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October Message

(On the occasion of Elders Day)

SYMBOLISM AND SUBSTANCE

Masonry as we have all been instructed is a system of Morality illustrated by Symbols. We are surrounded by them, and indeed in our Native Land, our Culture and Religions abound in their manifestation.

However, it’s often seen that the Medium takes over from the Message and the Symbolisms and Rituals of lip-service rule our lives. We disdain to progress from symbols to substance, and in the process lose a great opportunity for self-development and attaining awareness. The soul needs to be nurtured by observance of the innate goodness and virtues that our masonic symbols represent. Of them, the square symbolizes boundaries of conduct and control, the level the even ground on which we were delivered upon this earth, which also symbolizes the equality of all mankind, and the compasses the reach of our potential talents and accomplishments, which we are encouraged by our rituals to develop to their fullest splendour.

On the 1^st of this month, we celebrate Elders’ Day – and while that is a symbolic occasion, what should be the substance of our care and attention to the Elders of our society. The Cornwallis Home for Senior Citizens now hurtling into its last lap – the Home stretch, appropriately, is one living symbol of our commitment as Freemasons to their cause and comfort, which will be commissioned by our Past Pro Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Lord Cornwallis barely eight weeks from now – on the 6^th of December.

The Home also represents the symbolic and substantial link with the past administration of this District under my predecessor, R.W. Bro. Arumana Parameswaran Tampi, O.S.M., his Deputy, Wor. Bro. M.S. Chintamani, and Wor. Bro. Theo Devagnanam (Sr.) who as Assistant District Master first called up this vision, and actively pursued the idea by becoming the first Donor-Patron of the Home, if memory serves me well.

We are privileged to assist in bringing this matter to due form, and hope that the Home, when fully operational, will be a symbol of our substantial commitment to our Elders and to Charity which has no ownership and remains the united effort of our entire fraternity. May the GAOTU aid our united endeavours and help us in moving from mere symbols to substantive spiritual progress.