Unity And Oneness

Short Papers Competition 2009 © 2010 Internet Lodge and the author Paper 17/2009 Title Unity and Oneness Author Bro Elizabeth Minium – United States At first glance, the concepts of “unity” and “oneness” may appear to be synonymous, and in fact are often used that way. However, for the sake of discussion, they can be said to have important distinctions, which in our quest for Masonic Wisdom, bear closer scrutiny.
Unity can be defined as a relation of all parts or elements into a harmonious totality. Oneness can be said to be the quality or state of being singular or one. I propose that in Freemasonry, we emulate the former in order to discover the latter.
When we come together as BB, we come together as individuals. While there is but one work, we perform it severally, though harmoniously. Ideally, we maintain this type of constructive unity when we participate with our family, church, and community.
Sadly, “unity” can also have a darker side. When people are drawn together because their negative traits are complimentary; when a group of people forms an inner dynamic which creates and maintains fear, insecurity, and pain which binds them to each other; or when masses of individuals form a group identity through rioting, lynching, or mobbing – these too are examples of unity. This is the unity which is formed unconsciously, through the channels of human suffering, maintained via mindless cycles of human action and reaction. When we come together as BB, we unite purposefully. We maintain a Masonic understanding of mindful action through intentional participation in our ceremonies and Masonic study. The great Work of Freemasonry becomes, by means of our unity, a discriminating force of life and light in the world; a steady, harmonious spiral of upward striving.
When we serve diligently, we are provided with a higher understanding of the workings of harmony, justice, accord, and the Truth underlying all. As we progress in the Craft, we advance our ability to direct our attention above the “noise and haste” of the outer world. Only then may we discover the singular oneness of being which we all share, by and through which we exist, and how it is we are said to “meet on the level”.
When, as individuals, we realize what all humanity (and in fact all life and creation) shares in common, our Masonic duty becomes compelling, and “to serve” takes on a different kind of meaning.
We walk in our several stations outwardly, but we must also look inward to what we hold in our minds and our hearts. When we realize that the quality of our every thought, word, and act are known within the One, our personal Masonic responsibility to polish ourselves and make ourselves free of defect becomes our equivalent responsibility in service to Humanity.
As Freemasons, we create and maintain unity in order to apprehend Oneness, the realization of which is the basis of all true compassion, selfless love, and simple kindness - and the beginning of Wisdom. Truly, it is an honor to serve among the BB.