various Royal personages most interesting, as I know that I am descended from several of those of whom you have written. It gives one pause for thought. I am not a believer in any "faith", I believe in truth. As such, I look forward to obtaining a copy of your latest so I can learn how these revelations have effected your truth. |
|
|
|
By ally |
morning professor,
its me ally from the university of bradford one of your students,
let me first tell you how much i enjoyed your book of hiram, it was absoloutley breathtaking,just like the previous book,
i also enjoyed the way how you tackled the Megalithic Yard that was absoloutley amazing and i also constructed my own however not accurately,
i would also like to say that the bbc 1 interview with martin was also great,
i would just ask you that are you writing anymore books regarding freemasonary or even astronomy, because i find your findings/conclusions simply both amazing and wonderfull, which are fruitfull with infomation and also supported with evidence,
ally |
|
|
|
By Federico Saporiti |
1.This is an opinon located in the Latinamerican context: Freemasonry should be more secret than ever before but,at the same time, more sensitive in socal terms. It is imperatve to rescue and explore all the rich symbolism we, the Freemasons, do have and to express it in many ways as possible keeping an intelligent secrecy.
2. The Ritual is a set of procedures with a rich and extensve esoteric meanings which, nowadays, the Lodges have not the commitment to practice with the approprate viewpoint and the adequate esoteric understanding. It is the time for the Freemasonry to reinforce the organization and functionning of Masonic Schoools for our Initiates and all our BB:.. It is the time to challenge to all our BB:. the understanding of our Rituals.
3. Twenty years ago I received the Masonic Light... That day I discover that I always wanted to be a Freemason. That I was born to be a Freemason. We have to strongly work, on a daily basis, to strengthen our Order through strenthening ourselves. It is extremely important to expand the masonic view of truth builders for each individual.
4.The Ritual is for me a challenge: to understand it, to improve it and, of course, to realize t. I think many times the possibility, for instance, to add to the Scotttish Rite some esoteric aspects of the Solar latinamerican cultures. Freemasonry belongs to some other and different cultures than the european. I would like to include some concepts related to our ancient civilizations and some of their key religious traditions.
5. Not alt all, it is necessary to write and to share the opinions of the Freemasons about the Rituals. The richness of our Ritualistic traditions could be magnify by the discussions about our ceremonies, symbolism and philosophies.
|
|
|
|
By Chilli |
I became interested in religious studies, or rather, the actual meaning behind the religious stories few years ago while living with a scholar of Indian veda's (am Indian). I found and read as many books I could on cosmic consiousness which, I believe is the essense of all religions i.e. the fundamental ''truth'' that is presented by various learned men/women. I believed all religious figures, from Moses to Jesus to Mohamad to Khrishna, in their own ways told of the same ''truth''. I was interested to find how politics over the century has used these ideas to control masses. Further, I wanted to learn and understand the ''truth'' from a scienctific angel and believe that Quantum Physics has shown that what the Yogi's have said to be true. Everything is made of the same thing. Finally, it boils to ''Tat Tvam Asi'' or ''Thou Art That'' and it is facinating to see how the various paths taken by various religions and now science comes to this ''You are That''....That is this case being God.
Therefore, based on this thought process of mine my views are as follows:
1. My cousin is a Freemason in India.
2. Why the secrecy in todays world, when the internet can open your thoughts to all kinds of knowledge.
3. Freemasonary is for the good of man (woman) and the knowledge should be shared.
4. Freemasonary to me before reading the Hiram Keys always meant a Christian society. But I like the idea of a society of men who are working towards a common good of society regardless of their religious beliefs.
5. I am following my quest to find the ''truth'' as described by the Vedas.
Thanks again for Robert Lomas's research.
|
|
|
|
By mark |
I have read two of your works, the hiram and the hiram key, both are very interesting, I wish i had the ability to see with my own eyes the things that you have seen.
I am not sure where i stand on Freemasonry,as i have always been a non believer in religions, but I love the histroy behind the bible.
I was wondering if you might have come accross any information on Mary's emaculent conception, I have often wondered what events took place as to the actual birth of jesus.
Is it possible that Mary was an unwed and may have had "SINS OF THE FLESH" then had to devise a story to explain her sudden condition? or is there anything else that it could have been?
This is my peice of the puzzle not yet explained, any information or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
P.S. looking forward to your new book Turning the hiram key. |
|
|
|
By Llew |
|
the idea of masonry has appealed to me from a young age, and although still young at nearly 17, i one day hope to become a freemason, and immerse myself in its fascinating history |
|
|
|
By MIKE L. |
Dear Dr. Lomas,
I only recently became a Master Mason(just 3 weeks ago)and although I am obviously new to the Fraternity, I feel this puts me in a unique situation. I did my own research into our Brotherhood prior to submitting my petition for membership and I'm sure many out there can attest to the myriad opinions and positions that I encountered. All of these widely varied and sometimes downright frightening stories and theories had me wondering what I was considering. With these experiences fresh in my mind, I would love to present my feelings on the questions you are asking.
1. Should Freemasonry be secret? That's easy! The secret's out!! I knew exactly what my initiation would be like weeks earlier. The internet is overflowing with information regarding our three degrees. Anyone who wants to know the truth about them has only to do a little surfing.
The obligations to which I swore require me to adhere to no more stringent rules than I would follow with my closest friends. I think that's a nice way of explaining the whole affair. I now feel I've expanded my circle of close friends on whom I can depend?
Removing the mask from Masonry would not only calm the conspiracy theorists, but it would also send a message to so many people who would be outstanding Masons if this whole secrecy story went away. I know many men who, if shown exactly what we represent and teach, would be jumping with joy to become part of such an honorable group.
My own father, (rest his soul), hated Masons because of the stories he had heard and also told. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Masonry teaches the very lessons he instilled in me! If only I could have opened his eyes, he would have been an outstanding part of our Brotherhood.
I'm not foolish enough to believe that there haven't been mistakes made by some of our Brothers in the past, but show me one group that hasn't experienced this. From sports teams to labor unions to entire governments and even religions there have always been those who bring darkness and shame to those with whom they affiliate. If we truly believe in the things we do and the teachings to which we adhere, we should put ourselves under the microscope of our critics and offer them the chance to dissect Freemasonry completely. But the only caveat would be that they open up their own closet to the same scrutiny! "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone"!!
2. What does Masonic ritual mean to me? Rituals can be a powerful way to teach someone. They can also become so complicated that the entire message gets lost in the context. Had I not done so much research, my own journey through the Three Degrees would have been overwhelming. The amount of memorization that the participants had accomplished was staggering. I was very impressed. But on the other hand, I think I and my fellow initiates would have been more deeply moved if we had been given a little more history and background beforehand. I was much more in touch with the whole ceremony than my co-initiates.
3.How I felt when I became a Mason? As I just said, I had the advantage of having done alot of prior studying beforehand. I recognized the connection I had just made. It was a very moving experience. Trying to explain to someone what it's like is like telling them how you felt when you saw your children being born. It's too difficult to put into context.
4.What role has Masonic ritual played? Although I am new to the "Craft", ( a word that I think only adds to our problems) I already find myself leading a more honorable lifestyle. I have rediscovered Christ, (something that I'm sure will surprise many of our religious affiliated critics), I treat people with a more sincere caring and understanding, and I often find myself truly concerned with the welfare of those around me. Just as I was placed into someone else's shoes during part of my Masonic rituals, I now find myself seeing the world through the eyes of others. It's been a very enlightening journey so far.
5.Should these things be put into words? Once again, absloutely!! If words can express the effect that these lessons have had on people's lives, then we owe it to the people around us.
|
|
|
|
By James |
I am in the process of becoming a Mason (a much longer process that i had originally thought!) as my grandfather and great grandfather have been before me.
I have always had an intrest in Freemasonry and the books I have read have done nothing but raise my interest in the society. Why should freemasonry be more open? I'm sure that those interested will try to learn more and in doing so may be interested in applying for themselves. Those that simply want to denounce it as a modern day evil will lack any credible evidence and their arguments fall short every time.
I personally believe freemasonry has survived for so long BECAUSE of the secrecy element. While hiding little, the human mind see's the brotherhood as a shadowy faction that little is known about, and as humans we seek to discover what we do not know. In ceremonies (that i do not know any details of) which give teachings differently to standard lectures, and are inclusive of its members, freemasonry seems to give members a view of life that can inspire in so many different ways.
A secret will only remain so for as long as a person wishes it to. |
|
|
|
By EugeneHS |
Me,being a first time reader,i was completely seduced by the idea that,for my first time in my life,i've met a really free thinking and liberal organization.I am 73 yrs old,recently retired,and only now,i did have the time to start to educate my self,in this matteria.I've just completed reading the <the Hiram Key>.I know for suremthat my father was a FREEMASON,in Austria,but unfortunately,for me,He was exterminated in the Holocaust.when i was too young to be initiated.I am jewish,quite old,but still very curious and eager to know more about Francmasonery.
And a remark for the authors:your style is captivating,and easy to follow;i would like to have your input on the f9ollowing:on page No.255(the pocket book edition)you mention <hasidim>in 187 to 152BC;The jewish <HASIDIC>mouvement was founded in Eastern Europe in the 19th century;in page 272 you mention that <Mizpah>is an other spelling of <Mi8shpat>;that is not correct;Mizpah is a <WATCH> TOWER OR JUST A HIGH POINT.
i WILL BE MORE THAN GRATEFULL FOR YOUR INPUT.mANY TAHANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU PUT ON PAPER,YOURS, EUGENEHS |
|
|
|
|
|
