"The importance of Masonic Education…"
We hear this phrase often and at least entertain the idea in our Lodges. But, do we truly understand why it’s important? Do we understand what we mean when we talk of improving ourselves in Masonry? By Masonic Education, do we mean the study of the history and origins of our Fraternity? Or, do we mean learning the explanations of the ritual and the moral principle each symbol is meant to stand for? Certainly, Masonic Education may encompass these; but I believe "true" Masonic Education is something more. Indeed, many of us feel this way about Masonry in general; we feel that there is something more to Masonry than fascinating history or the use of symbols to reinforce basic morals we were each taught in childhood. Many of us understand that the Temple referred to in our allegory, and the Lodge over which we each hope to preside as Master, are place markers for our selves, our inner spirituality, our very souls. In turn, many have come to realize that there are deeper meanings to the symbols and ritual of our Craft than the obvious; and that Freemasonry has more to do with the constant examination and improvement of inner self than the mere communication and indoctrination of moral precepts. If one has also come to believe that these propositions are true, then I think the meaning of Masonic Education and its importance become clearer to him.
I suggest that experiencing each of the three degrees and learning the explanation of each symbol is just as much the beginning of a Speculative Mason’s journey through our Craft as is the process of being introduced to operative working tools and explained their operative functions (e.g., this tool is for measuring, this for cutting like so, this for chiseling) is the beginning of an Operative Mason’s journey through his Craft.
Consider the movable jewels of the Rough and Perfect Ashlars. We know from the Monitor that the concepts they are meant to convey are (1) our rude and imperfect state by nature and (2) the state of perfection at which we each hope to arrive, respectively. That couldn’t be all there is to them, could it? Why were these place markers used to convey these concepts and how might that apply to our efforts of self-improvement? Some of our brother scholars have suggested that perhaps the reason why these symbols are used for these concepts is to make us realize that just as the perfect cube is within the rough stone so too the state of perfection at which we each hope to arrive, the better man that we each hope to be, the potential to emulate the goodness of the Divine, is already within us; we need only to break off the rough and superfluous parts of stone to find it inside of us. If one reflects upon this insight, one may find that the symbols can be applied even more meaningfully to one’s self-improvement by serving to ground his faith in his own ability to change himself, and in turn, encouraging him to persevere as he struggles to become a better man.
Now, if one felt Masonic Education only encompassed history or the learning of explanations the type of which we can easily find in the Monitor, then this insight our brother scholars found and sought to provide us, this deeper meaning, the something more of these Masonic symbols, would be lost to him. This search for the subtle, personal insights contained in the Craft’s symbols and ritual -- whether made on one’s own or with the help of others -- and the reflection upon and application of those insights to our selves, in my view, constitute true, meaningful Masonic Education. Viewed in this light, Masonic Education is important because it is the bulk of our actual work in Speculative Masonry. For without personal insight, we cannot begin to improve our selves. One must come before the other; just as learning how to use an operative tool generally must come before one learns how to use an operative tool skillfully, artfully, as a true Master Craftsman.
My brothers, I may have obtained the degree of Master Mason in our Fraternity; but I know I am truly an Entered Apprentice (or at best, a Fellowcraft) in life; and accordingly, I must be prepared and happy to engage in work; for only through hard work in my Craft can I ever hope to become a Master. And, as with many other things in life, the first part of that work is education.
Thanking you for your consideration, I remain your faithful brother,
David Ferreria
Senior Warden,
Santa Monica-Palisades Lodge, No. 307