Building Janus Book Review by Bro. Frederic L. Milliken

 

Building Janus

 

A Book Review by Wor. Bro. Frederic L. Milliken

 

"Building Janus is another catechism primer from Coach John Nagy. ...

 

"I have to say that this is my favorite Building book by Coach Nagy so far.

 

"This is where the Master Mason gets down to the nitty-gritty. This is where our request for some meat is answered.

 

"Nagy reminds us that Masonic Ritual is just a road map. It is up to us to take the road map and explore all the ramifications and applications that can broaden our world and truly make us better persons. This is where true Mastery begins.

 

"Once again Coach Nagy advises us to think, to contemplate, to explore and ask questions and seek answers. 

 
"Building Janus is the GPS to new discoveries. But we, as Master Masons, must learn how to learn and do the Work necessary to obtain the prize – those deep and profound truths that enable us to travel to foreign and uncharted venues. This is the real secret or mystery of Masonry, and Building Janus is the book for every Master Mason to take on his journey."

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NOTE: You can read the entire review here: http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/building_janus.htm

 

You can order your copy of Building Janus at the link below:

 

http://www.coach.net/BuildingJanus.htm

Second New Video: Building Builders - Part 2

Building Builders Video - 12/17/2011

Hello Fellow Travelers!

Brothers,

I have another distinct honor of being a featured presenter on the "Worldwide Exemplification of Freemasonry" project sponsered by the GL of Indiana (WEOFM.ORG). My part of this project will be released "into the wild" tonight --Saturday December 17, 2011 at 8PM (20:00 DST).

This presentation is called "The Coaches Coach: Building Builders - Part 2." Like part 1, it is a 27 minute fast paced audio-visual production that is filled with many overlapping themes.

You will want to become well acquainted with your rewind button as the rapid fire unfolding of information will at many times have at least two or more directions presented at one time.

Enjoy!

The Coaches Coach: Building Builders - Part 2 from www.WEOFM.org

Fraternally and Sincerely,

Bro. Coach N

Building Janus Review

Building Janus - 05/25/2011

Hello Fellow Travelers!

Brothers,

I have been given permission to repost a review of my latest book, "Building Janus - Uncommon Catechism for Uncommon Masonic Education - Volume 4" by a dear Brother. He is zealously on the path to Light and is eager to share his discoveries.

Fraternally and Sincerely,

Bro. Coach N

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I have the pleasure of owning Bro. Nagy's entire set of books. I recently committed to reading his latest work, “Building Janus.”

The book is written for Master Masons but in the author’s usual style, he skillfully takes the reader on a journey by reviewing all three degrees while giving a much deeper view from a Master Mason's perspective.

My approach to reading this particular book was different than my approach to his others. I found myself highlighting passages and putting sticky note tabs on pages that I thought interesting, or of potential use in my own study. What wound up happening was that I had placed tabs and highlights on virtually every couple of pages in his book!

This book has literally turned on a light bulb in my head. I'm finding myself reviewing all three degrees with a much deeper awareness and understanding of the symbolism and allegory. Because of this, I have renewed zeal for the work that the degrees talk about.

I have about twenty pages left before I finish, and I can't believe he packed that much information into a pocket size book. I'm looking forward to going back through his other books and doing the same type of note taking. These are “a workingman's” books, and they are pocket sized for a reason. You can take them everywhere you go. That's exactly what I did with, “Building Janus.”

If you haven't read the book, you are missing out! I highly recommend that you buy it. I give this book two thumbs up.

Thanks for sharing the Light Coach!

Bro. Gary Emerson
Springs Lodge No.378
Homosassa FL

New Video! The Coaches Coach: Building Builders

Building Builders Video - 04/23/2011

Hello Fellow Travelers!

Brothers,

I have the distinct honor of being a featured presenter on the "Worldwide Exemplification of Freemasonry" project sponsored by the GL of Indiana (WEOFM.ORG). My part of this project will be released "into the wild" tonight --Saturday April 23, 2011 at 8PM (20:00 DST).

This presentation is called "The Coaches Coach: Building Builders." It is a 50 minute fast paced audio-visual production that is filled with many overlapping themes.

You will want to become well acquainted with your rewind button as the rapid fire unfolding of information will at many times have at least two or more directions presented at one time.

Enjoy!

 

Fraternally and Sincerely,

Bro. Coach N

ps - If you look carefully, this free public video contains at least two spelling errors and one grammar error, all corrected in the DVD edition found at Building Builders.

 

Building Janus – Scavenger Hunt

Building Janus - 01/18/2011

Hello Fellow Travelers!

I've worked long and hard on this last volume and, as always, I've Built a list of questions in the form of a Scavenger Hunt.  They are answered by already available Light or by reading the chapters within my latest volume: Building Janus - Uncommon Catechism for Uncommon Masonic Education - Volume 4.  I hope you find them interesting.

1. What is the true purpose behind Catechisms and how is this purpose sabotaged by mechanistic application?
2. What is a “Bourne,” what Bounes are alluded to by Masonic activities and what are Masons directed toward that helps them identify and deal with these Bournes?
3. How do the words "Winnow" and "Widow" relate?
4. What did the word, “Speculation” mean at the beginning of the Grand Lodge era?
5. What is the Work of the first Degree and what Order does it create within Masons who complete it.
6. What are three symbolically doors that the Masonic Square and Compasses represent?
7. How many “Foreign Paths” does Masonry offer through its Blue Lodge activities?
8. What is the primary Working Tool of Master Masons?
9. To what concepts does the phrase” House not made by hands” Allude?
10. How do the Blue Lodge Grasps relate to Plato’s “Cave” Allegory?
11. What important alchemical symbol is represented by an Apron with the flap turned down?
12. What activities are Masters responsible for as they relate to the symbolism of Lions?
13. What is the root of the word “Widow?”
14. What “college” is believed by some to have been a catalyst for “Speculative” Masonry’s Formation?
15. To what does the Masonic Trowel spread to help create a "solid comprehension?"
16. Why was the Third Degree Legend added to Ritual?
17. What does the game “Bridge” have in common with Masons who do not complete the Work that Ritual refers to within the first two Degrees?
18. What three symbols offered collectively during the First Degree Allude to Metal Craft?
19. What is the Work of the second Degree and what Order does it create within Masons who complete it.
20. What variations of the “Points of Fellowship” have occurred over the years?
21. In what Western period was the Masonic “Grand Lodge Era” started?
22. What symbolic metallurgic processes are Masters involved in while mentoring?
23. What Threshing-floor activities are Masons expected to accomplish as it relates to the title “The Widow’s Son.”
24. How did early Speculative Lodge Members do to engage their members and “sharpen” their Brothers?
25. What types of Ashlars help to create a solid comprehension?
26. What purpose did the addition of the Ruffians serve as it relates to Masonic Quality Control?
27. What do Master Masons “draw out” from Rough and Perfect Ashlars if they do as Ritual directs?
28. What Characteristics will contribute to bright, intelligent and outstanding members becoming bored with Masonic instruction and interaction?
29. How do “Perpend Ashlars” and “Pontiff Activities” symbolically help Masters do their Work?
30. What does “Janus” have to do with Masonic Progress?
31. What is the Work of the Third Degree and what Order within a Mason does it confirm?
32. What must be present for bright, intelligent and outstanding members to remain engaged in what Speculative Lodges have to offer?
33. What title(s) is(are) related to Brothers who have a) “Sharpened their ability to Sharpen,” b) “Separated themselves as Ritual Directs,” and c) “been exalted and have Masonic students?”

Fraternally and Sincerely,

Bro. Coach N

A Few Thoughts on Masonic Education

Building Builders - 12/24/2010

Hello Fellow Travelers!

Freemasonic Education provides Light that supports Freemasonry – as in, “the Organization of Builders.” Masonic Education provides Light that Builds Builders. Masons should know the difference and act accordingly.

There’s a recurring theme in Masonic Education that is wholly self-defeating in respect to educating Masons on Masonry. What masquerades as Masonic Education is not truly Education supporting Masonry. If we were to be honest about what it actually is, we would have to be choosier with our word use. If I were to hazard an educated guess as to what words I would use, I would change the word “Masonic” to “Freemasonic.” I believe that this would describe more accurately what is currently put forth to Brothers as Education.

To get a better grip on what kind of Education would better serve our Brothers, it would serve us well to consider what is currently offered. A quick survey of what pretends to be Masonic Education is largely focused upon Ritual, Organization and History.

1. Education is offered that focuses upon Freemasonic Ritual Performance. It shows Masons how it is done right, when it is done wrong, what may not be done at all and sometimes how it is done elsewhere.

2. Education is offered that focuses upon the Freemasonic Organization. It reflects structural aspects of Freemasonry. This means how the Lodge and Grand Lodge function, which does what-when-where-how (and by whom) and what makes participation possible or not possible. This last item usually includes both Freemasonic Tradition and Law.

3. Education is offered that focuses upon Freemasonic History. It talks about the when and where of Masonic involvement, how some Freemasonic Ritual and Organizational structures came about and why and who may or may not have been involved and when.

Upon review, it is clear that what is offered as "Masonic: Education is intentionally designed to solely support the continuation of the Organization of Freemasonry. It supports the Organization of Builders but does not further the Education of Builders.  In essence, it's "Freemasonic" Education.

What education might further the Education of Builders? Responses to this question are best served by examining what the current machine designed to support the longevity of the Organization tells us – more specifically, examining Ritual’s message.

Without any doubt whatsoever, Ritual continuously points toward the Education that Builders need to become Masterful. From the start, it points toward Work that we Builders need to both be aware of and that we must do to assure that we become those “better men.” This “pointing” continues throughout.

Reviewing each step along the way, we encounter clues that are indirect and direct. The indirect clues are too numerous to express in a short and purposeful writing like this.*

Let me emphasize that the overt clues abound. The problem it that they hit us so gently that we may be tempted to gloss over them without a second thought. Let’s examination them more closely so that there are no doubts in your mind should you be tempted to dismiss them further.

The Entered Apprentice Ritual expresses exactly the Work we are to do prior to Passing to Fellow Craft. It points out that we are to Strengthen ourselves fully. It further expresses that this is a two-fold process. The first step is to unburden ourselves through divestiture of both Vices and Superfluities. The second step is to purposefully, and with great diligence, Build that Strength through the conscious practice of Virtue. Both are required to Build Strength. Both support each other. Both are necessary for what is to follow if the Fellow Craft Work is to be effective.

Examining the “Entered Apprentice” Work, it is easy to see that the Educational focus for such men entails preparing to learn. This means active participation in unburdening and Strengthening activities. To accomplish this, a Mason doing this Work must understand what Vices and Superfluities are, what they do, and how to constructively deal with divesting from them from his life. I venture to say that such Education is not offered in or through a typical Masonic Lodge's Educational or support activities. Perhaps this is because most men might assume that they already know all that they need to know about Vices and Superfluities. Perhaps they assume that, being men, knowing is the same as having put these issues in their lives to rest. I think it should not go unsaid that such assumptions erode the very foundation of what Masonry is supposed to be developing within our ranks. Furthermore, I would also venture to say that far too few “Raised” Masons have actually taken the time to educate themselves in these directions much less taken the time to apply what they have learned.

Examining the “Fellow Craft” Work, it is also easy to see that the Educational focus for such men entails learning how to learn. This means active participation in transforming the brain into a receptive vessel for learning. To accomplish this, a Mason doing this Work must understand what learning is, what they must do to learn, and how to constructively learn. Ritual points toward specific learning in its Staircase Lecture. I venture to say that any comprehensive Education dealing with the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences is not offered in or through a typical Masonic Lodge's Educational or support activities. As I stated before, perhaps this is because most men might assume that they already know all that they need to know about learning how to learn. Perhaps they assume that, being men, knowing that one needs to learn is satisfactory to continue along the path unhindered by any fact that they have not learned how to learn. I think it should not go unsaid here either that such assumptions also erode the same foundation of what Masonry is supposed to be developing within our ranks. Furthermore, I would also venture to say that far too few “Raised” Masons have actually taken the time to educate themselves in these directions much less taken the time to apply what they have learned.

Examining the “Master's” Work, it is also easy to see that the Educational focus for such men entails both learning which includes learning how to teach others how to both prepare to learn and learn how to learn. This means active participation in both applying what was learned and transforming behavior toward what helps nurture men. To accomplish the former, one must establish and execute a plan to learn what must be learned. This may include any facet of Philosophy or Theology, and there are countless facets to consider. To accomplish the latter, a Mason doing this Work must understand what nurturing is, what they must do to nurture, and how to constructively nurture. There is no doubt that Ritual points toward what Masters should learn. It points toward specific learning in its Monitorial Emblems. Masters have done the Work of the previous degrees. They will understand what the Monitorial Emblems point toward and they will engage themselves in those directions.

Ritual Legend also points toward what occurs to Masons who refuse to complete the Work** of the previous Degrees. I venture to say that any comprehensive Education dealing with the Monitorial Emblems and what Work they point toward is not offered in or through typical Masonic Lodge's Educational or support activities. As indicated before, perhaps this is because most men might assume that they already know all that they need to know about what to learn. Perhaps they assume that, being men, knowing that one must learn is satisfactory to continue along the path unhindered by any fact that they are not learning what to learn much less learning any of it. I think it should also not go unsaid here either that such assumptions erode the foundation of what Masonry is supposed to be developing within our ranks. Furthermore, I would also venture to say that far too few “Raised” Masons have actually taken the time to educate themselves in these directions much less taken the time to apply what they have learned.

If you do not glean clearly what Masons should be educating themselves and their Brothers in, you can gain further insight into this by reviewing my Blog, “Building Builders” or through reading of some of the Masonic Education “Building Series” of books that I’ve previously put forth.

Fraternally and Sincerely,

Bro. Coach N


* (For those interested in these, I’ve expressed many of them throughout my “Building Series.” Exploring each book in the series reveals this consistent theme along with the overt clues that we will here review in brief. )
** Referred to within ritual as "Completing the Temple"