Brother seeker of enlightenment,

We had a nice session this month discussing the 9th degree. We had an excellent turnout and there was lively discussion with those present. Won’t you be one of them next month? Our next session will be Wednesday, September 19th with a light dinner at 6:30 PM followed by a discussion of the 10th degree, “Elu of the Fifteen.” 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 10th degree beforehand at home.

Important Symbols:

  • The cave with a pale light and fountain
  • The stranger Pharos
  • Jubelo and Jubela
  • The Master Hiram as Human Freedom

Lessons:

  • Ambition creates tyranny and despotism
  • Fanaticism creates intolerance and persecution
  • As a Mason we are obligated to fight against Tyranny and Intolerance

Topics for Discussion:

  • We should be tolerant even of intolerance, but are there limits? Should we treat intolerance and fanaticism with forgiveness and forget, or punish but without emotion or anger, or something else?
  • Discuss Pike’s statement, “No man is responsible for the rightness of his faith, but only for the uprightness of it.
  • The three ruffians represent Ignorance, Tyranny and Fanaticism which we must contend against. What are the nature of these evils and the relationship between them? Is fanaticism ever good? How is it distinguished from zeal?
  • How can we contribute to the development of learning and not just be critical of ignorance? What is the lodge’s role in this process?
  • All three assassins are captured in the countryside surrounded by rock; the first in a cave and the others in a quarry. What is the significance of this symbolism?
  • Discuss the three attacks upon Hiram. Do they relate to the three burials his body undergoes?
  • The tenth degree has the same objectives as the ninth degree with the addition of the causes of toleration, anti-fanaticism, and education against ignorance. Compare Pike’s notion of toleration with that of Voltaire,” I disagree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.”
  • What do we learn of justice from the deliberations of Ahishar? Why the use How does this expand on the teachings of previous degrees? Aside from the concept of a jury trial, are there any other implications to the idea that no man should sit in judgment of another alone?
  • Why the use of “triple-five” in this degree?

Looking forward to an interesting and rewarding session,

Ill:. Harry Eisenberg, 33°