AN UNDERSTANDING-PRESSING FORWARD

Becoming a mason is if nothing else, a deeply personal experience. To examine ones values, to act with self awareness are not trivial pursuits.  What separates the Order from social groups is the unabashed influence of spirituality. Without Iman, Rabbi, Priest or Minister to guide, each capable man steps forward. How to understand the presence of the GAOTU has its beginnings in acknowledgements. Truths/opinions if you like are formed, about the kind of man we are at the beginning. To suggest an individual can possibly know thyself is reasonable if we also address the depth of experience sought after.  Superficial gets superficial. Men of conscience are generally more attentive than that.  Perhaps the happiness of the Dahli Lama is a respectible model.  Whether the entire lodge is prepared to ask, every man is capable. Fair enough he would benefit from dialogue with someone more knowledgable that can communicate with him and one he trusts.  Assertings ones 'profane' identity is typical, the stuff of a rough ashlar.  It would be reasonable to think that a man who regularly visits rooms draped in symbols would eventually learn their meaning.  Perhaps, if he is fortunate he will have deeper, thoughtful understanding.  Perhaps he will float along the surface content in his ignorance of the challenges beneath and above.  So then I ask you, which man is experiencing true masonry?  Does true masonry even belong in the conversation?