5th Degree: Perfect Master

Way of the Hermit

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
In this episode, the virtues of industry and honesty are explored through the lens of the Perfect Master degree, with a particular emphasis on moral conduct in both personal and business matters. The symbolism of bees is used to underscore the importance of staying busy and avoiding idleness, drawing a parallel between the industrious nature of bees and the Masonic call to productive and mindful living. The discussion extends into the division of one's day for various activities, advocating for a balanced approach to work, charity, and personal growth. This segment of the conversation serves as a reminder of the finite nature of time and the importance of using it wisely.
As the episode progresses, the contemplation of death emerges as a central theme, with the hosts delving into the ritualistic aspects of the Perfect Master degree, including the symbolism of the skull and crossbones. The conversation is enriched by reflections on the inevitability of death and the human condition of facing this reality, drawing on Steve Jobs' thoughts on death to highlight the importance of living a meaningful life. The hosts discuss the impact of good deeds and the legacy left by individuals, emphasizing the idea that one's actions and influence can achieve a form of immortality. The episode concludes with a focus on preparing for one's own mortality, both physically and emotionally, and the importance of striving to be better each day as a means of finding peace and facing death calmly.
This series on the Scottish Rite uses the following primary sources (which you are encouraged to read as well):

• Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition
• Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide
• A Bridge to Light

Diagrams:

• Lodge of the Perfect Master (Book of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry - 1867)

Overview

• 01:14 Introduction
• 04:12 Morals & Dogma
• 04:51 Stay Busy
• 06:31 Where is Your Mind?
• 08:47 Level, Plumb and Square
• 10:41 Contemplating Death
• 13:25 You Are Going to Die
• 16:33 A Few Good Men
• 17:07 Becoming Immortal
• 18:30 Fear Not a Good Death
• 19:57 Lighten Your Load
• 20:19 Better Than Yesterday

Links:

• Steve Jobs Speech (YouTube)
• John Dies at the End (Wikipedia)
• Revenant (Wikipedia)
• How to conduct a Masonic Funeral (PhoenixMasonry)
• Aghori (Wikipedia)

Chapters

1. 5th Degree: Perfect Master (00:00:00)

2. Introduction (00:01:14)

3. Morals and Dogma (00:04:12)

4. Stay Busy (00:04:51)

5. Where is Your Mind? (00:06:31)

6. Level, Plumb and Square (00:08:47)

7. Contemplating Death (00:10:41)

8. You Are Going to Die (00:13:25)

9. A Few Good Men (00:16:33)

10. Becoming Immortal (00:17:07)

11. Fear Not a Good Death (00:18:30)

12. Lighten Your Load (00:19:57)

13. Better Than Yesterday (00:20:19)