The Freemasons are known to be very secretive and according to some people, almost cult-like. Cult is a very subjective word of course. Although I do not know much. Just post this because it looks interesting. There are many stories about how the Freemasons came to be, but the 2 main stories are:
1. In 1118 A.D., in order to protect Christian pilgrims traveling from a port in Israel to Jerusalem, monks took up arms and formed the order known as the Knights Templar. According to legend, they had found treasure of enormous value in King Solomon’s temple. This made them so rich, that their intentions and existence became highly suspect and many people envied them… They acted as bankers, and even lent the then King of France, King Philip IV, money which gradually put him in a lot of debt.
In 1307, to free himself from the debts, Philip IV had the Knights Templar arrested under the charge of heresy. Some of them escaped, some of them were tortured, burnt and murdered, and even the Master of the Templars was burnt at the stake. Those that escaped are said to have formed a secret society now known as the Freemasons.
2. During the 5th – 15th century, masons were stone workers who were hired to build castles and cathedrals by kings and the churches of England, Scotland and France. There were two types of masons: those who worked with ordinary stone and those who worked with softer stone and carved intricate designs. The first group were called the “rough masons” and the latter called the “freestone masons”, “free masons”… or “Freemasons”.
The “Freemasons” had the skills which only some people had, and just like professions such as accountants today, they set up a guild. There, they discussed their work and kept their working tools. To keep it private from the “rough masons”, they had secret handshakes, code words etc.
In the 1700s, the Freemasons evolved from a guild to a society of like-minded men (women were not allowed into the Freemasons, with the exception of one lady in 1712).
These men got together to talk about everything except for politics and religion. Freemason lodges (like clubs) were set up in England, Ireland, Scotland and Italy… and only Freemasons were allowed in.
During this period of time, they also went over to America where they set up more lodges.
In 1731, Benjamin Franklin (photo on the left) joined the Philadelphia lodge. Three years later, he received the highest degree and became the Master of the lodge. In 1752, George Washington was initiated as a Freemason too.
Anyone of any religious background can be initiated as a Freemason, but they have to believe in a universal Supreme Being (some form of God), to be morally sound and to be of certain financial status (although not necessarily rich).
There are many levels (degrees) within the Freemason order, and the higher you are, the more exposed and the more secrets you will know within Freemasonry. They believe in the brotherhood (where people stick together), and they all practice philanthropy, abide by the laws of the country in which they live in and are generally the “elite” of society.
They still have their secret handshakes, hand symbols, passwords etc…
Those who have read about the Freemasons and the Illuminati would have also heard about the New World Order. It is believed that Freemasons are slowly trying to establish a New World Order, where there are no boundaries separating countries with many different governments, and instead having just one central government for the world.
Do watch the videos below… it shows us what we may perceive as real could very well be a complete delusion… According to this website (in the Malay language), there are Malaysians who are Freemasons!
I am not promoting this in any way but just found it interesting to share. Knowledge makes us open our minds broader and accept things around us better. I am not against or for this belief but I like to widen my own understanding.
Tsem Rinpoche
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/IlluminatiISymbolsOnTheOneDollarBill.mp4
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/NewWorldOrderGovernmentConspiracy.mp4
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/TheSecretGovernment.mp4
Here are 2 more interesting videos below, that my student Shirley Tan sent me. It is of the American Dollar Bill, and how there are hidden messages on American currency including the 9/11 attack… and there is even an alien there!
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/AlienOnAmericanOneDollarBill.mp4
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Creepy_USDollarbills_ContainsHiddenPict.mp4
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As a Freemason myself who stumbled upon this article – I find it intriguing, as I had joined Freemasonry back in 2012 due to my own interest in conspiracies & such … wanted to see what was behind the closed doors that were sooo ‘secretive’. If any has the itch to scratch like I did, to TRULY understand what the basis of Freemasonry is – I’d highly suggest you knock on the doors to submit a petition. You may just find that it’s not as ‘secretive’ as many would suggest (just look at all their facebook posts).
Also – you’ll find there are 2 schools of Masonic Education … the ‘romantic’ and the ‘historical’ side. Many groups have their own romantic legends of sorts … I prefer the more historical background – at the end of the day, these 2 go hand in hand, as it’s said that “Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegories, and illustrated by symbols.”
One book that divests into all of this is by noted Freemason, Chris Hodapp … in his book Freemasons For Dummies. I highly suggested read for those who want a real background instead of opinions internet hearsay.
Interesting and new to me when I first read this article in 2018 . Freemasonry consists of fraternal organisations in the world that trace their origins from the end of the 14th century. They started as a group of skilled builder of men from all walks of life, from many religions and many backgrounds. While not a secret society, but it does have secret passwords and rituals that originate with the medieval guild. They greet one another with a variety of handshakes, all based on one’s rank within the organization. Its more like a social and philanthropic organization meant to make its members lead more virtuous and socially oriented lives. They who want to make more of themselves, to support each other and to enhance their communities, talk about everything except for politics and religion. Interesting read .
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Freemasonry is a non-religious and non-political organisation, and discussion of politics and religion are forbidden during meetings. Conspiracy theories and controversy have dogged the Freemasons throughout their existence, fuelled by their secretive image.
Wow …they have their own secret handshakes, hand symbols and passwords too as if they are secret society, and are the subject of countless parodies. Many people join the Freemasons ,having their own reasons. Some of them looking for friendships and to enjoy each others’ company in a more relaxed and informal environment. Wonderful some desire to help other people by getting involved in the local community. It seem they are just a gentleman’s club devoted to charitable giving . Freemasonry began in medieval Europe as a guild for stonemasons, but lived on as a social organization.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing. Something interesting and new to me which I have not heard of it before.
Freemason and the conspiracy theories have been no less an inspiration for many books and movies, for example the Da Vinci Code. The Freemasonary involves politicians, religious leaders and often time devil worshippers as well as the legendary Knights of the Templers who possess skills and knowledge that no one else has, it is therefore a popular theme. Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing the interesting info and videos. They are enjoyable.
Perception Deception from the Inception, No More!
http://truedemocracyparty.net/2012/10/famous-freemasons-billy-graham-jesse-jackson-oral-roberts-louis-farrakhan-dalai-lama/
Life is karma. There’s no difference between illuminati and Gelug. Buddha s teaching suggests not to teach before you are enlightened. Ati yoga unites all. Dalai Lama 5.
Dear Tsem Rinpoche,
My most sincere respects.
I find very interesting your curiosity for freemasonry, as a budhist and a freemason myself.
But please, let me recomend you: do not guide yourself through the videos of youtube!! Many, because of ignorance, have made assumptions of freemasons controlling the world, etc.
Freemasonry is not secret, has within the mystic and philosophical roots of humanity because each person that has integrated it (men and women) have led their traditions to it. Freemasonry is not secret but mystic, sure you know the substantial difference. It is experiential.
Also, freemasonry don’t aspire to elites, anyone can apply and join. Being over 18, having no criminal conduct or record and that their behavior is consistent to civilized values. There are many that claim to be or are consider as, and are not.
You could read the books of Oswald Wirth, Robert Ambelain, René Guénon and ‘Spirit of Masonry’ of Foster Bailey. There are many more.
If you so wish , I remain at your disposal so that we can talk about this. Please, please I’ll be happy to do so.
dear fr. André
I read your answer with interest, I am an Italian and Buddhist Freemason and I would like to exchange three words fraternally with you.
on which verses do you open the holy book Dhammapada?
Just came across this website now … I had to google what the holy book Dhammapada was. I’m a Mason, here in the United States, the Holy Bible is what is used 99% of the time, to be the symbol for all Volumes of Sacred Law, however the Koran or the Jewish Book is used as well. I’ve never seen the Buddhist book on the altar before – wouldn’t know what pages to turn to for all 3 Degrees. Do you know? Feel free to email me directly if you wish – I think this would be great for a Masonic Education topic in my own Lodge.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Burx
BurxNorrod@gmail.com
Please, I really want to know about this society.
Dear Rinpoche, I never thought that the Freemasons have such fame. I thought they are just an ancient guild. I wonder what does it take to be in that guild? It’s so cooool! They even have their own secret handshakes, hand symbols and passwords too. I always want to be a secret agent or something like from the movies. Because in the movies, everything is super awesome!!! Hahaha
well doe for keeping open mind
This is indeed fascinating about Freemasons and of the Illuminati. I do remember seeing a stately Freemason lodge while I was in Caulfield, Melbourne while I was studying there. The building is just opposite from the campus and it always look like there’s nobody around.
I am intrigued by some of the theories proposed in the video but I do think some are quite far-fetched while others might be quite possible. I love these conspiracies but I do admit some are really quite confusing but they do open my mind up to the possibilities of higher forces at work. Despite all these videos, I find the Freemasons to be more mysterious than ever. I am not really sure what is the primary concern is and what really is the New Order? It is all very vague but nonetheless, very interesting.
Personally, I believe that the New World Order is a concept that is really needed in this world. Why? Because all governments must not be separated as that is a cause for disunity in the world. I think that the solution to world peace can lie within the New World Order. I am saying this as a person who never had any contact with Freemasonry on a physical level. However, if the freemasons had planned the 9/11 attacks or could have improved it, then I would not be as happy as seeing them as an intellegent elite race of humanity.
It’s an interesting article. But I wonder if the freemasons are really so powerful as stated in the above videos where they even have their presence felt on the American dollar notes. I wonder what their objectives may be. Anyhow, it’s good to know that they have charitable activities such as:
* Homes that provide sheltered housing or nursing care.
* Education with both educational grants[52] or schools such as the * Royal Masonic School (UK) which are open to all and not limited to the families of Freemasons.
* Medical assistance.
* Masonic Child Identification Programs (CHIP).
Hi Tsem,
My name is Paul, I live and work in London. I am a Buddhist practitioner, and like your teachings very much. I just watched some of your paranormal videos, and found them very interesting indeed. I also take a very keen interest about what happens in this world. Like you say, information is paramount to us all.
I heard that you haven’t been too well recently. I would like to send out lots of love and healing for you, and hope you feel better again very soon.
Thankyou again, for your teachings and insights.
Be well,
Paul Gasson.x
@Zla’od: You will soon find out that Tsem Rinpoche is a very straight forward lama with no hidden agenda, non-judgemental, and very witty as you will see in his videos. He gives information to inform and then you do your own research to form your own conclusions, similar to the way he teaches the dharma. He gives us the info, we meditate and form our own conclusions.
On a different note, October 13, 1307 is when the Templars were executed. Some say that is the origin of the superstition of it being an unlucky day, others disagree. Either way, it is the earliest date associated with bad events!
As for Freemasons, they are very secretive and there is a lodge (temple????) near my apartment and it seems as if no one is ever there! They are a secretive people steeped in legend and superstition. Unfortunately they are also stained with a bad reputation (like Buddhism and Buddhists) because a lot of their rituals need empowerments…
Just goes to show you that the poison of ignorance definitely prevails.
In my opinion it is good to be informed, and to think for ourselves. Some may think it is ok to let such group of elites to think and to plan for the rest of us. What is make them an elite? Is it the IQ? The financial status? The membership to this group it is clearly a very rapid way to become a leader, condition valid in any country or nation world wide. What happened to the leaders or people who did not act according to their directions? Why do we let just one group with one vision to have such great power over the world? What about those who have completely different views? No one else is able to lead a country but only them? Is dangerous to have only one state, one view, one religion one leader etc. We are the same in many ways but we have the right to be different, to be outside the matrix if we choose to.
Rinpoche, I’m not a Mason, but I did research on them (and in their libraries) as part of my doctoral work. I’m afraid that you’ve been misled by the same sort of paranoid speculation that has plagued Freemasonry (as well as Tibetan Buddhism!) for centuries. Why not get to know some personally? There are lodges in Malaysia, you know:
http://www.dglea.org/
http://web.singnet.com.sg/~masonry/eventsea.htm
In brief, Freemasonry is open to any man (no women, except in the wives’ and daughers’ auxilliary organizations) of good character, who is not an atheist. (There are Buddhist Masons.) Their main activities are ritual, social, and charitable. There is no requirement to be wealthy, any more than for Kechara, though for social reasons participants tend not to be drawn from among the genuinely poor. Political or religious debate is banned from lodges, in order that people of all beliefs may feel welcome. There is no political platform, least of all one aimed at a “New World Order.”
I have not been misled in any way. I do not condone nor dislike them. I am putting up the article as it is interesting and I thought it would enhance knowledge. Full stop. Please reserve your judgements about me as I am unknown to you except in print.
My interests are varied and very wide. I like information and I take tremendous time, energy, effort and resources to provide information for my friends.
Tsem Rinpoche
I can only judge what I see in print (just as you are doing with me) which, in my judgement, contains misinformation. In order to correct this, I have offered some modest amount of my own time, energy, etc (just as you have). Very likely I, too, have made mistakes–no source should be embraced uncritically.
Think of it this way. Suppose someone were to write an essay connecting Tibetan Buddhism to various conspiracy theories including aliens, the 9-11 attacks, and/or plans for a future world government. (Such things have in fact been written.) Perhaps you would have a sense of humor about it. After enough such articles, though, you would probably wish that the writers would be more realistic. Freemasons (like Tibetan lamas) are not fantasy creatures like Bigfoot or UFO beings, but real people whom one, with a little effort, might get to know.
Best wishes,
Zla’od
Dear Zla’od,
You are indeed very entertaining and funny. Hahaha. Thanks for sharing. TR
My pleasure. Best of luck in your explorations.
Dear H.E. Tsem Rinpoche,
It’s very surprising to see this post as I was learning about Freemasonry and Illuminati the other day. Thanks for sharing.
Tashi Delek
With faith,
Jayson
I have a friend who is a free mason, he’s really nice. He like very Zen, I met with a bunch of them once over dinner.
Rinpoche, brother, precious teacher,
I am a horrible practitioner who has broken his sadhana! What a precious gift the buddhas and bodhisattvas, and precious dharma! My aspiration is to be wish fulfilling to others, but regards to triple gem have been like a fat man on a tricycle! Remorse! I’m sorry! As you are aware from many histories of many peoples there is issue of colonization. Even 1959 was a period of questionable colonization (or repatriation whatever view) and even the British called Tibet “the game”. Even Europe was colonized, and at first many pagans were not too hard to convert, as they recognized intrinsic truth and even storyline similarities with this fellow Jesus. But then it was part of empire and the “culture” of Europe was disassembled, and many many wars on many many splits occurred which they are arising out of. In reincarnation there are bodhisattvas who even cross from shamanism, from one religion to another religion, it is the spirit of liberation of others from suffering. The Philippines was colonized by Spanish for 330 years, America for 50 years, and by the Japanese for 5 years, causing great cultural and psychological harm. UFO phenomena is dakini activity to broaden view and look upwards towards sTARs and think of life in a wider cyclical journey, the overlay of “invasion” is just the worldly shadow of our collective suffering. Jose Rizal was National Hero and Terton of the indigenous traditions of the Philippines and found some refuge and “transcentric” brotherhood with the Masons. According to Nehru and Gandhi, Jose Rizal is the founding father of Asian independence movements. We have of course a horrible history of manipulated symbols and racist ideas from 20th century (German Ariosophy etc) but Europeans are slowly arising out of this. If all of their cultural (some of it akin to dharma and Indic thought) had been stripped from them, of course they would look outside and recreate in form of different symbols. We are at a time where thresh-hold of communication itself will eclipse any hijacking of religion or wide view intent. There are still many overbearing Eurocentric views out there, but it cannot last! The global financial Alchemy of democracy and capitalism cannot find balance if it is dependent on affliction of others. There is great ignorance! How many American Vajrayana Buddhists know of Tara’s relationship in Candi Kalasan! How many Tibetan Buddhists have noticed the tremendous and beautiful syncretism of Jayavarman 7 and the Ta Prohm Temple in Thailand!. Four faces, four directions, the four immeasurables! Ancestor Brahma, Brahmaviharas? How many North Asian Buddhist practitioners recognize their own white skin privelige in the face of our common African ancestry!? Of course we are on a new level of terma, there have been seeds buried even in the lands of Barbarians. You sacred teacher, please recognize the Vel of Murugan, as the Pipal leaf…wisdom of the black Austronesian and Tamil ancestors. The Vel is the Shakti, and yet the spear a masculine symbol. The Masons have the three pillars, and we also have three channels within, Ida, Pingala, Shushumna. The black and white checkered floor of Masonic halls, nothing but HariHara, creation and destruction occurring in same space. All phenomena, Trikaya, a femine play of impermanence even at atomic level. Not many Masons are realized, but many do practice Masonry much better than I could do LamRim. It is very daunting to purify this nether region of colonization, decolonization and wide view. We only need to realize that even in American history, the Philippines was an American colony, to realize the immense Chod of such karmic debts. May my body be such a feast for such maliciousness! Om Tare Tame Soha (P.S. the heart of it all, Switzerland, Dorje Lingpa was the reincarnation of of Niklaus von Fleuli, Radbild, mandala of the bardos!) Apologies for my craziness. Will get back to sadhana. Om Tare Tam Soha.
Bill Rhodes, I would appreciate it if you would elaborate on Dorje Lingpa as the reincarnation of of Niklaus von Fleuli. Thanks. Stephen (Singapore).
Gosh Mr. Ho,
Maybe it was the reverse, Bruder Klaus was reincarnation of Dorje Lingpa, the whole reincarnation and forward time backward time travel stuff speculation yes, very upsetting for some Northerners at the moment. Gosh I don’t know, mind treasures, earth vows? Dorje Lingpa seemed to travel alot and then Bruder Klause had five boys and five girls (gosh almost exact opposite of 5 buddha families, purifying inheritance!)…Bruder Klaus once carrying a sword, but was illiterate and yet knowledgeable about corruption and strife in Switzerland. He “nearly” wandered, but ended back as a hermit very close to his home. Somehow his “secret knowledge” shocked those of his day to make peace. I don’t know Mr. Ho, the arrogance of the modern mind has a hard time with the compassion towards shamanism of which Tibetan Buddhists had. There does happen to be a bald Chinese Buddhist monk on one of Bruder Klaus’ radbild mandalas. Ter, Terma…I don’t know. Maybe answer first why Paramahansa Yogananda said he was rebirth of William the Conqueror? How does this have to do with Karma Yoga? Do you know William the Conquer committed genocide, and had great remorse on his deathbed? I agree with Dalai Lama that one has to be very careful with Dorje Shugden and trance states, but it does not mean that these have not in a way been mastered (coming back into realignment out of trance) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3JLbFvrZ3Q it is actually very scientific. http://www.shamozzle.com/RightLeftBrainTest.html Maybe study first concept of “Mu” and Korean Shamanism “Mudang” and North of Han “KangShinMu”. Just an intuition, but the funny joke about how Ter (more messages in a bottle, like Vanderbuilt University is studying) works is not really graspable, but very efficient and heartfelt for common good…it is actually the highest degree of communism!
Greetings Rinpoche!
I am a 32 Degree Freemason and Buddhist. I was “raised” to the 3rd Degree of Master Mason in 2004. I believe there to be many concepts and teachings which are the same between Buddha’s teachings and Masonry. As a firm believer in reincarnation, I see Masonry as man’s attempt at fixing some of his confusion. The Lodge is created, facing the east. There are 3 jewels of Masonry. The 4 principal tenets of Freemasonry are Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice. But the greatest virtue that we look at is Charity. “If I have not Charity, I have nothing”. Yes, these all tie in to just about every religion out there… But Masonry is NOT a religion. It is a Philosophy, which mean men of every country sect and opinion can join. If you have any questions feel free to email me directly. Thanks for all your work!
-Aron