I'm fond of a quote from the opening scene of Raiders of the lost Ark. Dr. Jones: "Archaeology is the search for fact... not truth. If it's truth you're looking for, Dr. Tyree's philosophy class is right down the hall."
The following is from a Trestle Board I wrote when I was VM. It speaks more to Light and Darkness than truth, although truth is compared to light. We know that each brother seeks their own light, their own truth, to their meaning of Freemasonry. I’m still seeking my “truth and light”. I apologize if this is a bit off topic.
Brethren, let me preface this Trestle Board by saying, I am in no way trying to make light about the topics that of darkness and light. I know the four short paragraphs I have written can in no way be compared to the volumes that have been written about these topics but it was still something that has been on my heart and I felt a great need to write about them.
In the first three degrees of Masonry, we first desire to be brought to light, then we desire more light and finally we desire further light. What is this light that we all have obligated ourselves to search for? Where should we look? The bible has many references to light. Usually, these verses are talking about God, holiness, truth or faith. Light, in the bible, is usually presented as a positive symbol. Are we to seek out positive influences and endeavor to emulate them? Is truth a light we should always search out? Is further light achieved through greater awareness in ourselves, in our surroundings, in others? Is it found in the writings of Freemasons that came before us? Can we find the light and truth that is all around us before we truly discover the light and truth within us?
Darkness, on the other hand, evokes what might be looked at as “anti-god”, but we’re taught that God rules over the darkness because he created it (Isa 45:7) and darkness is a place where God hides (Ps 18:11). Darkness has also been used to describe the wicked, judgment and death. So is darkness a place to be feared, or, is it someplace where there is less light. In Masonry, one of the very first lessons we’re taught is the sun rules the day/light and the moon governs the night/darkness. Is darkness a place where “good men” should, from time to time, travel in order to be a light to another brother or a stranger? How do “good men” become lost in places of darkness, not able to find their way back to the light, and ultimately succumbing to it?
These are some thoughts I have been struggling with for the long past few weeks, after I was told, early on a Saturday morning that my friend and colleague had fallen to the grip of a darkness none of us even realized he was travelling through. He had not felt well for quite some time and I know he was very concerned over the amount of weight he had lost but my friend always had a smile and something positive to say. I have wondered several times if I missed something, or my greater fear, that I was looking but not seeing or listening and not hearing. Should I have been asking the harder questions? I’ll never know.
Brothers, this brings me to our fraternity. We have all promised at the altar to befriend and relieve every Brother who shall be in need our assistance. This friendship and relief extends even further, for every human being has a claim to our kind offices. Is it our responsibility to seek out our lost brother and help guide him back in a most friendly manner? Are we Brothers beyond lodge, beyond the breakfasts, beyond the parades? Do we know our brothers beyond our fraternal handshakes and greeting? I encourage all of us to develop deeper, more meaningful relationships, not only within our gentle craft but also with our families and the different spheres of influence we travel in. Finally, be courageous, don’t be too proud to ask for assistance. As Masons, we should always be light and truth while continually seeking them.
I think it is somewhat misleading to assume that Truth and "all that is Good" are synonymous. Reality tells us that things that are not good are also a part of Truth. Understanding what is not good is just as important as understanding what is good. We make decisions every day based on our understanding of both what is good and what is not good.
The consequences of error is a good teacher of what not to do.
There is a distinct difference between TRUTH and FACT. Truth is based on perception. Facts are immutable. I saw an illustration which depicted a barrel-shaped object, illuminated in two directions. One shadow (illuminated from the end) showed a circle, while the other (illuminated from the side) showed a rectangle. The two shadows were "truth," and the FACT was the barrel.
Masonic "Truth," as we know it, is the shadow of our teachings and our understanding of those teachings. How we apply these teachings affects our interaction with those around us. In the Closing Charge, we hear the definition of Masonry and what we should aspire to be--diligent, prudent, temperate, and discreet.
These are great aspirations and inspirations! Simple to hear, difficult to achieve.
Truth as I have come to know it is indeed separate from fact. My Truth is different from your Truth. Truth you see, I believe, is based in perception.
My Truth is what I am here in this existence, in this incarnation to recognize, come to terms with and conquer or master if you will. The search for Truth is the awakening or recognition that I have been conditioned and endoctrinated with "beliefs" and "knowledge" that may not be in line or congruent with MY ACTUAL TRUTH.
The search for Light comes at an awakening to this Truth when one starts to see that their true ideals and purpose may differ from those standards set by mentors, family or society. The realization that there is a deeper meaning to occupying this spinning rock rolling through the vast expanse than being on top or satisfying instinctual tendencies.
When a man looks into the mirror and truly sees himself as he is, rough and uncut and starts to recognize what is undone and what has been done in error and actively starts the alchemic process of change he is travelling and in search of light to complete his work or his Masters piece of the transformation of himself, which is the temple.
This is Truth in my mind. We each have to find own Truth in our own way in our own time and to be aware that each of us is doing the same. If we do not we're destinted to repeat it until we overcome it in this life or the next.
I'd like to thank everyone who has commented on this thread so far. I really enjoyed reading your perspectives and wisdom.
I think that it is certainly correct that Truth is something unique and individual to each of us. For me, I think that hints of it perhaps come to me when I'm all alone in the darkness of night, or maybe strangely, on long drives alone, rather hypnotized by the miles passing by.
Sometimes a book will truly speak to me. Not the traditional books that most likely think about when considering such things, but less well known works touching upon matters of the spirit.
Frankly, it makes me wonder, if I had to choose a VSL, what would it be. If I were to be completely honest with myself, I don't think it would be one of the traditional options. Or perhaps it would be an addition to the traditional option. It, and another one, perhaps two.
I definitely agree that facts and truth are quite different things. Legends can be pregnant with truth, yet not based upon any historical fact.
I'm fond of a quote from the opening scene of Raiders of the lost Ark. Dr. Jones: "Archaeology is the search for fact... not truth. If it's truth you're looking for, Dr. Tyree's philosophy class is right down the hall."
The following is from a Trestle Board I wrote when I was VM. It speaks more to Light and Darkness than truth, although truth is compared to light. We know that each brother seeks their own light, their own truth, to their meaning of Freemasonry. I’m still seeking my “truth and light”. I apologize if this is a bit off topic.
Brethren, let me preface this Trestle Board by saying, I am in no way trying to make light about the topics that of darkness and light. I know the four short paragraphs I have written can in no way be compared to the volumes that have been written about these topics but it was still something that has been on my heart and I felt a great need to write about them.
In the first three degrees of Masonry, we first desire to be brought to light, then we desire more light and finally we desire further light. What is this light that we all have obligated ourselves to search for? Where should we look? The bible has many references to light. Usually, these verses are talking about God, holiness, truth or faith. Light, in the bible, is usually presented as a positive symbol. Are we to seek out positive influences and endeavor to emulate them? Is truth a light we should always search out? Is further light achieved through greater awareness in ourselves, in our surroundings, in others? Is it found in the writings of Freemasons that came before us? Can we find the light and truth that is all around us before we truly discover the light and truth within us?
Darkness, on the other hand, evokes what might be looked at as “anti-god”, but we’re taught that God rules over the darkness because he created it (Isa 45:7) and darkness is a place where God hides (Ps 18:11). Darkness has also been used to describe the wicked, judgment and death. So is darkness a place to be feared, or, is it someplace where there is less light. In Masonry, one of the very first lessons we’re taught is the sun rules the day/light and the moon governs the night/darkness. Is darkness a place where “good men” should, from time to time, travel in order to be a light to another brother or a stranger? How do “good men” become lost in places of darkness, not able to find their way back to the light, and ultimately succumbing to it?
These are some thoughts I have been struggling with for the long past few weeks, after I was told, early on a Saturday morning that my friend and colleague had fallen to the grip of a darkness none of us even realized he was travelling through. He had not felt well for quite some time and I know he was very concerned over the amount of weight he had lost but my friend always had a smile and something positive to say. I have wondered several times if I missed something, or my greater fear, that I was looking but not seeing or listening and not hearing. Should I have been asking the harder questions? I’ll never know.
Brothers, this brings me to our fraternity. We have all promised at the altar to befriend and relieve every Brother who shall be in need our assistance. This friendship and relief extends even further, for every human being has a claim to our kind offices. Is it our responsibility to seek out our lost brother and help guide him back in a most friendly manner? Are we Brothers beyond lodge, beyond the breakfasts, beyond the parades? Do we know our brothers beyond our fraternal handshakes and greeting? I encourage all of us to develop deeper, more meaningful relationships, not only within our gentle craft but also with our families and the different spheres of influence we travel in. Finally, be courageous, don’t be too proud to ask for assistance. As Masons, we should always be light and truth while continually seeking them.
I think it is somewhat misleading to assume that Truth and "all that is Good" are synonymous. Reality tells us that things that are not good are also a part of Truth. Understanding what is not good is just as important as understanding what is good. We make decisions every day based on our understanding of both what is good and what is not good.
The consequences of error is a good teacher of what not to do.
There is a distinct difference between TRUTH and FACT. Truth is based on perception. Facts are immutable. I saw an illustration which depicted a barrel-shaped object, illuminated in two directions. One shadow (illuminated from the end) showed a circle, while the other (illuminated from the side) showed a rectangle. The two shadows were "truth," and the FACT was the barrel.
Masonic "Truth," as we know it, is the shadow of our teachings and our understanding of those teachings. How we apply these teachings affects our interaction with those around us. In the Closing Charge, we hear the definition of Masonry and what we should aspire to be--diligent, prudent, temperate, and discreet.
These are great aspirations and inspirations! Simple to hear, difficult to achieve.
Truth as I have come to know it is indeed separate from fact. My Truth is different from your Truth. Truth you see, I believe, is based in perception.
My Truth is what I am here in this existence, in this incarnation to recognize, come to terms with and conquer or master if you will. The search for Truth is the awakening or recognition that I have been conditioned and endoctrinated with "beliefs" and "knowledge" that may not be in line or congruent with MY ACTUAL TRUTH.
The search for Light comes at an awakening to this Truth when one starts to see that their true ideals and purpose may differ from those standards set by mentors, family or society. The realization that there is a deeper meaning to occupying this spinning rock rolling through the vast expanse than being on top or satisfying instinctual tendencies.
When a man looks into the mirror and truly sees himself as he is, rough and uncut and starts to recognize what is undone and what has been done in error and actively starts the alchemic process of change he is travelling and in search of light to complete his work or his Masters piece of the transformation of himself, which is the temple.
This is Truth in my mind. We each have to find own Truth in our own way in our own time and to be aware that each of us is doing the same. If we do not we're destinted to repeat it until we overcome it in this life or the next.
I'd like to thank everyone who has commented on this thread so far. I really enjoyed reading your perspectives and wisdom.
I think that it is certainly correct that Truth is something unique and individual to each of us. For me, I think that hints of it perhaps come to me when I'm all alone in the darkness of night, or maybe strangely, on long drives alone, rather hypnotized by the miles passing by.
Sometimes a book will truly speak to me. Not the traditional books that most likely think about when considering such things, but less well known works touching upon matters of the spirit.
Frankly, it makes me wonder, if I had to choose a VSL, what would it be. If I were to be completely honest with myself, I don't think it would be one of the traditional options. Or perhaps it would be an addition to the traditional option. It, and another one, perhaps two.
I definitely agree that facts and truth are quite different things. Legends can be pregnant with truth, yet not based upon any historical fact.