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August 20, 2025 10 mins
From the July/August 2025 edition of The Scottish Rite Journal.  Any accompanying photographs or citations for this article can be found in the corresponding print edition.


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Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to the Scottish Right Journal podcast and audio presentation
of the Scottish Right Journal, brought to you by the
Supreme Council of the Scottish Right Southern Jurisdiction Mother Supreme
Council of the World. This week's article is applying the
teachings of the first degree lecture from Morals and Dogma
to Personal Growth by Brother Robert J. White, third thirty

(00:22):
second Degree and comes from the July August twenty twenty
five issue of the Scottish Right Journal. Freemasonry as a
system of moral philosophy and self improvement, offers a vast
reservoir of wisdom. It provides a structured path for personal
and moral development, challenging its adherents to strive for higher
standards of conduct, knowledge, and service. Among its foundational texts,

(00:47):
Morals and Dogma of the ancient and accepted Scottish write
of Freemasonry by Albert Pike can serve as a profound
guide for personal transformation. This text is not merely a
repository of a s poteric knowledge, but a call to action,
an invitation to align one's life with universal principles of truth,

(01:08):
justice and fraternity. It serves as a compass for navigating
the complexities of modern life while remaining anchored in timeless truths.
Through its teachings, Freemasonry becomes more than a tradition. It
transforms into a way of life that integrates personal betterment
with societal contribution, bridging the gap between individual aspirations and

(01:30):
communal responsibilities. Here I will present how these teachings, specifically
in Pike's first degree lecture Entered Apprentice in Morals and Dogma,
can be applied practically to cultivate self betterment and to
contribute meaningfully to society. The rough and perfect Ashler a
blueprint for self improvement. Freemason reuses the rough and perfect

(01:54):
Ashler's as metaphors for personal transformation. The rough Ashler represents
the raw on refork fine nature of an individual, while
the perfect Ashler symbolizes the ideal state of moral and
intellectual balance. Pike writes, the rough Ashler is the people
as a mass, rude and unorganized. The perfect Ashler is

(02:15):
the state harmonious, symmetrical efficient. This symbolism illustrates the Masonic
commitment to self improvement. The transition from rough to perfect
Ashler requires introspection, effort, and the application of moral tools.
By acknowledging personal flaws and working to refine them, an

(02:36):
individual not only enhances his character, but also contributes to
a more harmonious society. This process underscores the interconnectedness of
individual and communal progress, reminding us that personal growth is
a shared responsibility. For modern Freemasons, this lesson is particularly
relevant in a world rife with distractions. The discipline required

(03:00):
to chisel away imperfections can be challenging yet rewarding. Setting
clear goals, practicing self discipline, and seeking feedback are practical
ways to embody this transformation. Wisdom, strength, and beauty achieving
balance in life. The triad of wisdom, strength, and beauty

(03:20):
is central to Masonic philosophy and personal development. Wisdom, strength,
and beauty are the perfections of everything, and nothing can
endure without them. We read in Morals and Dogma's first
degree lecture. These attributes are symbolized by the three pillars
supporting the lodge, each representing a vital component of a
well rounded life. Wisdom this pillar emphasizes the importance of

(03:45):
thoughtful decision making and foresight. It encourages us to approach
challenges with clarity and purpose, ensuring our actions align with
higher ideals. Strength. Pike associate strength with the resilience needed
to overcome adversity. Strength supports us in staying true to
our principles even in the face of difficulty. Beauty often

(04:09):
misunderstood and confused with mere outer appearance, Beauty in Masonic
teachings refers to harmony and creativity. It reminds us to
seek balance in our endeavors, creating lives that are both
meaningful and esthetically fulfilling. Achieving equilibrium among these three principles
enables individuals to lead lives of intention and impact. By

(04:31):
cultivating intellectual growth, emotional resilience, and creative expression, we honour
the Masonic ideals of harmonious living. The Square encompasses moral
integrity and spiritual aspiration, among the most iconic symbols in freemasonry.
The Square encompasses represent complementary aspects of personal and moral development.

(04:55):
In his first Degree Morals and Dogma lecture, Pike explains
the Square teaches us to regulate our actions and harmonize
our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue. The
compasses guide us to the limits of human endeavor and
the boundaries of moral law. The Square reminds us to
evaluate our actions against ethical standards, ensuring they align with

(05:18):
justice and fairness. Meanwhile, the Compasses inspire us to pursue
higher aspirations, encouraging us to transcend material concerns and focus
on spiritual growth. Together, these symbols embody the duality of
human existence grounded in the material world while striving for
the divine. For Freemasons, applying the lessons of the Square

(05:42):
Encompasses involves integrating ethical behavior into daily life while maintaining
a vision of personal excellence. This balance allows us to
navigate challenges with integrity and grace, inspiring others through our actions. Liberty, equality,
and fraturnity living Masonic values. Pike's reflections on liberty, equality

(06:05):
and fraternity reveal the societal dimensions of Masonic teachings. He
writes of the Enlightenment eraquest for liberty, equality, fraternity, liberty
regulated by law, equality of rights in the eye of
the law, fraternity with its duties and obligations as well
as its benefits. These values form the foundation of a

(06:27):
just and compassionate society, urging Freemasons to take an active
role in promoting equity and solidarity liberty. Pike emphasizes that
true freedom is not an absence of restraint, but a
state governed by laws that protect individual and collective rights. Equality,
treating others with dignity and respect, regardless of their social standing,

(06:50):
reflects the Masonic principle of universal brotherhood. Fraternity more than camaraderie.
Fraternity demands active engagement in the welfare of others, fostering
communities built on mutual support. Incorporating these ideals into daily
life means championing fairness, advocating for the underprivileged, and fostering
connections that bridge societal divides. Acts of charity, mentorship, and

(07:15):
advocacy are tangible ways to live out these salient values.
Prayer and Connection to the Divine. Pike highlights prayer as
a powerful tool for connecting with the divine and aligning
with universal truths. He writes in his first degree lecture
about prayer, it is the aspiration of the soul toward

(07:36):
the absolute and infinite intelligence. In Masonry, prayer is more
than a ritual. It is an act of reflection and
alignment with higher principles. Furthermore, prayer is a form of
inner dialogue and contemplation. This practice enables us to quiet
the distractions of daily life and attune ourselves to the
principles that guide the craft. By fostering a deeper connection

(07:59):
to the day, prayer helps us navigate challenges with patience
and resilience, reminding us that we are part of a
greater universal design. It serves as a source of strength
and humility, empowering us in harmony with our higher purpose.
Applying Masonic teachings in daily life in order to embody

(08:20):
truly the teachings of Morals and Dogma, we must integrate
its principles into our daily routines. And we have seen
through study of some points in Pike's lecture on the
first Degree of the Symbolic Lodge how practical and applicable
to daily lives. These guidelines for life are yet a
guidebook before us, no matter how lofty in terms of

(08:40):
its goals and principles, can never be effectual without an
actual commitment to self improvement, extending to our interactions with
the world around us. Self reflection is not simply a
solitary act. It is the foundation for ethical decisions that
influence family, workplace, and community. Freemasons are called upon to

(09:02):
cultivate habits of introspection and to ask continually how their
actions align with their values and where they can grow.
Community service and continuous learning represent two other vital applications.
Internalizing timeless insights. By internalizing the teachings and timeless insights
of Albert Pike's morals and dogma, has surveyed here in

(09:24):
a review of his Entered Apprentice lecture, Freemasons can undertake
a transformative journey toward becoming better men and citizens. Pike's
vision of a great revolution prepared for by the ages
serves as an enduring call to action, a reminder that
meaningful change begins within ourselves. When thought, action, and love

(09:45):
are united, they create a powerful force capable of reshaping
not only individuals, but entire communities. When Masonry's teachings transcend
mere philosophy, they become a roadmap for a purposeful life
of service and impact. Us to leave a legacy of
enlightenment and goodwill for generations to come. Like and share

(10:06):
this article and don't forget to subscribe to the channel.
If you wish to comment, please leave one and as
a reminder, hit the notification spell any accompanying photographs or
citations for this article can be found in the corresponding
print edition. The Scottish Right Journal is published by the
Supreme Council of the Scottish Right Southern Jurisdiction, Mother Supreme

(10:27):
Council of the World. Mark Dreisenstock, thirty third degree Managing Editor.
I'm your host, Matt Bowers
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