-
Articles/Ads
Article MASONIC PHILOSOPHY. ← Page 2 of 9 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Philosophy.
The various philosophical systems of the Hindoos resolve themselves into the usual two classes of the orthodox and the heterodox . The character of the first is a scrupulous conformity to the theology and metaphysics contained in the Vedas ; whilst that of the second is a total enfranchisement from all religious influence , and embraces a variety of systems incompatible with the doctrines of those received books . Out of these two classes is compounded a third , whose
character partakes of a mixed principle derived from both , professing a profound respect for the Vedas , but asserting a spirit of independence and a right of private judgment similar to our modern Protestantism ; and it is from this latter class that the Hindoo system of Masonry takes its rise . In the orthodox category are presented two schools of metaphysics , under the common name of Mimansa : but divided into Powrva
Mimansa and Outtara Mimansa . The Pourm , or first Mimansa , was founded byDjaimini , and the Outtara , or second Mimansa , by Vyasa ; this latter is also called Vedanta , and as its system is essentially theological , it is more commonly known as the Brahma Mimansa . In the heterodox category are contained numerous systems of philosophy , divided into as many different sects , but these various schools are very little known at the present day . The only sects upon which we possess any records are those of the Djainas and of
the Bauddhas , the latter of w ^ hich is again diversified into various branches , all more or less bitterly opposed to each other in doctrine . In the mixed category , out of which the Masonic system arises , is comprised : —1 st , The Sankian philosophy , divided into two schools ; the one founded by Kapila , the other by Pantadjali ; 2 nd , The Nyayan philosophy , a system comprising the art of logic , or the right rules of reason , and whose founder w as Grautama ; 3 rd , The Yaiseshikan philosophy , which is essentially confined to physical researches , and is based upon the doctrine of atoms ; Kanadi was the founder of this school .
The Sankian philosophy , notwithstanding its name , which signifies merely nimiber and reason , lays claim to all the honours of orthodoxy , and whatever may be its character in other respects , we find it at all times profoundly impressed with the Hindoo mythology . Even in those parts of the system which appear most estranged
from this superstition we still have the mysterious connection , and this in a great measure contributes to the confusion and obscurity of its doctrines . The ancient historical records throw very little light upon Kapila , the grand master , as he is termed , of this school of philosophy : his origin is lost in the mists of mythological time . Indian sages , however , make him out to be a son of Brahma , or an incarnation of Vishnou . All his doctrines are contained in a collection of aphorisms , which bear his name , and
their diversity gives rise t ; o three systems , between which , according to the variety or opposition of the tendencies which characterize them , it would be extremely difficult to establish any community of opinion and doctrine , except that they all agree in
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Philosophy.
The various philosophical systems of the Hindoos resolve themselves into the usual two classes of the orthodox and the heterodox . The character of the first is a scrupulous conformity to the theology and metaphysics contained in the Vedas ; whilst that of the second is a total enfranchisement from all religious influence , and embraces a variety of systems incompatible with the doctrines of those received books . Out of these two classes is compounded a third , whose
character partakes of a mixed principle derived from both , professing a profound respect for the Vedas , but asserting a spirit of independence and a right of private judgment similar to our modern Protestantism ; and it is from this latter class that the Hindoo system of Masonry takes its rise . In the orthodox category are presented two schools of metaphysics , under the common name of Mimansa : but divided into Powrva
Mimansa and Outtara Mimansa . The Pourm , or first Mimansa , was founded byDjaimini , and the Outtara , or second Mimansa , by Vyasa ; this latter is also called Vedanta , and as its system is essentially theological , it is more commonly known as the Brahma Mimansa . In the heterodox category are contained numerous systems of philosophy , divided into as many different sects , but these various schools are very little known at the present day . The only sects upon which we possess any records are those of the Djainas and of
the Bauddhas , the latter of w ^ hich is again diversified into various branches , all more or less bitterly opposed to each other in doctrine . In the mixed category , out of which the Masonic system arises , is comprised : —1 st , The Sankian philosophy , divided into two schools ; the one founded by Kapila , the other by Pantadjali ; 2 nd , The Nyayan philosophy , a system comprising the art of logic , or the right rules of reason , and whose founder w as Grautama ; 3 rd , The Yaiseshikan philosophy , which is essentially confined to physical researches , and is based upon the doctrine of atoms ; Kanadi was the founder of this school .
The Sankian philosophy , notwithstanding its name , which signifies merely nimiber and reason , lays claim to all the honours of orthodoxy , and whatever may be its character in other respects , we find it at all times profoundly impressed with the Hindoo mythology . Even in those parts of the system which appear most estranged
from this superstition we still have the mysterious connection , and this in a great measure contributes to the confusion and obscurity of its doctrines . The ancient historical records throw very little light upon Kapila , the grand master , as he is termed , of this school of philosophy : his origin is lost in the mists of mythological time . Indian sages , however , make him out to be a son of Brahma , or an incarnation of Vishnou . All his doctrines are contained in a collection of aphorisms , which bear his name , and
their diversity gives rise t ; o three systems , between which , according to the variety or opposition of the tendencies which characterize them , it would be extremely difficult to establish any community of opinion and doctrine , except that they all agree in