Rites, secret handshakes, and other gestures, are integral to, but not the total picture of what Freemasons do, and how they live. The conduct of proceedings in every Lodge is recorded, and open to anyone with genuine interest in the implications of being a Freemason.
Freemasons are global citizens, to be found in far corners of the globe, and encompassing every major field of human endeavor. Freemasons have thrived for centuries, overcoming sweeping changes in public mores, and all forms of governance. Though faith is never any barrier for anyone to become a Freemason, the cardinal values of the movement have the durability and universal relevance to match the largest and oldest structures of spiritual organization.
The convention of self-promotion is an unfortunate consequence of mass media technology and of global industrial culture as well. Celebrities, politicians, and business leaders vie for public attention through exaggerated and persistent claims about their intentions and social contributions. This runs counter to the very foundations of any Lodge, because Freemasons are only concerned with what they must do, and never seek publicity for their cause.
Every effort to find out how Freemasons function can be worthwhile, even if a Lodge refuses formal and full admittance. This is because the ways in which Freemasons organize their lives can help laity live in better and more fulfilling manner. Here is a list of 3 things of universal relevance, about which anyone can esquire from a Lodge:
1. How can the principles and values of Freemasons apply to everyday living?
2. What are the benefits of negating the ego, and focusing instead on the values of one’s actions?
3. How can we become better humans?
Freemasons experience wonderful surges of enthusiasm and self-confidence as a result of their structured organizations. Their debates and chosen directions are complex, because of which Lodges use rites and symbols as means of easy remembrance. Such practices are not different from salutes by people in uniform, gestures of benevolence by Gurus, and ethnic forms of everyday greeting used by groups of minorities. Signs are valid means of communication, and impart great meaning of every form of social grouping. The rationale of using symbols resides in understanding and reinforcement, rather than in any desire to exclude. Freemasons are always eager to help all seekers, without any ulterior or selfish motives.
Why not visit a Lodge nearest where you live, and discover a whole new meaning to your life and purpose?