2009 September

DGM's Messages

2009

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RW DGM' s MESSAGE FOR SEPTEMBER 2009

OF BEING USEFUL

When admitted into Freemasonry, we are enjoined by a general recommendation to be useful to mankind amongst other things. I have always thought it necessary to be useful, in every sense of that word, and in every context, not only generally to mankind, but in every particular contact with everyday life.

What does this specifically mean ? It means not shirking any task or duty which needs to be done, regardless of whether there’s someone assigned to that task (a subordinate, colleague or servant) who has for some reason not done his assigned duty. Because of that neglect of duty, does one leave the task undone or attempt it oneself, rather than having it left in limbo. Good deeds are what one leaves behind, not good thoughts.

I have always observed the principle that one must delegate duties for it would be puerile to keep a dog and bark oneself ! However, this does not mean abdicating from the responsibility of having the delegated duty performed – and if that fails – to do it oneself. If the delegated person continues to default he obviously needs to be replaced, but the duty must be done, the desired act performed.

Very often, being useful, can also aid physical fitness. For example, being a country fairly well endowed, relatively speaking, with domestic help, the neglect by a member of that staff of a particular chore, can be usefully done by the Master or Mistress to emphasise the

need for it to be done – and in so doing, the resultant physical exertion can be more useful than just going for a walk, or to the gym. Useful, practical and healthy.

Would I be stretching it too far to claim that lean men and women, by and large, tend to be more energetic and useful than their more portly fellow beings ? We may not admit it but there are certain physical characteristics which lead us sub-consciously to make judgments of efficiency, which may of course in the extreme case, end in that look and motivation of the Roman Cassius !

Being useful to mankind is an indication of the benevolent and co-operative nature of the Mason, through which he hopes to become an ornament to this society as well as to that at large – but it does start with an attitude, and a series of small steps of positive utility and an understanding of the dignity of labour. We stoop to conquer.

Let me close by sending Ramzan, Puja and Onam greetings to our respective Brethren celebrating these festivals, which are occasions for filial and fraternal gatherings of diverse denominations – which is the wonder that is India.