From the East

While trying to decide upon what to base my last message from the East, I happened upon, The Ten Books of Architecture, by Vitruvius (Marcus Vitruvius Pollio born c. 80-70B.C. Died after 15B.C.). The book was translated by Morris Hickey Morgan, PH.D., L.L.D., late professor of Classical Philology at Harvard University. On page 103, #3 particularly caught my attention, and I take the time to share the exact words with you, my Brethren:

"Similarly, in the members of a temple there ought to be the greatest harmony in the symmetrical relations of the different parts to the general magnitude of the whole. Then again, in the human body the central point is naturally the navel. For if a man be placed flat on his back, with his hands and feet extended, and a pair of compasses centered at his navel, the fingers and the toes of his two hands and feet will touch the circumference of the circle described therefrom. And just as a human body yields a circular outline, so too a square figure may be found from it. For if we measure the distance from the soles of the feet to the top of the head, and then apply that measure to the outstretched arms, the breadth will be found to be the same as the height, as in the case of a plain surface which are perfectly square."

Leonardo da Vinci drew an illustration of Vitruvius Man demonstrating the human body inscribed within the circle and the square. With but the slightest leap of the imagination, the symbols of Freemasonry become immediately apparent. If we but trace the angles of the arms in their upright positions within the square, we find the Master's Apron. Should we place a compass at the top of the head and extend it toward the angles of the feet, then lowering the angle formed by the arms to a much lower position, we have the square and compass. The only thing missing is the letter "G" which when applied the puzzle completes it, and the answer is immediately apparent. The symbolism is unmistakable.

One of my Gurus in the Siddha Yoga lineage once commented that, "God dwells within you...as you." As upright men and Masons we have the obligation to make our bodies and our minds a fitting temple for the Spirit. There is a Buddhist tenet that states the Temple should be swept clean every day. This would imply that "the temple not built with the hands" must be free of all impurity, and we must constantly attend to it through our words and actions to make it a fitting home. We have been given the tools, and the instructions for using them. Only through our strict diligence can we continue on our journey toward further Light. And so in closing I ask...

HOW'S YOUR TEMPLE COMING?

May you and those you love be blessed as much as you are able to receive it.

Cordially and fraternally,
W.'.M.'.Jonathan Patrick

From the Secretary:

Thanks to my brothers for reelecting me as Secretary of the Lodge for another year. I will continue to execute my responsibilities to the best of my abilities. Have a great summer, and stay safe. And remember ...

Thirteenth Annual Family Picnic

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Kolping-on-Hudson Montrose, New York
Saturday, August 8, 2009
11 AM - 6 PM, RAIN OR SHINE

INDOOR & OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
FOR GROWNUPS & KIDS

GAMES, HORSESHOES, & PRIZES FOR ALL
BAR-B-QUE COOKING AND REFRESHMENTS
SWIMMING IN LARGE POOL

ALL MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE WELCOMED
REMEMBER-BRING A FRIEND
COST PER FAMILY $40.00

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

For further information or questions, please contact:
Picnic Chairman: Bro. Steven Lovasz @718-380-3036

Picnic Committee: Bros. Frank Melita; Steve Siegel; Carl Lentoni; Mike O'Shaughnessy; Robert Callahan; Matt Donovan, Paul Castellaneta; Jerome Hogan; W.'.Mike Estrada; W.'.Artie Kessler; and W.'.M.'.Jonathan Patrick

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

June 1, Monday - Idaho Night, James W. Husted-Fiat Lux Lodge

June 4, Thursday - Whats New at HST & New Master's First Night (Last meeting before summer months)

June 26-28, Friday-Sunday - St. John's Weekend, Utica, NY

August 8, Saturday - Annual Picnic, Kolping-on-Hudson

September 17, Thursday - Tentative First Meeting of Lodge, after summer months.