Brother seeker of enlightenment,

Our next session will be on Wednesday, June 20th, again with a light dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by a discussion of the 8th degree, “Intendant of the Building.” Please note that there will be no session in July as we take our summer vacation, but we will resume in August with the 9th degree. As before the resource material for this and all subsequent degrees is as listed below. It is suggested you bring your copy of “A Bridge to Light” to class and study the 8th degree beforehand at home.

Important Symbols:

  • Triple Triangle
  • Nine Pointed Star
  • Colors crimson, green and white
  • The Building of the Temple
  • Hiram
  • The Balance

Lessons:

  • Benevolence and Charity demand we correct our own faults and those of others
  • That which a man knows dies with him; therefore, transmit your knowledge
  • Labor is honorable if done with sobriety, temperance, punctuality, and industry
  • This life is a gift from God, use it wisely

Topics for Discussion:

  • A nine-pointed star is an important symbol of this degree. What are some of the symbolic meanings and significance of the number nine?
  • What is the relation between knowledge and wisdom? How do we gain each?
  • Is all knowledge good, or is there some knowledge we should not seek? Is knowledge inherently dangerous as to require guardianship? How do these relate to the two options of the 8th degree; either restricting only to an initiated group or making it universal?
  • What is the role of a teacher; a guide, a giver of information, one who tells or one who lets the student explore? Does he stop the student going down an unproductive path? What is our duty as Scottish Rite students to instruct those around us and how much knowledge should we have before we are ready to share?
  • Why the symbolism of shifting from the one (Master Hiram) to the five intendants? Relate this to other significant fives, i.e. the five points of fellowship.
  • How does Solomon’s statement “action is better than inaction” apply when dealing with the death of those around us?
  • Explain the notion: the work itself is of equal importance with the status of the workers.
  • What is the concept of “Masonic Jurisprudence”? To what areas of life does it apply?
  • Pike compares a lodge to a beehive where all the members work together for the common good. Explain this symbolism of the beehive.
  • How do we balance religious belief with the task of living this life in the world?
  • Why does the 8th degree summarize the teachings of the 1st through the 7th degrees when the Lodge is not completed until the 14th degree? Does the progression of the degrees seem to follow that of the various parts of the First Amendment?

Looking forward to an interesting and rewarding session,

Ill:. Harry Eisenberg, 33°