To Learn to Subdue my Passions, and Improve Myself in Masonry

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'To Learn to Subdue my Passions, and Improve myself in Masonry

 “To learn to subdue my passions and improve myself in Masonry” is a profound and meaningful answer to a vital question in the Entered Apprentice Degree. This response is a guiding principle that challenges Masons to reflect, grow, and master their passions, both positive and negative passions. Tonight, let us explore this concept more deeply to uncover its relevance and the transformative lessons it holds and hopefully develop a deeper meaning for it.

In conversations with Master Masons over the years, I’ve discovered that interpretations of this principle vary widely. One Mason saw it as nothing more than part of the degree script. Another understood the importance of controlling passions but was unsure about the pathway to improvement. A third believed that passions should be embraced wholeheartedly in all aspects of life. These diverse perspectives reveal the complexity of the principle and invite us to delve deeper.

First, “to learn to subdue”.  The word subdue, as defined by the Oxford dictionary means to “overcome, quieten or bring under control”.  Subdue comes from the late 14^th century French word subduen, meaning to conquer or to take authority over something.

Passion, as defined by the Oxford dictionary, is “a strong and barely controllable emotion”. Passions, fundamentally, are intense emotions or desires that can deeply influence our actions, thoughts and lives. While many believe that every passion carries a dual nature, containing both good and evil sides, the truth is more nuanced depending on how the passion is guided and its impact on the individual.

Balancing your passions with other aspects of your life is key to ensuring they remain a source of joy and fulfillment rather than becoming enslaving or destructive forces.

So, on the one hand, being passionate about your job or a hobby means that you engage wholeheartedly and with genuine enthusiasm, putting your whole heart and soul into your endeavors. This approach has numerous benefits, such as increased motivation, increased creativity and a much greater sense of fulfillment.

However, the other side of passion can lead to overworking or burnout, affecting your mental and physical health. You can find yourself struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance and neglecting your relationships at home.  It can make your moods erratic and prone to outbursts.

The dual nature of passion means that a positive passion for one person can become a negative passion for another such as technology, anger, gaming, gambling or alcohol to name a few.

Let’s start by examining anger.  Anger has been part of our human experience since the dawn of time.  Anger can have a positive impact; it can act as a powerful motivator to initiate positive changes when expressed in a healthy and constructive way. But the negative side of anger may lead to unchecked emotions that cloud judgement and may lead to impulsive or irrational behavior.

In today’s digital age, social media has become a breeding ground for unchecked anger. These on-line platforms allow individuals to express their outrage anonymously and without the filter of engaging face to face with someone.

Some anger fueled behaviors can spread false information, it can be cyberbullying, trolling or cancel culture. These behaviors can have a significant emotional and psychological impact on people, both the recipients and the perpetrators.

Other anger fueled behaviors lead to road rage, people fighting over airline seats or fighting over a foul ball at a baseball game.

Alcohol is often used to celebrate great occasions in our lives such as weddings, births, or landing a new job. It can help us relax and socialize with our friends. But we may know someone who became addicted to alcohol, and it controlled and maybe destroyed their family and their life.

Gambling is another activity that can be a dual passion.  It can be enjoyed by many but then it may be abused as well.  There is the thrill in that fleeting moment of a euphoric hope of winning. Be it the flashing lights and spinning wheels of the slot machine or the flip of a card.

For example, my mother enjoyed gambling.  Once a month she and my father would take twenty dollars each and head to the casino. They would enjoy the free coffee and maybe an inexpensive lunch while playing with the nickel slot machines. When the money was spent, they would head home, or sometimes they would head home having broken even or even made a few dollars. Gambling provided hours of enjoyment for them.

But I knew someone else that I used to work with, for which gambling was a destructive passion.

I will call this person Barbara Robin.

One night, after work, a bunch of us gathered for some beer and pizza.  While waiting for the Pizza, we were watching the ten o’clock news.

There have been a series of bank robberies in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The press was calling the perpetrator the Bordertown Bandit. For this news cast, the FBI had released a surveillance photo of the robber and was asking the public for assistance in identifying the person.

Upon seeing the photo, one of my coworkers exclaimed, “Tom, is that Barbara Robin? It looks just like her! Jane was a woman that we had worked with previously for over six years when she was a clerk, and she was currently in her third year of law school.

After reviewing the photo, I replied “I think it is, but we have to be careful with this”.  

 I got a pen, ripped off the top of the pizza box and I wrote down the dates and times of the robberies. Our plan was to have a discrete conversation with her boss to see if she was at work during the times of these robberies.

We were to meet at headquarters the next day and discuss with the supervisor. I met with the supervisor and showed him the times and dates of the bank robberies I had noted on the pizza box.  Had she been working those days I asked. Before he could answer my question, my coworker showed up with two FBI Agents that happened to be in Police Headquarters that day.

Long story short, they went into action, a search warrant was served, and Jane was arrested. She pleaded guilty to six counts of bank robbery and ultimately went to federal prison.  

Barbara had been playing at the same casino as my parents. She was probably there at some of the same times they were.  But for Barbara, there was no thrill, just an addiction.  She had played several times a week at the high stakes’ poker table, betting from fifty dollars to a thousand dollars a hand. She began robbing to maintain her gambling habit addiction.

A bummer was none of us were eligible for the reward money, because we were Cops, and that is what law enforcement is supposed to do.

However, in today’s world the most damaging passion, in my opinion, can be technology.  Technology has been integrated into every aspect of our everyday lives.   From the way we communicate to the way we work and learn, every aspect of our daily lives are touched, in some way, by technology.  This can be good, but as mentioned before, it can have negative consequences as well.

Personally, the most significant impact of technology is how we communicate.   With cell phones, internet and social media we can now interact instantaneously with just about anyone in the world.  I greatly appreciate this aspect of technology, but part of me fondly remembers needing change for a pay phone or buying stamps to send a written letter.  Nostalgic, I know.

But what about the flip side, the increased dependence on our cell phones, the negative impacts of social media, especially on children, the increase in screen time and less human interaction which can lead to isolation and loneliness.  We are humans and will always crave human interaction, so we need to strive for balance.

Now onto the second part, to “improve me in Masonry”.

Your Masonic journey is a personal one and your own adventure, but by becoming involved with the craft, living the lessons, and with personal reflection, the goal is you’ll become a better version of yourself, and leave a lasting impression on others.

Advancement within Freemasonry is a combination of this thoughtful learning, hands-on involvement, and a genuine commitment to the craft. As a new Mason, your progress relies on how deeply you engage with the teaching, seeking guidance, and living its principles. With an open mind and a sincere heart, you’ll discover limitless paths to personal growth with fraternity.

#1 Study and understand the ritual, the symbolism and teachings, the words, ceremonies and their meaning.

Reflect on the moral and ethical teachings that are interwoven in our Masonic ritual and work to put them into practice in your daily life.

#2 Regular attendance at Lodge is important for growth and learning.

You will be exposed to Masonic education opportunities, discussions, and opportunities to ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of our fraternity.

You will have the opportunity to make new friends that you may not have met otherwise. Friendship doesn’t just expand your world; friendship also helps you navigate the world more confidently.

#3 Contribute to the Lodge’s charitable and service activities. You will be able to make a positive impact while promoting the values of Freemasonry in the community.

#4 Observe and Participate in the Degrees and your involvement will lead to a much deeper and richer understanding of the craft.

#5 Participant in your District and Grand Lodge Events.

You will have the opportunity to meet like-minded brothers from around your region and the entire state. You will have many opportunities to learn, socialize and expand your knowledge.

#6 The Fellowcraft degree encourages us to study the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences. Studying the liberal arts is not just about acquiring knowledge-it’s about building the intellectual and moral foundation to thrive in any endeavor. It’s the art of thinking deeply, communicating and living wisely.

#7 Commit to Lifelong Learning of the Craft.

Recognize that Freemasonry is a lifelong pursuit of self-improvement. Always be open to new growth and positive changes in your life.

#8 Live by the Compass and Square.

Apply the Masonic tools and their symbolism to your everyday life.

·       The Square teaches you to act uprightly.

·       The Compass reminds you to draw boundaries and maintain balance in all aspects of your life.

Our Masonic forefathers who wrote our ritual and devised our lessons so long ago where a product of “the enlightenment” and were well educated in the classics. The lessons they wrote place a strong emphasis on self-improvement and moral development. The idea of subduing one’s passion is about achieving self-control and balance. While being passionate is indeed very valuable, those unchecked passions can lead to impulsive actions, poor decision making and destructive results.

It’s channeling those passions in a way that aligns with our values and principles that will ultimately lead to a more harmonious and virtuous life.

Subduing our passions and self-improvement is like Freemasonry for it is a lifelong journey to be the Master of ourselves.

The journey to subduing one’s passions and embracing self-improvement epitomizes the lifelong adventure of Freemasonry. By channeling our intense emotions into constructive actions and living the principles embodied by the Square and Compass, we master ourselves and enhance our moral compass. Freemasonry's teachings inspire us to be better individuals, leaving a positive legacy that resonates far beyond our personal lives. As we apply the common gavel to smooth the rough edges of our characters, we embark on a path to harmony and virtue, embodying the true spirit of Freemasonry.