The Hindu Law of Dharma: Antiquated Dogma or Inherent Duty?

November's topic will be conducted by Brother Bro. Elaine Phelen on a study of Freemasonry: The Hindu Law of Dharma: Antiquated Dogma or Inherent Duty? After a short lecture, a discussion and debate by the group will follow.

Dharma is an integral concept in many eastern religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. In Hinduism, Dharma has been defined as a spiritual law which governs the necessary conduct of each individual. While there is no direct, one-word translation in the English language, Dharma can be described as duty, righteousness, or morality. The term signifies behaviors that are in accord with "Rta," i.e. the order that upholds the universe. How can someone uphold the natural order of the universe? There are aspects of Dharma that apply to everyone, such as cultivating the moral principles of perseverance, patience, and self-control, and aspects that are specific to each individual. This means that what is "right" action for one individual is "wrong" conduct for another. A soldier''s duty may require the individual to kill someone, but murder is incorrect conduct for a banker or teacher. What discernment is necessary to determine one''s personal Dharma?Freemasonry calls on its members to follow an individual path while also working together to uplift humanity. The craft inspires the cultivation similar virtues to those considered part of the Dharma system, such as patience, fortitude, and prudence. How is Dharma similar to the teachings of Freemasonry? Can a universal law require different conduct from each individual?

Mission Statement
The Masonic Philosophical Society embraces the concept of learning, not for school, but for life, and believes that all men, who seek it, deserve access to continued education. We further embrace the concept of a community environment, where ideas can be shared and debated in an open forum. From the seven liberal arts to the arcane, we seek to gain and to share the knowledge that is the legacy of mankind.

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