The Temple
To cut a long story short, the intent of systems such as yoga or meditation or freemasonry is to move toward perfection. The magnificent Gothic cathedrals of the middle ages stand testament to this ideal manifesting in real space. The flow of yoga and breath is constantly being refined by the yogi and meditation, like the concepts that precede the building of cathedrals, is perfected inwardly.
In freemasonry the temple is the perfect idea that is constructed in the mind. There are allegorical stories that center around Solomons temple and its architect, Hiram Abiff that mirror the human condition and examine behavior but it is the temple itself that is the prime subject. This is not about Freemasonry however and indeed most modern freemasons no longer invest in the metaphysical meanings and instead are guided toward and focus on the content of stories themselves. As a result popular freemasonry is more about becoming good people in the community (a noble cause) but it is the essence of the flavor we are seeking here.
Another precept of freemasonry that is useful to us is the idea of acknowledging a higher being or source, often this can the christian god or a masonic figuration such as Jahbulon. As with Solomons temple, the temple is built in honor of this deity and must therefore be perfect as to befit them. In yoga that higher deity is recognised as being our higher self.
In freemasonry the temple is the perfect idea that is constructed in the mind. There are allegorical stories that center around Solomons temple and its architect, Hiram Abiff that mirror the human condition and examine behavior but it is the temple itself that is the prime subject. This is not about Freemasonry however and indeed most modern freemasons no longer invest in the metaphysical meanings and instead are guided toward and focus on the content of stories themselves. As a result popular freemasonry is more about becoming good people in the community (a noble cause) but it is the essence of the flavor we are seeking here.
Another precept of freemasonry that is useful to us is the idea of acknowledging a higher being or source, often this can the christian god or a masonic figuration such as Jahbulon. As with Solomons temple, the temple is built in honor of this deity and must therefore be perfect as to befit them. In yoga that higher deity is recognised as being our higher self.