My spiritual journey began in my youth; although raised in the Christian [Baptist] church, I was was never very 'religious,' seeing organized religion as being as much [or more] of man than of God. Rather, I was more mystically and spiritually-inclined. I took training in Transcendental Meditation at age 16, and have practiced it in fits and starts throughout my life (I am now 46). Around that time, I was initiated into the Order of DeMolay and spent some time active in the organization, although it never really 'gelled' with me.
My Masonic journey started in earnest 15 years ago when I was initiated into the Blue Lodge. My decision to become a Mason was preceded by extensive research into the full spectrum of the western Hermetic tradition. Although my grandfathers, father and uncle were Masons, I wanted to better understand the background and foundation of Masonry before committing to becoming a member. The conclusion I reached, and still hold, is that Masonry is firmly established in the Hermetic tradition, Hermeticism itself most likely having been derived from the Eastern mystical traditions.
As stated previously, Masonry provides a framework for approaching God, but does not delineate a method to follow. It could be that a method is implied in the symbols and catechisms of Masonry, although it may be that as Masonry is non-sectarian (you are free to worship your God in your own manner, belief in God being the only prerequisite to becoming a Mason), it may also be [and in some ways must be] method agnostic. Masonry provides the working tools, ritual work, and the symbols that act as experiential guideposts along the journey, but it is up to each of us to determine which way works best for us to use them.
I initially tried the Magickal/Rosicrucian path, but I never really felt comfortable working with those methods. I do not doubt that those methods can bear the proper fruit, I believe that any valid method will work if a person is dedicated to it and actually does the work within that tradition. Ultimately, Magick was not the right 'fit' for me. I decided to take a closer look at the Indian tradition of Yoga, the vehicle/method for achieving union with God that is part of the oldest known religion, Hinduism. The culmination of my research into the yogic tradition was a decision to take formal training in Kundalini Tantra yoga, which began in October of 2010.
Masonic Yogi: Adventures in self-metaprogramming through Masonic and Yogic practices
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Mission Statement
As a Freemason seeking Light, I have decided to take up the practice of Yoga, specifically Kundalini Tantra, as I see it as being consonant with the aims and method of speculative masonry. I am drawn to Kundalini Yoga primarily because it is a systematic, results-based, experiential approach to the purification of the body and mind, and development of cosmic consciousness, which are the means and end of all true religions. Namely union (Yoga) with Deity, the Great Architect of the Universe.
A careful consideration of the Masonic dictate to “circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bounds” will demonstrate the deep correspondence at the very heart of Masonry and Tantra, for this is the essence of the method of each system. There are other aspects of Freemasonry that readily lend themselves to a Tantric interpretation, and may be explored later in this blog series (as much as can be said in an un-tyled forum), but suffice it to say that I see merit in taking up the practice of Kundalini Tantra, within the context of the Masonic Tradition.
One may ask “if Masonry is a complete system, why would one need to look elsewhere to find More Light?” The simple answer is that Masonry may indeed be a complete system, however the difficulty with the Masonic system is the fact that one is provided with the rituals and symbols thereof, but is not provided with a method or indeed the meaning behind any of the symbols, beyond the simple explanations given in the catechisms offered as a part of the Masonic teachings. The power of Masonry is the lack of dogma; each is left to his own interpretation, his own understanding of the meaning of Masonry. As such, many Masons may not see the same correspondence between Masonry and Tantra that I do. To each his own. But, if there is indeed a correspondence, then the study of one may help to illuminate the other.
This series of articles will be my attempt to illuminate Freemasonry by way of Kundalini Tantric practice.
A careful consideration of the Masonic dictate to “circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bounds” will demonstrate the deep correspondence at the very heart of Masonry and Tantra, for this is the essence of the method of each system. There are other aspects of Freemasonry that readily lend themselves to a Tantric interpretation, and may be explored later in this blog series (as much as can be said in an un-tyled forum), but suffice it to say that I see merit in taking up the practice of Kundalini Tantra, within the context of the Masonic Tradition.
One may ask “if Masonry is a complete system, why would one need to look elsewhere to find More Light?” The simple answer is that Masonry may indeed be a complete system, however the difficulty with the Masonic system is the fact that one is provided with the rituals and symbols thereof, but is not provided with a method or indeed the meaning behind any of the symbols, beyond the simple explanations given in the catechisms offered as a part of the Masonic teachings. The power of Masonry is the lack of dogma; each is left to his own interpretation, his own understanding of the meaning of Masonry. As such, many Masons may not see the same correspondence between Masonry and Tantra that I do. To each his own. But, if there is indeed a correspondence, then the study of one may help to illuminate the other.
This series of articles will be my attempt to illuminate Freemasonry by way of Kundalini Tantric practice.
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