Lodge Burroughs Strange No. 87
Vijayawada, India

Complete twenty-four years back from this date, I was initiated in Freemasonry in the Lodge St. David in the East then under the Scottish constitution and now under the Indian Constitution.

I quite recollect, let me be more precise, 10th July 1948 was the date when I was admitted as a brother in Freemasonry. A man can afford to forget many incidents of life but the date of his initiation remains written in quite legible letters on the canvas of his mind till his last breath. There can be no deviation in my case. Every minute incident in connection therewith I remember even now, so clearly, so vividly as if those occurrences were of yesterday only. 10th July 1948 can never sink into oblivion. So to say, I was re-born on the aforesaid date.

In a pensive mood but not at all burdened with oppressive anxieties I alighted from the taxi in front of the spacious corridor of 19 Park Street, Calcutta. In spite of agitation within myself I managed to maintain a calm composure outwardly. It would be a suppression of truth if I do not say that my mind was obsessed with a big question - Why this secrecy about the ceremonies in Freemasonry. Of course when I went through the several ceremonies of Freemasonry I quite realised that there is sound logic for the secrecy and cogent reason for the same.

Now let me switch back to narrating some of the incidents of the aforesaid 10th July evening. A little before the appointed time for initiation, after crossing the corridor I entered the spacious Hall in the ground floor of the Masonic temple. The big dining tables were well arranged there one after another, all covered with spotless white sheets of cloth and decorated with colourful flowers. Around these were seated the members relaxing with sweet drinks. The very sight, I would say unhesitatingly, was invigorating and inspiring.

The moment I entered the hall I was received by the members present with so much warmth, with so much depth of feeling and in so elegant a manner that I at once felt easy and homely and my pensive mood vanished as if by the touch of magic wand.

Now the fateful hour came. I was led to the upper floor and made ready for the ceremony.

The ceremony over, I along with other brothers came down to the dinner table.

Though I am under oath of secrecy about the details of ceremonies, certainly there can be no bar in expressing my inner reaction after the ceremonies. I would simply describe the reaction in one word "Magnificent".

I realized that the charges and / or addresses that were delivered unto me contained the cream of all religions, essence of all scriptures, condensed sermons of all great men of all ages, intended for the upliftment of mankind, for showing the true path of self-purification and self-immolation.

What can be considered as more impressive sayings of sermons were those which formed the basis of Freemasonry ritual. The Ritual says to your most serious contemplation the Volume of the Sacred Law charging you to consider it as the unerring standard of Truth and Justice and to regulate your actions. Therein, you will be taught the important duties you owe to God, to your neighbour and to yourself."

Ritual does not stop with only preaching sermons for the mundane world. It dives deep into philosophical discourse. It goes on to say "To your mind, thus modelled by virtue and science, Nature however presents one great and useful lesson more. She prepares your by contemplation for the closing hour of existence and when by means of that contemplation she has conducted you through the intricate windings of this mortal life she finally instructs you how to die."

In the silence of midnight I have thought over the sayings of the ritual with deep concentration of mind and I can well assert with all emphasis at my command that Masonic temple does not fall short of any other temple of the world pertaining to any religion.

Now the question is how far we have been able to use this temple for our self purification ?

How far have we been able to translate the preachings in our practical life ? If we have failed to raise ourselves up to the desired standard, it is not Freemasonry which is at fault, but we ourselves are responsible for our failures, incapacitates and inactions.

It should be the constant care of the senior members of a lodge to create such climate for the young members whereby they can appreciate the true spirit of Freemasonry. More stress should be given on the working of the ceremonies in strict compliance with the ritual and less stress on dinners and refreshments.

Now let me conclude by saying that merit and merit alone should be the guiding factor in the matter of conferment of honours and under no circumstances it should be matter of course and never for other considerations.

May the banner of Freemasonry remain aloft able in it glorious position for all time to come.