M.E. Comp. Dr. Balaram Biswakumar, ME The First Grand Principal, ME Comp. Sisir Kr. Ghosh and Ex com. Krishna Kumar Goutam, the visiting ME The Grand Superintendents of Eastern and Northern regions, M.E. Companions, Ex. Companions and my dear companions,
Good morning and welcome to you all to the half yearly meeting of the Regional Grand Chapter of Southern India at Pondicherry. I am sure you all were drenched in the oceanic spray of Fraternity and fellowship during the last evening. We have been blessed by the Heavens through the showers of rains last evening.
The Regional Grand Chapter is doing well with its 48 chapters in the region, contributing by way of exaltations, charitable activities and service to the community. The standards of ritual working, by and large is very high. About one third of the Chapters have given their names to participate in the ritual working competition this year. I wish even the other chapters also come forward to participate in the competitions. As I was mentioning yesterday, the pleasure and satisfaction you derive from participation is far greater than receiving an award.
While there are lots of books and written information available; unfortunately, a clear, concise, step-by-step Masonic education is nearly impossible to find. The foundation of Masonic ritual is built on masonic symbols and its holy Book references.
Therefore, it is impossible to fully understand Masonic ritual without understanding its underlying foundation...that of the ancient meanings within our rituals and the rich history of these Masonic symbols, which we have inherited.
Lodge education valiantly attempts to impart pieces of Masonic knowledge; however the only true path to Masonic education is when you begin to link and understand the meaning of the words in the ritual to their biblical meaning coupled with the Freemasonry’s symbols which underlie it.
Memorizing the words is not enough. True light is achieved through study and understanding of that which you seek.
Only then can you "feel" the holy power of our Creator's sacred writings, within Freemasonry's tenets, because this is where the heart meets the soul.
Ritual, alone will not fulfill your quest. Years of perfect lodge attendance cannot create true "light".
Without a true understanding of the ancient tenets, Freemason symbols, Masonic history and why we perambulate in our ancestor's footsteps around an altar glorified to our Creator;...the titles which we have been bestowed may possibly be only words which attach a scholarly credibility which we may not, in fact, yet possess.
"As Hiram prayed daily for guidance from his God before drawing the designs that would set the craftsmen to work, so must we."
A Masonic scholar is simply one who reads for greater understanding in his "quest for more light".
He learns the meanings of each cryptogram (a figure or representation having a secret or mysterious significance),so that he may build on it to understand the whole.
Think back for a moment when you were young and before you could read. When You were going along the road and saw a big red, octagonal sign with black letters on it which was stuck in the ground by the side of the road. Until you were taught that a stop sign meant that you must stop, it is simply an imposing big red sign by the side of the road...and thus a mystery to you as to its meaning. Later, after you learned to read, you learned the meaning of all the signs. Similarly, all the Masonic symbols would continue to be a mystery unless attempt to read them in the proper perspective and understand.
Therefore, if you can read and apply yourself, you too, can become a Masonic scholar...but more important than becoming a scholar, is feeling the purity of Freemasonry's goals for each of us.
The real goal of understanding the Masonic "light" which each of us seeks, is not how many books you've read, but how much of their message got into your heart.
Companions, I thank you very much for your dedication for the Holy Royal arch masonry and for the enthusiasm you have evinced in being present at the half yearly meeting of the Regional Grand chapter this morning. I am sure you are all enriched with the exuberance of the fraternal light and hope that you will continue your quest for more knowledge. My particular thanks are due to the visiting companions from the sister regions.
I express my sincere thanks to ME the First Grand Principal for giving us the honour of his gracious presence. I also extend my thanks to the visiting Grand Superintendents.
My companions, during the last year, the regional grand chapter had a total number of exaltations of 55 and 11 joinings. The total strength of the reginal grand chapter of southern India stands at 2183 as of 30th June,2010. It is my pleasure to recognize the efforts of Chapter Hyderabad no. 58 for having exalted the maximum number during the year with a number of 13. I would like the zerubbabel of the chapter to come on to the dais. May I request ME The First Grand Principal to present the award.
Thank you my companions.
Thank you my companions
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