What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret Science of Masonic Initiation
Review
I met Robert Lomas many years ago when I edited and published his first bestseller, which he wrote with Christopher Knight, called The Hiram Key. It was a manuscript with a helter skelter pace and charged with the excitement of making dizzying discoveries and seeing old worlds in new ways. The opening of this new book announces a deep and solemn change in Robert Lomas as a writer and as a man. Something has happened to him.
The enemies of Freemasonry like to see it as a club for men who seek unfair material advantages. Of course it may be the case - who knows? - that some individuals hope for this. But Robert Lomas reveals how the rites and symbolism of Freemasonry are intended to awake, perhaps gently and over time, sometimes suddenly and decisively, any spiritual curiosity, any curiosity about esoteric mysteries that lies inside the individual, however deep, however dormant. New dimensions may open up to him.
This short book contains as clear an account as I have ever read of the gifts and benefits that initiation brings.
--Foreword to The Secret Science of Masonic Initiation by Jonathon Black nee Mark Booth
Product Description
Freemasonry has a deep purpose which can be overlooked in the rush of the modern world. Its ritual says it is a high and serious subject. But how can an individual discover the truths it outlines? How do you become an Initiate and a Master? A new, spiritually-aware generation is asking this question and demanding answers. This book responds in an unexpectedly visual way. Using words and images it leads you through the spiritual stages of Masonic knowledge. The Craft teaches that each new apprentice shall find a teacher to gain instruction.The open Lodge is not the place for instruction but a place for living out truths which should be taught privately by contemplation of symbols. Robert Lomas has spent thirty years as a University teacher, and twenty years studying Freemasonry and its ritual. In this book he shares his personal insight into the Craft, explains his understanding of its ritual and outlines the steps a Mason must take to find self-knowledge. His words are illuminated by the unique symbolic drawings of two masters of Masonic Tracing board design. The purpose of Freemasonry is to help its members become Initiates in the science of Life. If you want to know yourself, then Freemasonry offers a path to that knowledge. It is a spiritual adventure, fit for the athletic and adventurous mind. The Secret Science of Masonic Initiation reveals that path.
From the Publisher
If you are interested in the Masonic ideas which drive the characters of Peter Solomon, Warren Bellamy and Dean Galloway in Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol, in this book you will find the Masonic Philosophy of the symbolic search for The Centre explained for the benefit of new members of The Craft.
From the Author
I decided to write this book to restate for a new generation the ancient teachings of Freemasonry concerning the purpose of the quest for that which is lost. It represents my understanding, based on a deep study of the teachings of W L Wilmshurst, of the inspirational purpose of Masonry.
I warn you, however, that unless you are already a Freemason, you might find some of the material strange and hard to understand. - Robert Lomas
I met Robert Lomas many years ago when I edited and published his first bestseller, which he wrote with Christopher Knight, called The Hiram Key. It was a manuscript with a helter skelter pace and charged with the excitement of making dizzying discoveries and seeing old worlds in new ways. The opening of this new book announces a deep and solemn change in Robert Lomas as a writer and as a man. Something has happened to him.
The enemies of Freemasonry like to see it as a club for men who seek unfair material advantages. Of course it may be the case - who knows? - that some individuals hope for this. But Robert Lomas reveals how the rites and symbolism of Freemasonry are intended to awake, perhaps gently and over time, sometimes suddenly and decisively, any spiritual curiosity, any curiosity about esoteric mysteries that lies inside the individual, however deep, however dormant. New dimensions may open up to him.
This short book contains as clear an account as I have ever read of the gifts and benefits that initiation brings.
--Foreword to The Secret Science of Masonic Initiation by Jonathon Black nee Mark Booth
Product Description
Freemasonry has a deep purpose which can be overlooked in the rush of the modern world. Its ritual says it is a high and serious subject. But how can an individual discover the truths it outlines? How do you become an Initiate and a Master? A new, spiritually-aware generation is asking this question and demanding answers. This book responds in an unexpectedly visual way. Using words and images it leads you through the spiritual stages of Masonic knowledge. The Craft teaches that each new apprentice shall find a teacher to gain instruction.The open Lodge is not the place for instruction but a place for living out truths which should be taught privately by contemplation of symbols. Robert Lomas has spent thirty years as a University teacher, and twenty years studying Freemasonry and its ritual. In this book he shares his personal insight into the Craft, explains his understanding of its ritual and outlines the steps a Mason must take to find self-knowledge. His words are illuminated by the unique symbolic drawings of two masters of Masonic Tracing board design. The purpose of Freemasonry is to help its members become Initiates in the science of Life. If you want to know yourself, then Freemasonry offers a path to that knowledge. It is a spiritual adventure, fit for the athletic and adventurous mind. The Secret Science of Masonic Initiation reveals that path.
From the Publisher
If you are interested in the Masonic ideas which drive the characters of Peter Solomon, Warren Bellamy and Dean Galloway in Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol, in this book you will find the Masonic Philosophy of the symbolic search for The Centre explained for the benefit of new members of The Craft.
From the Author
I decided to write this book to restate for a new generation the ancient teachings of Freemasonry concerning the purpose of the quest for that which is lost. It represents my understanding, based on a deep study of the teachings of W L Wilmshurst, of the inspirational purpose of Masonry.
I warn you, however, that unless you are already a Freemason, you might find some of the material strange and hard to understand. - Robert Lomas
- GenresNonfiction
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2009
37 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 14, 2013
For thousands of years human civilizations have used Initiations or rites of passages as a way to transform their young males into men. The idea being that having them experience something that takes them far outside their comfort zone long enough to teach certain truths about reality that can only be understood through experience.
Western Civilization has largely abandoned this tradition, and partly as a result we have a lot man-boys who never completely mature psychologically or spiritually. Freemasonry has long sought to preserve and maintain this ancient established aspect of masculine culture. Masonry's central purpose of utilizing these rites is to get the initiate to turn inward and start the journey towards the center of their own being where they will discover the truths about themselves that no one but themselves can learn.
Robert Lomas does a good job introducing the significance of initiations in this book. It is like a dead language that we forgot long ago and now are trying to learn all over again. I think as more and more young men grow dissatisfied with their lives they will seek out these type experiences that help facilitate their spiritual development and maturity.
Western Civilization has largely abandoned this tradition, and partly as a result we have a lot man-boys who never completely mature psychologically or spiritually. Freemasonry has long sought to preserve and maintain this ancient established aspect of masculine culture. Masonry's central purpose of utilizing these rites is to get the initiate to turn inward and start the journey towards the center of their own being where they will discover the truths about themselves that no one but themselves can learn.
Robert Lomas does a good job introducing the significance of initiations in this book. It is like a dead language that we forgot long ago and now are trying to learn all over again. I think as more and more young men grow dissatisfied with their lives they will seek out these type experiences that help facilitate their spiritual development and maturity.
December 17, 2012
Explores the concept of non-duality prevalent in many Eastern philosophies. While it was an interesting read overall, there were too many leaps of logic that were unsubstantiated. Lomas' writing style is at times rigid and dry. By contrast, Manly Hall explores many of the same topics in The Lost Keys of Freemasonry, which is better written, more colorful in description, and a more enjoyable read.
November 17, 2021
Phenomenal book. I even recommend it to people that aren’t interested in freemasonry. I bet anyone can pick something useful from this book!
January 4, 2023
An amazing eye opener to the more esoteric side of The Craft. Recommend for anyone looking for esoteric take on understanding freemasonry.
March 19, 2024
Great book
Great read for those who saw the inner light shining within. Not too many books will expound on true Masonic wisdom.
Great read for those who saw the inner light shining within. Not too many books will expound on true Masonic wisdom.
Read
January 1, 2025A good book on the esoteric symbolism hidden within Freemason rituals.
August 11, 2024
Initiation steps and building virtual temple in a nutshell and upgrade and rewiring brain to divine state .
A recommended book to read to whom who wants to understand mysticism and esoteric knowledge from a great author.
A recommended book to read to whom who wants to understand mysticism and esoteric knowledge from a great author.
August 7, 2012
clear, insightful, and high minded, Lomas' work not only opens the initiate up to great depths (heights) of pursuing that Bright Morning Star, he allows the initiative of the reader to follow the path of consciousness further with reference points, if one is keen enough to continue. recommended for all Masters, new and old.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews