Memento Mori: Masonry & Ego Death
Among those of us who might be called contemplatives, esotericists, or philosophers in Masonry, there is often talk of the ego. Defining the ego can itself be messy business.
Reflecting on the 30th Anniversary of my Masonic Initiation
The 30th anniversary of my initiation into Masonry occurred several days ago. So over the past few months I’ve been reflecting on our most fundamental experiences of the Craft, and reconsidering some of the foundation stones of our Masonic labors.
The Radicalism of Contemplative Practice
Lots of people, regardless of where they stand politically, are feeling tested by the social climate of their nation and world. When I dialogue with people about such matters, one of the things I hope for is that we more clearly see the complexity of whatever issue is at hand.
You Will Know When You Know
Today I want to share with you a reflection on a meditation I did nearly a year ago. It was an imagined visit with a character who represents great wisdom to me.
Contemplative Experiments in Masonry
It is often emphasized that the greatest benefits of contemplative practice come with sustained routine work. While I agree with that observation, I have also personally experienced and witnessed the value of conducting brief experiments with practices that aren’t part of one’s usual routine. This article offers guidelines for such experiments relevant to our lives as Masons, which can also be easily adapted by non-Masons.
Truth, Relief, and Brotherly Love in the Mirror of Self-Reflection
The image of a mirror can be very helpful in understanding contemplative experience, because it is the nature of our consciousness, of our minds, to reflect.
A Suggestion about Interpretations of Masonic Symbols
Friends and brothers, here are some thoughts I’d like to share about interpreting/speculating about Masonic symbolism, especially as it relates to other initiatic traditions or esoteric systems.
Wielding the Contemplative Gavel
We talk a lot about virtues in Masonry, and for good reason. As the school of positive psychology persuasively argues, human beings fulfill more of their potentials and dreams by focusing more of their attention and energy on their strengths and the good that they desire to do.
A Straightforward approach to Masonic Esotericism
Before we can speak meaningfully of Masonic esotericism, we must first establish a meaning for the word “esoteric.” In some Masonic jurisdictions
An Allegory for the Esoterically Inclined Mason
Let’s use our imaginations a little, and hopefully to worthy ends. First, let’s envision two Masons, Brother Bookman and Brother Wright