Focus on the Value of the Lesson, Not the Source

How can we achieve balance and maintain our equilibrium if we do not continually strive to learn from all sources, not just those that we are partial too?  One of the things that often prevents us from learning some of the most valuable and enlightening lessons is that we are so focused on the source that we miss the lesson.  There are many sources that we can learn moral and spiritual lessons from but we often overlook these because of preconceived beliefs that we have about the source.  In many cases, these preconceived and often ill conceived beliefs have no basis and are, in fact, not our own but the opinions that we have borrowed from others.  It is only when we start to value the lesson and focus less on the source that we can realize the full meaning of life and be truly enlightened.

The Scottish Rite degrees give us a real glimpse of the lessons that we can learn when we open our minds, lower our defenses and have a willingness to consider other sources.  For example, in the 23^rd, 24^th, and 25^th degrees, we are taught that regardless of our personal religious beliefs, there are lessons that we can learn from the sacred text and teachings of the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian faiths.  This equal treatment is a striking lesson that should also apply to other parts of our life.   Applying this to my own life, I am a Christian, and I have some very close friends from both the Jewish and Islamic faiths.  As we have talked and interacted over the years we have discovered that many of the same lessons transcend each of our religions and although the players and story will vary, the fundamental truths are constant. 

The great thing is that anyone can take away learning’s from each of these degrees regardless of their religious background and beliefs.  These teachings are then summarized in the 26^th degree into a common set of truths that every Mason, regardless of religion should be able to believe in and agree on.  Focusing on these common themes and beliefs reinforces the universality of Masonry.   These universal beliefs, a belief in God and the immortality of the soul, are what allow the Israelite, the Christian, and the Mohammedan to live in harmony. 

We should be open minded enough to see that almost any Holy Book(s) can be used to enlighten one’s mind, regardless of their faith when it is made clear up front that the purpose of studying diverse sources is not to endorse or teach a religion but rather to learn the moral and philosophical lessons tends to remove the protective defenses.  At the end of the day it seems much better to synthesize among a group of beliefs which unifies, rather than to focus on the differences which will ultimately divide us. 

There are also many other sources that we should study and give consideration to in our quest to become enlightened.  These include but are not limited to the teachings of Confucius, Zoroaster, Seneca, Plato, Aristotle and other great Philosophers as well as the Poets, Astrologers, and Theologians.  We should not just study others interpretations of their works but should also seek to read and study the original works. 

I want to leave you with one final thought and sincerely hope that you will give it serious consideration.  If we are to believe what we are taught in the First Degree lecture that “Masonry unites men of every country, sect, and opinion and conciliates true friendship among those who otherwise might have remained at a perpetual distance” then we must be willing to consider multiple sources during our Masonic journey.  How can we have an understanding and respect of others if we don’t take the time to consider the sources that have shaped them into the Men and Brothers that we know them to be?