Bro. S.K. Char's paper, "The Interpretation of Masonic Philosophy," emphasizes the complex nature of Freemasonry, which requires a free and liberal mindset for proper understanding. It highlights that the interpretation of Masonic rituals, symbols, and allegories is a personal journey for each candidate, supported by their introducers and seniors. The author critiques the UGLE's definition of Freemasonry, particularly its assertion that it teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge, arguing that the true essence lies in the conduct of lodges and the spiritual atmosphere created within them. Freemasonry's inclusive nature, admitting men from all religions, fosters unity and peace, contrasting with external societal strife. Char posits that if each brother can interpret Freemasonry individually, the organization could play a significant role in promoting harmony and improving the world, aligning with its foundational goal of making "good men better." The paper calls for a deeper understanding of these principles to ensure the future relevance of Freemasonry.
Bro S.K. Char
December 17th, 2025
February 27th, 2026
manual
education and_development
Paper 25/2007
Title The Interpretation of Masonic Philosophy
Author Bro S.K. Char – India
Freemasonry is a very confusing and difficult subject as it requires a free and liberal mind with a
spiritual and philosophical bend. It is explained with the help of rituals, allegories and symbols, which have
to be interpreted by the candidate by himself. His introducer and seniors may help him but the main effort
has to come from the candidate himself.
We have to remember that Freemasonry is very different from other organizations, and if the
interpretation is not what it should be, then it will be like any other organization, missing the main aims and
objects of being a Freemason. To be a good Freemason he has to understand what Freemasonry is all
about.
Having said all this, how can we be sure that Freemasonry is being interpreted correctly, because
the future of Freemasonry depends on its interpretation.
The UGLE in its pamphlet “Your Questions Answered”, says in answer to the question, “What is
Freemasonry”, “Freemasonry is the UK’s largest secular, fraternal and charitable organization. It teaches
moral lessons and self-knowledge through participation in a progression of allegorical two-part plays”.
I have no quarrel with the first part of the explanation but it is the second part where it says that it
teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge, is where the confusion arises. This for me is the important
part, because this is how we make ‘good men better’. The allegorical plays with just symbols to explain,
require interpretation of the symbols and allegories which is left to each brother. Even granting that the
correct interpretation is made, for me the main philosophy of Freemasonry lies in learning from the
way we conduct our lodges, admit candidates, the symbolisms in the temple and the spiritual
atmosphere created in the temple.
We admit men from all religions not because we are just secular but because we want to show
them that within the temple men of whatever religion they belong to are brothers, meeting in a common
temple, saying the same prayers and believing in “God” and respecting all religions by placing their
Volume of the Sacred Laws on the Master’s pedestal. The atmosphere outside the temple is quite different
where there is strife all around us in the name of religion. Within the Lodge we can all live in Peace, Love
and Harmony helping each other and their families like brothers. This is the lesson we want them to learn
and carry to the outside world so that the world, which is our common heritage, can be a temple similar
to our Masonic temple.
This may not be the original aim of Freemasonry, but looking at the violence around us, Freemasonry may
yet be able to save the world to be a better place just as it helps good men to be better. If interpretation of
Freemasonry can be left to each brother, why can’t we make this the main aim of Free