|
|
Sunday, February 22, 2009
King Arthur - ATrue Story?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The American Fons Honorum
by Bauceant »
Fri May 04, 2007 8:43 am
When asked, most Americans would reply that there are "no knights" in the U.S. As every school child learns, ours is a democratic nation and the U.S. Constitution probibits the assignment of noble and royal titles to it's citizens. As this quote from Alexander Hamilton in "The Federalist" illustrates, this was a very important issue to the American founding fathers:
"Nothing need be said to illustrate the importance of the prohibition of titles of nobility. This may truly be denominated the corner stone of republican government; for so long as they are excluded, there can never be serious danger that the government will be any other than that of the people."(1)
So strong was the law maker's desire to prohibit such titles from being bestowed on it's citizens, that a further amendment was proposed that would strip recipients of such awards of their citizenship. This amendment, proposed by senator Philip Reed in 1810; read in part:
"If any citizen of the United States shall accept, claim, receive, or retain, any title of nobility, or honor, or shall, without the consent of Congress, accept any present, pension, office or emolument, of any kind whatever, from any Emperor, King, Prince or foreign Power, such person shall cease to be a citizen of the United States, and shall be incapable of holding any office of trust or profit under them, or either of them." (2)
Thankfully, however, that Amendment was never ratified; leaving modern legislators and lawmakers the opportunity for a much wider interpretation of the original law. So, now that we have an idea of what didn't happen, let us turn our attention to what does Article I: Section 9, Paragraph 8 of the Constitution (the "Emolument Clause") does provide for:
"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."
According to many scholars and historians, the purpose of the Emolument Clause was two-fold:
1) prevent our fledgling government of instituting it's own system of nobles and titles.
2) to prevent royalty existing at that time from using promised preferments and titles as bribes in order to obtain cooperation from U.S. citizens.
The first thing an attentive reader should note is that the text in this section is very specific as to whom it applies to. Private citizens are, by textual ommission, exempt from compliance under Article I. It is only a "Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them (i.e. the U.S. Government) who is prohibited from accepting noble or royal honours. Once a citizen relinquishes their public office (at whatever level he/she holds it), they are no longer part of the "prohibited class" and may accept such honours are conveyed upon them without (as they say in Medieval parlance) "let, or hindrance from any."
In 1966, to help clarify the guidelines regarding honors bestowed on Americans by foreign governments (such "honors" including, but not limited to: orders, devices, medals, badges, insignias, emblems or awards") the U.S. Congress passed the "Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act."(5 U.S. Code (U.S.C.) 7342). In this Act:
"...Congress consents to the accepting, retaining, and wearing by an employee of a decoration tendered in recognition of active field service in time of combat operations or awarded for other outstanding or unusually meritorious performance, subject to the approval of the employing agency of such employee."
During later review of said Act, the U.S. Department of Justice ruled that an honorary knighthood should be considered an "Order", and as such is considered as permitted by the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act.
_________________________________________
1. The Federalist No. 84, at 577-78 (Alexander Hamilton) (J. Cooke ed., 1961).
2. 20 Annals of Congress, pg. 530 (1810).
TO BE CONTINUED...
Fri May 04, 2007 8:43 am
When asked, most Americans would reply that there are "no knights" in the U.S. As every school child learns, ours is a democratic nation and the U.S. Constitution probibits the assignment of noble and royal titles to it's citizens. As this quote from Alexander Hamilton in "The Federalist" illustrates, this was a very important issue to the American founding fathers:
"Nothing need be said to illustrate the importance of the prohibition of titles of nobility. This may truly be denominated the corner stone of republican government; for so long as they are excluded, there can never be serious danger that the government will be any other than that of the people."(1)
So strong was the law maker's desire to prohibit such titles from being bestowed on it's citizens, that a further amendment was proposed that would strip recipients of such awards of their citizenship. This amendment, proposed by senator Philip Reed in 1810; read in part:
"If any citizen of the United States shall accept, claim, receive, or retain, any title of nobility, or honor, or shall, without the consent of Congress, accept any present, pension, office or emolument, of any kind whatever, from any Emperor, King, Prince or foreign Power, such person shall cease to be a citizen of the United States, and shall be incapable of holding any office of trust or profit under them, or either of them." (2)
Thankfully, however, that Amendment was never ratified; leaving modern legislators and lawmakers the opportunity for a much wider interpretation of the original law. So, now that we have an idea of what didn't happen, let us turn our attention to what does Article I: Section 9, Paragraph 8 of the Constitution (the "Emolument Clause") does provide for:
"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."
According to many scholars and historians, the purpose of the Emolument Clause was two-fold:
1) prevent our fledgling government of instituting it's own system of nobles and titles.
2) to prevent royalty existing at that time from using promised preferments and titles as bribes in order to obtain cooperation from U.S. citizens.
The first thing an attentive reader should note is that the text in this section is very specific as to whom it applies to. Private citizens are, by textual ommission, exempt from compliance under Article I. It is only a "Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them (i.e. the U.S. Government) who is prohibited from accepting noble or royal honours. Once a citizen relinquishes their public office (at whatever level he/she holds it), they are no longer part of the "prohibited class" and may accept such honours are conveyed upon them without (as they say in Medieval parlance) "let, or hindrance from any."
In 1966, to help clarify the guidelines regarding honors bestowed on Americans by foreign governments (such "honors" including, but not limited to: orders, devices, medals, badges, insignias, emblems or awards") the U.S. Congress passed the "Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act."(5 U.S. Code (U.S.C.) 7342). In this Act:
"...Congress consents to the accepting, retaining, and wearing by an employee of a decoration tendered in recognition of active field service in time of combat operations or awarded for other outstanding or unusually meritorious performance, subject to the approval of the employing agency of such employee."
During later review of said Act, the U.S. Department of Justice ruled that an honorary knighthood should be considered an "Order", and as such is considered as permitted by the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act.
_________________________________________
1. The Federalist No. 84, at 577-78 (Alexander Hamilton) (J. Cooke ed., 1961).
2. 20 Annals of Congress, pg. 530 (1810).
TO BE CONTINUED...
Jacques de Longuyon ~ Les Neuf Preux
by Bauceant
Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:36 pm
The Nine Worthies (les Neuf Preux) were nine historical, scriptural, mythological or semi-legendary figures who, in the Middle Ages, were considered to be the personifications of the chivalric ideals. As an allegory for the chivalric ieal, Les Neuf Preux were first postulated in the early fourteenth century by Jacques de Longuyon in his chanson de geste entitled Voeux du Paon (1312). Organized into three groups of three, these nine exemplars of the ideas of chivalry were divided among three distinct groups: Pagan, Jewish and Christian. The Worthies were:
Pagan
Hector
Alexander the Great
Julius Caesar
Jewish
Joshua
David Judas
Maccabeus
Christian
King Arthur
Charlemagne
Godfrey of Bouillon
__________________
by Bauceant »
Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:23 pm
The following balade was written in 1386 by the prolific French writer Eustaches Deschamps. A contemporary of England's Geoffrey Chaucer, Dechamps laments the degeneration of the chivalric character in his "current age" and uses the Nine Worthies as examples of what those in positions of power should have aspired to in the way of moral character and behavior. ________________________________________
"CONTRE LES VICES DES TEMPS"
(Against the Vices of the Times)
Eustaches Deschamps (1386)
If it were possible for human nature
To revive those who have turned to ashes,
The worthy Hector, Arthur, and Charlemagne,
Julius Caesar, Godfrey, Alexander,
David, Judas, and Joshua who were willing
To take so much trouble in order to conquer
And to gain honor and renown,
And were they to be brought back to life,
I believe they all would wish to die again
Thus seeing the envy of the world,
And the suffering that everyone here inflicts,
Of coveting, robbing, expropriating, and acquiring,
Of deceiving his neighbor, man or woman,
Of abandoning honor and taking up vices,
Doing evil to the good, and rewarding the wicked,
Doing disservice to the noble and generous heart
But serving and honoring the wicked,
And foolishly waging war against one another;
All the nine worthies would wish to make an end
Thus seeing the envy of the world.
It would seem a wicked thing to them
To compare time present with time past,
When honor was in the world, sovereign
Knowledge, which made everyone understand
To love the good, and Largesse bestowed
Reward on everyone, in order to uphold valor
And loyalty, to maintain prowess: Justice and
Right held lordship. It goes otherwise; they would all wish to perish
Thus seeing the envy of the world.
Envoy Princes, there is no one, if he has common sense,
And knew the tyranny of the world,
Who would not wish to die directly,
Thus seeing the envy of the world.
http://www.wwnorton.com/college/english/nael/middleages/topic_2/deschamps.htm (Download 7-3-08)
Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:36 pm
The Nine Worthies (les Neuf Preux) were nine historical, scriptural, mythological or semi-legendary figures who, in the Middle Ages, were considered to be the personifications of the chivalric ideals. As an allegory for the chivalric ieal, Les Neuf Preux were first postulated in the early fourteenth century by Jacques de Longuyon in his chanson de geste entitled Voeux du Paon (1312). Organized into three groups of three, these nine exemplars of the ideas of chivalry were divided among three distinct groups: Pagan, Jewish and Christian. The Worthies were:
Pagan
Hector
Alexander the Great
Julius Caesar
Jewish
Joshua
David Judas
Maccabeus
Christian
King Arthur
Charlemagne
Godfrey of Bouillon
__________________
by Bauceant »
Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:23 pm
The following balade was written in 1386 by the prolific French writer Eustaches Deschamps. A contemporary of England's Geoffrey Chaucer, Dechamps laments the degeneration of the chivalric character in his "current age" and uses the Nine Worthies as examples of what those in positions of power should have aspired to in the way of moral character and behavior. ________________________________________
"CONTRE LES VICES DES TEMPS"
(Against the Vices of the Times)
Eustaches Deschamps (1386)
If it were possible for human nature
To revive those who have turned to ashes,
The worthy Hector, Arthur, and Charlemagne,
Julius Caesar, Godfrey, Alexander,
David, Judas, and Joshua who were willing
To take so much trouble in order to conquer
And to gain honor and renown,
And were they to be brought back to life,
I believe they all would wish to die again
Thus seeing the envy of the world,
And the suffering that everyone here inflicts,
Of coveting, robbing, expropriating, and acquiring,
Of deceiving his neighbor, man or woman,
Of abandoning honor and taking up vices,
Doing evil to the good, and rewarding the wicked,
Doing disservice to the noble and generous heart
But serving and honoring the wicked,
And foolishly waging war against one another;
All the nine worthies would wish to make an end
Thus seeing the envy of the world.
It would seem a wicked thing to them
To compare time present with time past,
When honor was in the world, sovereign
Knowledge, which made everyone understand
To love the good, and Largesse bestowed
Reward on everyone, in order to uphold valor
And loyalty, to maintain prowess: Justice and
Right held lordship. It goes otherwise; they would all wish to perish
Thus seeing the envy of the world.
Envoy Princes, there is no one, if he has common sense,
And knew the tyranny of the world,
Who would not wish to die directly,
Thus seeing the envy of the world.
http://www.wwnorton.com/college/english/nael/middleages/topic_2/deschamps.htm (Download 7-3-08)
Le Chevalier Errant~Thomas, Marquis de Saluzzo (de Saluces)
by Bauceant »
Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:21 pm
In the late 14th Century, Thomas, Marquis of Saluzzo (Saluces) wrote the manuscript for the allegorical poem Le Chevalier Errant (1) In this important text on Medieval Chivalry, the Marquis of Saluzzo cites nine women as "les neuf Preuses" or the "Nine Worthy Women" whose qualities were the embodiment of the chivalric ideal:
Deiphille
Iynoppe
Hippolyte
Menalyppe
Semiramis
Lampetho
Thamarys
Theuca
Penthésilée(i)
_________________________________________
(1) (Bibliothèque nationale, Paris, mss. Fr. 12559, fol. 125v; manuscript dated 1403-04). (2) Velde, Francois. http://www.heraldica.org/topics/worthies.htm _________________________________________
(i) Compared to the list feature in the 15th Cenury work Triomphe des Neuf Preux. In this work, the list of Worthies is slightly different: Deborah, Judith, Esther, Susanna, Lucretia, Boadicia (or Boudicca), Mariamne, Saint Clotilde, and Andegona (or Antigone)
Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:21 pm
In the late 14th Century, Thomas, Marquis of Saluzzo (Saluces) wrote the manuscript for the allegorical poem Le Chevalier Errant (1) In this important text on Medieval Chivalry, the Marquis of Saluzzo cites nine women as "les neuf Preuses" or the "Nine Worthy Women" whose qualities were the embodiment of the chivalric ideal:
Deiphille
Iynoppe
Hippolyte
Menalyppe
Semiramis
Lampetho
Thamarys
Theuca
Penthésilée(i)
_________________________________________
(1) (Bibliothèque nationale, Paris, mss. Fr. 12559, fol. 125v; manuscript dated 1403-04). (2) Velde, Francois. http://www.heraldica.org/topics/worthies.htm _________________________________________
(i) Compared to the list feature in the 15th Cenury work Triomphe des Neuf Preux. In this work, the list of Worthies is slightly different: Deborah, Judith, Esther, Susanna, Lucretia, Boadicia (or Boudicca), Mariamne, Saint Clotilde, and Andegona (or Antigone)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Templar Studies : The Beauceant
As exoteric heraldic display goes, the Beauceant is an extremely simple Blazon. Since there are no charges on the field anywhere, the heraldic description would be something to the effect of: "Party per fess, agent & sable."
IMHO - however, the Beauceant is deceptive in it's simplicity. Quite without the use of charges and/or embellishments it's message is both powerful and profound. In its juxtaposition of black and white, one is reminded of the Kabbalistic "Pillars of the Temple"...Boaz (Black) and Jachin (White)...within whose sway "Might and Mercy" reside.
For me, this interpretation of the banner makes sense. In a book I recently read, the author indicates that the Templars used the following "Challenge" before engaging the enemy in battle: "In the Name of the Lord Almighty I call upon you to relinquish your weapons and receive the Mercy of Christ the King."
... Note the wording on the bolded sections (i.e. the "Might" of God, and the Mercy of Christ).
If it is indeed true that this Challenge was used, then I find this to be (at the very least) an interesting coincidence...
IMHO - however, the Beauceant is deceptive in it's simplicity. Quite without the use of charges and/or embellishments it's message is both powerful and profound. In its juxtaposition of black and white, one is reminded of the Kabbalistic "Pillars of the Temple"...Boaz (Black) and Jachin (White)...within whose sway "Might and Mercy" reside.
For me, this interpretation of the banner makes sense. In a book I recently read, the author indicates that the Templars used the following "Challenge" before engaging the enemy in battle: "In the Name of the Lord Almighty I call upon you to relinquish your weapons and receive the Mercy of Christ the King."
... Note the wording on the bolded sections (i.e. the "Might" of God, and the Mercy of Christ).
If it is indeed true that this Challenge was used, then I find this to be (at the very least) an interesting coincidence...
The Templar Rule: The Initiation of a Candidate
From: kynara54leddon (Original Message)
Sent: 1/20/2006 5:34 PM
Among the many things included in the historical Templar Rule is the formula for reception of a Templar brother. Before the candidate is admitted into the ranks of those who will become his spiritual brothers in both adversity and triumpth (as well as being allowed into the assemblage known as the "General Chapter"), the following is read by the Master or presiding Preceptor:
"Fine brother kinights [Biaus seignor freres], you see that the majority has agreed that this man should be made a brother. If there be someone amongst you who know something which prevents him from becoming a brother according to the Rule, then say it, since it is better to say it before he has come before us."($657) (1)
Hearing no objections on the candidate from the assembled bretheren, then the candidate is brought forward before the Chapter. At this time, the candidate is advised of the difficulty of the path he has chosen. In resounding terms, the Rule outlines the many dangers and difficulties inherent in the life of a warrior monk...not in the least, the loss of personal freedom and self rule:
"You see us with fine horses, and fine harness and eat well and drink well and possess fine clothes, and it therefore appears to you that you will be much at your comfort. But you do not know of the harsh commandments which obtain here within: because it is a hard thing that you, you are master of yourself, should become the serf of another...if you wish to be on thr land this side of the sea, you will be sent to the other side; if you wish to be at Acre, you will be sent to Tripoli..." ($561) (2)
Much of the rest of the Reception ceremony apparently has to do with the interrogation of the candidate, to ensure that he has met all the criteria for consideration. When this thorough interrogation concludes, the candidate having met all criteria successfully, candidate is asked one final question. As historian Edward Burman elaborates: "The final grand question, that still resounds magnificantly after seven centuries leaves no room for doubt that the prospective knight is leaving behind him the trappings of his life up to that moment: 'Do you wish to be, for all the days of your life, servant and slave of the house?' To which the candidates replies: 'Yes, if God wills, sire.'* (3)
Having now affirmed his intent to be entered into the order, the newly invested brother is required to swear loyalty to the Master as well as to loyally serve the order. The ceremony then concludes with an explanation of the Rules of the order, instructions on conduct, and guidelines for religious disciplines.
With dilligence (and very close adherence to the order's Rule), it is to be hoped that such a thorough instruction of the new candidate will help him long reside in the order, while keeping him from "losing his habit" (pert son abit), or "losing his house" (pert son maison) through intentional or unintentional breaking of the Rules so painstakingly presented and explained. *
[Translation: French] 'Voles vos estre, tous le jours de vostre vie mes, sers et esclaf de la mison? "Oill, se Dieu plaist, Sire."]
_______________________________
(1) Burman, Edward "The Templars: Knights of Christ" Crucible: London. 1986. Pp. 47
(2) Ibid Pp. 47
(3) Ibid Pp. 47
Sent: 1/20/2006 5:34 PM
Among the many things included in the historical Templar Rule is the formula for reception of a Templar brother. Before the candidate is admitted into the ranks of those who will become his spiritual brothers in both adversity and triumpth (as well as being allowed into the assemblage known as the "General Chapter"), the following is read by the Master or presiding Preceptor:
"Fine brother kinights [Biaus seignor freres], you see that the majority has agreed that this man should be made a brother. If there be someone amongst you who know something which prevents him from becoming a brother according to the Rule, then say it, since it is better to say it before he has come before us."($657) (1)
Hearing no objections on the candidate from the assembled bretheren, then the candidate is brought forward before the Chapter. At this time, the candidate is advised of the difficulty of the path he has chosen. In resounding terms, the Rule outlines the many dangers and difficulties inherent in the life of a warrior monk...not in the least, the loss of personal freedom and self rule:
"You see us with fine horses, and fine harness and eat well and drink well and possess fine clothes, and it therefore appears to you that you will be much at your comfort. But you do not know of the harsh commandments which obtain here within: because it is a hard thing that you, you are master of yourself, should become the serf of another...if you wish to be on thr land this side of the sea, you will be sent to the other side; if you wish to be at Acre, you will be sent to Tripoli..." ($561) (2)
Much of the rest of the Reception ceremony apparently has to do with the interrogation of the candidate, to ensure that he has met all the criteria for consideration. When this thorough interrogation concludes, the candidate having met all criteria successfully, candidate is asked one final question. As historian Edward Burman elaborates: "The final grand question, that still resounds magnificantly after seven centuries leaves no room for doubt that the prospective knight is leaving behind him the trappings of his life up to that moment: 'Do you wish to be, for all the days of your life, servant and slave of the house?' To which the candidates replies: 'Yes, if God wills, sire.'* (3)
Having now affirmed his intent to be entered into the order, the newly invested brother is required to swear loyalty to the Master as well as to loyally serve the order. The ceremony then concludes with an explanation of the Rules of the order, instructions on conduct, and guidelines for religious disciplines.
With dilligence (and very close adherence to the order's Rule), it is to be hoped that such a thorough instruction of the new candidate will help him long reside in the order, while keeping him from "losing his habit" (pert son abit), or "losing his house" (pert son maison) through intentional or unintentional breaking of the Rules so painstakingly presented and explained. *
[Translation: French] 'Voles vos estre, tous le jours de vostre vie mes, sers et esclaf de la mison? "Oill, se Dieu plaist, Sire."]
_______________________________
(1) Burman, Edward "The Templars: Knights of Christ" Crucible: London. 1986. Pp. 47
(2) Ibid Pp. 47
(3) Ibid Pp. 47
Templars and the Vow of Chastity
From: kynara54leddon (Original Message)
Sent: 1/19/2006 1:40 PM
NOTE: This topic was first posted on TemplarHistory.com by the author (C. Leddon) on 11-20-05. It has been transferred here with the permission of the author..
______________________________________________
IMHO - Chastity, as defined in the Templar Rule, represents not so much a constraining of energy (and spedific behaviors), but a channeling of them. Since men *are* rather "hard-wired" for certain biological responses (and imperatives), mastering this particular discipline implies an absolute focus of Will, a focus that once learned can be applied to other uses... So, is it possible that the Discipline of Chastity is more than it appears? (Certainly, as monks, celibacy would have been sufficient to maintain order and discipline....)
For example, the term often applied to Templar troops in battle is "implacable". Certainly, some of the leaders *did* indulge in rash campaigns (and arrogant decisions), but they seem to be relatively rare. Also, despite their reputation for martial prowess, you seldom ever hear of Templars indulging in "berserker rages" (a tactic that *might* otherwise account for some of their formidable reputation.)
So, I have to admit that I wonder about this. While it would be easy to discount this entirely (and chock it up to the time period's opinion that "women are icky, stay away from them!") it feels like some other factor is at work here as well. I probably wouldn't have even thought of this...but as a fledgling fighter, I'm often told by my more experienced colleagues that I need to "focus" ...even in mock combat, a lot can go wrong at the last second if you are not completely engaged and focused on your opponent. In a melee situation, this is even more true...especially when you're trying to save your own hide, protect your own banner bearer *and* listen to the commands of the marshals and/or heralds.
As a monk, this kind of "focus" also has it's applications. As a young person, I used to spend literally hours sweeping (and resweeping) the walkways at the California Mission nearby. This particular Spanish Colonial Era structure still had a monastic community attached to it, so once in a while I would see the monks at their labors...and given some of the mindless, repetitive tasks they were doing...being able to focus on one thing would have made that process much easier.
So, I guess (if one were to consider the "chicken and egg question", I would say that the discipline first had monastic applications ...and then (once mastered) might have been developed for military ones. This is, certainly, all speculation on my part...but as a student of history, I've found that many human endeavors are actually quite consistent (even over cultural boundaries)...and when compared side to side (as we did with the Chivalry for Children program), the various warrior codes have some amazing parallels ...
So, Ladies & Gentlemen, what do you think? Was the Discipline of Chastity more than just adhering to the Rule's Cistercian origins? Or could this adherence to "Chastity" represent the underpinnings of training that could benefit the Knight on (and off) the battlefield?
(And don't worry about calling me "nuts" on this...you won't be the first one to do so over one of my strange (and no doubt heretical) theories... )
Sent: 1/19/2006 1:40 PM
NOTE: This topic was first posted on TemplarHistory.com by the author (C. Leddon) on 11-20-05. It has been transferred here with the permission of the author..
______________________________________________
IMHO - Chastity, as defined in the Templar Rule, represents not so much a constraining of energy (and spedific behaviors), but a channeling of them. Since men *are* rather "hard-wired" for certain biological responses (and imperatives), mastering this particular discipline implies an absolute focus of Will, a focus that once learned can be applied to other uses... So, is it possible that the Discipline of Chastity is more than it appears? (Certainly, as monks, celibacy would have been sufficient to maintain order and discipline....)
For example, the term often applied to Templar troops in battle is "implacable". Certainly, some of the leaders *did* indulge in rash campaigns (and arrogant decisions), but they seem to be relatively rare. Also, despite their reputation for martial prowess, you seldom ever hear of Templars indulging in "berserker rages" (a tactic that *might* otherwise account for some of their formidable reputation.)
So, I have to admit that I wonder about this. While it would be easy to discount this entirely (and chock it up to the time period's opinion that "women are icky, stay away from them!") it feels like some other factor is at work here as well. I probably wouldn't have even thought of this...but as a fledgling fighter, I'm often told by my more experienced colleagues that I need to "focus" ...even in mock combat, a lot can go wrong at the last second if you are not completely engaged and focused on your opponent. In a melee situation, this is even more true...especially when you're trying to save your own hide, protect your own banner bearer *and* listen to the commands of the marshals and/or heralds.
As a monk, this kind of "focus" also has it's applications. As a young person, I used to spend literally hours sweeping (and resweeping) the walkways at the California Mission nearby. This particular Spanish Colonial Era structure still had a monastic community attached to it, so once in a while I would see the monks at their labors...and given some of the mindless, repetitive tasks they were doing...being able to focus on one thing would have made that process much easier.
So, I guess (if one were to consider the "chicken and egg question", I would say that the discipline first had monastic applications ...and then (once mastered) might have been developed for military ones. This is, certainly, all speculation on my part...but as a student of history, I've found that many human endeavors are actually quite consistent (even over cultural boundaries)...and when compared side to side (as we did with the Chivalry for Children program), the various warrior codes have some amazing parallels ...
So, Ladies & Gentlemen, what do you think? Was the Discipline of Chastity more than just adhering to the Rule's Cistercian origins? Or could this adherence to "Chastity" represent the underpinnings of training that could benefit the Knight on (and off) the battlefield?
(And don't worry about calling me "nuts" on this...you won't be the first one to do so over one of my strange (and no doubt heretical) theories... )
Templar Studies : On the Topic of: Tibet and the Alchemy of Compassion
From: kynara54leddon (Original Message)
Sent: 5/23/2006 6:55 PM
Last night I had the distinct honor of being invited to attend a lecture sponsored by The Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Center of Wichita. Thinking with fondness the stories of Tibet that Raymond Bernard recounts in his book "Letters from Nowhere" I decided to accept my friend's invitation to attend.
Arriving at the small Episcopal Church just before 7:00, I scanned the room for my friend and the other members of the group who had invited me. Not seeing anyone I recognized, I was preparing to take my seat in the back of the room when a red-clad monk walked up and gestured for me to follow him. Moments later, I was astounded to be invited to sit in a chair in the very front row. But thankfully my discomfort was short-lived as my Buddhist friend joined me shortly after.
As the clock reached 7:00, a small gong sounded, announcing the arrival of the Ven. Bardor Tulku Rinpoche and his party. As the back door of the sanctuary opened, we rose to greet our honored guest. Smiling gently, the Teacher returned our salutations and then took his seat at the front of the room. After a few moments to allow his translator to prepare his materials and the audience to settle in, he began to speak.
As had been previously announced, the topic of the evening's lecture was: "A Path of Compassion and Peace in a Troubled World." As a teacher in the Karma Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, Rinpoche began his lecture by explaining the nature of Karma.
_______________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 5/23/2006 7:38 PM
Karma he explained, simply represents the teaching that a person bears the sole and unique responsibility for their actions. At this basic level, right or wrong, good or bad, we and only we are responsible for what we say and do and ultimately, the suffering (or happiness) that results from our actions. But Karma is also a powerful vehicle for change as well. As Rinpoche went on to explain, each and every one of us possesses very powerful resources; the ability to manifest true wisdom; the potential to express gentleness and genuine compassion; and the potiential to use these things as vehicles to alleviate suffering in our lives, as well as the world at large. By learning about ourselves, he explained, and by taking responsibility for our own negative Karma, we can come to understand the causes of our suffering. Once we do this, we become the Master of our Suffering, and in doing so not only gain the ability to decide how we will respond to it, but the ability to decide how we will respond to it IN OTHERS. It is this ability (or empathy), which is the true catalyst for Compassion and Love.
_______________________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 6/26/2006 2:46 PM
As the lecture continued, Rinpoche went on to introduce a work called "The Eight Verses on Transforming the Mind" One of the most important texts from a genre of Tibetan spiritual writings known as the lo-jong, this work (whose title literally translates as 'transforming the mind.') was written by the eleventh-century Tibetan master Langri Thangpa. According to the Dalai Lama's book "The Dalai Lama's Little Book of Wisdom", some of the seminal themes of the lo-jong include: "the enhancement of compassion, the cultivation of balanced attitudes toward self and others, the development of positive ways of thinking, and the transformation of adverse situations into conditions to favorable to spiritual development." (Pg. 129)
_____________________________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 7/21/2006 1:51 PM
Considered essential to the development and understand of Compassion as a vehicle to Enlightenment, the Chenrezig Meditation is one of the few Tibetan Meditation practices which are allowed the student before Initiation. According to Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche, who served for many years as the Chief Meditation Master of the Kagyu Lineage:"Most tantrayana or vajrarana visualization and mantra practices require that an initiation and subsequent authorization and instruction be given by a qualified lama before the sadhana, or ritual practice, can begin. However, a few practices, those that were given publicly by Lord Buddha Shakyamuni, do not fall under such restrictions. Very definitely, all the practices given in the Sutras have the full blessing of the Buddha and therefore can be practiced if one has the aspiration to do so. Such practices include those of the noble Chenrezig and of the mother of the buddhas, Green Tara. Naturally, whenever it is possible for you to take the vajrayana initiation of Chenrezig or Green Tara, you are encouraged to do so." (from the book "Gently Whispered")As Bokar Rinpoche wrote, in Chenrezig: Lord of Love, these clarifying remarks: "As long as one considers Chenrezig outside oneself, the initiation, in fact, is not indispensable. However, to meditate on oneself in the form of the deity and to actually accomplish the phases of creation and completion, the initiation is necessary."
__________________________________________________
As I promised to do so, I would very much like to share this meditation with you. Before I do so, however, I would like to spend a bit more time with my instructors. Hopefully, after my next session in August, I will be able to do so.
__________________________________________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 10/8/2006 8:57 PM
My profound thanks to Lama Kathy for her advice, patience, and compassionate teaching of this technique. To her I can only say: Tashi Delek.....
__________________________________________
The Chenrezig Meditation, in conjunction with Tonglen (Taking & Sending) the Chenrezig Meditation is used to help an individual in his/her development of the "Compassionate" mindset. According to Tibetan scholar Pema Chodron:
"The tonglen practice is a method for connecting with suffering – ours and that which is all around us – everywhere we go. It is a method for overcoming fear of suffering and for dissolving the tightness of our heart. Primarily it is a method for awakening the compassion that is inherent in all of us, no matter how cruel or cold we might seem to be." Simple in explanation, but very difficult in practice, Tonglen represents the very heart of what I have come to know as the Alchemy of Compassion. As an explanation of the technique, once again let me share with you the words of Pema Chodron:"You breathe in the pain of a specific person or animal that you wish to help. You breathe out to that person spaciousness or kindness or a good meal or a cup of coffee - whatever you feel would lighten their load. You can do this for anyone: the homeless mother that you pass on the street, your suicidal uncle, or yourself and the pain you are feeling at that very moment. The main point is that the suffering should be real, totally untheoretical. It should be heartfelt, tangible, honest, and vivid."
http://www.dharma-haven.org/tibetan/meditation.htm
As I understand the discipline, in it's purest form, Tibetan Meditation is a "universal" practice, in other words, all beings are prayed for regardless of gender, race, culture or species.
Sent: 5/23/2006 6:55 PM
Last night I had the distinct honor of being invited to attend a lecture sponsored by The Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Center of Wichita. Thinking with fondness the stories of Tibet that Raymond Bernard recounts in his book "Letters from Nowhere" I decided to accept my friend's invitation to attend.
Arriving at the small Episcopal Church just before 7:00, I scanned the room for my friend and the other members of the group who had invited me. Not seeing anyone I recognized, I was preparing to take my seat in the back of the room when a red-clad monk walked up and gestured for me to follow him. Moments later, I was astounded to be invited to sit in a chair in the very front row. But thankfully my discomfort was short-lived as my Buddhist friend joined me shortly after.
As the clock reached 7:00, a small gong sounded, announcing the arrival of the Ven. Bardor Tulku Rinpoche and his party. As the back door of the sanctuary opened, we rose to greet our honored guest. Smiling gently, the Teacher returned our salutations and then took his seat at the front of the room. After a few moments to allow his translator to prepare his materials and the audience to settle in, he began to speak.
As had been previously announced, the topic of the evening's lecture was: "A Path of Compassion and Peace in a Troubled World." As a teacher in the Karma Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, Rinpoche began his lecture by explaining the nature of Karma.
_______________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 5/23/2006 7:38 PM
Karma he explained, simply represents the teaching that a person bears the sole and unique responsibility for their actions. At this basic level, right or wrong, good or bad, we and only we are responsible for what we say and do and ultimately, the suffering (or happiness) that results from our actions. But Karma is also a powerful vehicle for change as well. As Rinpoche went on to explain, each and every one of us possesses very powerful resources; the ability to manifest true wisdom; the potential to express gentleness and genuine compassion; and the potiential to use these things as vehicles to alleviate suffering in our lives, as well as the world at large. By learning about ourselves, he explained, and by taking responsibility for our own negative Karma, we can come to understand the causes of our suffering. Once we do this, we become the Master of our Suffering, and in doing so not only gain the ability to decide how we will respond to it, but the ability to decide how we will respond to it IN OTHERS. It is this ability (or empathy), which is the true catalyst for Compassion and Love.
_______________________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 6/26/2006 2:46 PM
As the lecture continued, Rinpoche went on to introduce a work called "The Eight Verses on Transforming the Mind" One of the most important texts from a genre of Tibetan spiritual writings known as the lo-jong, this work (whose title literally translates as 'transforming the mind.') was written by the eleventh-century Tibetan master Langri Thangpa. According to the Dalai Lama's book "The Dalai Lama's Little Book of Wisdom", some of the seminal themes of the lo-jong include: "the enhancement of compassion, the cultivation of balanced attitudes toward self and others, the development of positive ways of thinking, and the transformation of adverse situations into conditions to favorable to spiritual development." (Pg. 129)
_____________________________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 7/21/2006 1:51 PM
Considered essential to the development and understand of Compassion as a vehicle to Enlightenment, the Chenrezig Meditation is one of the few Tibetan Meditation practices which are allowed the student before Initiation. According to Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche, who served for many years as the Chief Meditation Master of the Kagyu Lineage:"Most tantrayana or vajrarana visualization and mantra practices require that an initiation and subsequent authorization and instruction be given by a qualified lama before the sadhana, or ritual practice, can begin. However, a few practices, those that were given publicly by Lord Buddha Shakyamuni, do not fall under such restrictions. Very definitely, all the practices given in the Sutras have the full blessing of the Buddha and therefore can be practiced if one has the aspiration to do so. Such practices include those of the noble Chenrezig and of the mother of the buddhas, Green Tara. Naturally, whenever it is possible for you to take the vajrayana initiation of Chenrezig or Green Tara, you are encouraged to do so." (from the book "Gently Whispered")As Bokar Rinpoche wrote, in Chenrezig: Lord of Love, these clarifying remarks: "As long as one considers Chenrezig outside oneself, the initiation, in fact, is not indispensable. However, to meditate on oneself in the form of the deity and to actually accomplish the phases of creation and completion, the initiation is necessary."
__________________________________________________
As I promised to do so, I would very much like to share this meditation with you. Before I do so, however, I would like to spend a bit more time with my instructors. Hopefully, after my next session in August, I will be able to do so.
__________________________________________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 10/8/2006 8:57 PM
My profound thanks to Lama Kathy for her advice, patience, and compassionate teaching of this technique. To her I can only say: Tashi Delek.....
__________________________________________
The Chenrezig Meditation, in conjunction with Tonglen (Taking & Sending) the Chenrezig Meditation is used to help an individual in his/her development of the "Compassionate" mindset. According to Tibetan scholar Pema Chodron:
"The tonglen practice is a method for connecting with suffering – ours and that which is all around us – everywhere we go. It is a method for overcoming fear of suffering and for dissolving the tightness of our heart. Primarily it is a method for awakening the compassion that is inherent in all of us, no matter how cruel or cold we might seem to be." Simple in explanation, but very difficult in practice, Tonglen represents the very heart of what I have come to know as the Alchemy of Compassion. As an explanation of the technique, once again let me share with you the words of Pema Chodron:"You breathe in the pain of a specific person or animal that you wish to help. You breathe out to that person spaciousness or kindness or a good meal or a cup of coffee - whatever you feel would lighten their load. You can do this for anyone: the homeless mother that you pass on the street, your suicidal uncle, or yourself and the pain you are feeling at that very moment. The main point is that the suffering should be real, totally untheoretical. It should be heartfelt, tangible, honest, and vivid."
http://www.dharma-haven.org/tibetan/meditation.htm
As I understand the discipline, in it's purest form, Tibetan Meditation is a "universal" practice, in other words, all beings are prayed for regardless of gender, race, culture or species.
Templar Prayers
From: kynara54leddon (Original Message)
Sent: 4/14/2006 2:20 PM
TEMPLAR PRAYERS
Psalm 94 (94:1-23) King James Version O Lord God, [1] to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. 2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud. 3 Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? 4 How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves? 5 They break in pieces thy people, O Lord, and afflict thine heritage. 6 They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless. 7 Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. 8 Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? 9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? 10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know? 11 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. 12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law; 13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. 14 For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. 15 But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow [2] it. 16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? 17 Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost [3] dwelt in silence. 18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up. 19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. 20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law? 21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood. 22 But the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge. 23 And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the Lord our God shall cut them off.
http://www.christnotes.org/bible.php?q=Psalm+94
Venite (95:1-7) King James Version:
O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come [1] before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. 5 The sea [2] is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. 7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, [3] and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. 10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: 11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.
http://www.christnotes.org/bible.php?q=Psalm+95
Non Nobis(115: 1-18] King James Version
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. 2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? 3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. 5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: 6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: 7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. 8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them. 9 O Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their help and their shield. 10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield. 11 Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield. 12 The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. 13 He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great. 14 The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children. 15 Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth. 16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. 17 The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence. 18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord.
http://www.christnotes.org/bible.php?q=Psalm+115&ver=kjv
Gloria Patri (Glory Be)
GLORIA PATRI, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. AmenSent: 4/14/2006 2:20 PM
TEMPLAR PRAYERS
Psalm 94 (94:1-23) King James Version O Lord God, [1] to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. 2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud. 3 Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? 4 How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves? 5 They break in pieces thy people, O Lord, and afflict thine heritage. 6 They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless. 7 Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. 8 Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? 9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? 10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know? 11 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. 12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law; 13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. 14 For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. 15 But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow [2] it. 16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? 17 Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost [3] dwelt in silence. 18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up. 19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. 20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law? 21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood. 22 But the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge. 23 And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the Lord our God shall cut them off.
http://www.christnotes.org/bible.php?q=Psalm+94
Venite (95:1-7) King James Version:
O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come [1] before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. 5 The sea [2] is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. 7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, [3] and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. 10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: 11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.
http://www.christnotes.org/bible.php?q=Psalm+95
Non Nobis(115: 1-18] King James Version
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. 2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? 3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. 5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: 6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: 7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. 8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them. 9 O Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their help and their shield. 10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield. 11 Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield. 12 The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. 13 He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great. 14 The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children. 15 Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth. 16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. 17 The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence. 18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord.
http://www.christnotes.org/bible.php?q=Psalm+115&ver=kjv
Gloria Patri (Glory Be)
(Trans: GLORY BE to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.)
http://www.sspx.co.uk/prayers.php?id=120
Pater Noster (Our Father)
PATER NOSTER, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen Tuum, adveniat Regnum Tuum, fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittímus debitoribus nostris; et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.
(Trans: OUR FATHER, Who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.)
http://www.sspx.co.uk/prayers.php?id=119
The Ambrosian Hymn/Te Deum E DEUM laudamus:
* te Dominum confitemur. Te aeternum Patrem * omnis terra venerator. Tibi omnes Angeli, * tibi Caeli, et universae Potestates: Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim * incessabili voce proclamant: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus * Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt caeli et terra * majestatis gloriae tuae. Te gloriosus * Apostolorum chorus, Te Prophetarum * laudabilis numerus, Te Martyrum candidatus * laudat exercitus. Te per orbem terrarium * sancta confitetur Ecclesia, Patrem * immensae majestatis; Venerandum tuum verum * et unicum Filium; Sanctum quoque * Paraclitum Spiritum. Tu Rex gloriae, * Christe. Tu Patris * sempiternus es Filius. Tu, ad liberandum suscepturus hominem, * non horruisti Virginis uterum. Tu, devicto mortis aculeo, * aperuisti credentibus regna caelorum. Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, * in Gloria Patris. Judex crederis * esse venturus. Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis subveni, * quos pretioso sanguine redemisti. Aeterna fac cum Sanctis tuis * in gloria numerari. Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine, * et benedic haereditati tuae. Et rege eos, * et extolle illos usque in aeternum. Per singulos dies * benedicimus te; Et laudamus nomen tuum in saeculum, * et in saeculum saeculi. Dignare, Domine, die isto * sine peccato nos custodire. Miserere nostri, Domine, * miserere nostri. Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super nos * quemadmodum speravimus in te. In te, Domine, speravi: * non confundar in aeternum.
(Translation) WE PRAISE Thee, O God: we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship Thee: the Father everlasting. To Thee all Angels; to Thee the Heavens and all the Powers therein. To Thee the Cherubim and Seraphim cry with unceasing voice: Holy, Holy, Holy: Lord God of Hosts. The heavens and the earth are full of the majesty of Thy Glory. Thee the glorious choir of the Apostles, Thee the admirable company of the prophets, Thee the white-robed army of Martyrs praise. Thee the Holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge. The Father of infinite Majesty. Thine adorable, true and only Son. Also the Holy Ghost, the Paraclete. Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ. Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. Thou having taken upon Thee to deliver man, didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb. Thou having overcome the sting of death, didst open to believers the kingdom of heaven. Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father. We belive that Thou shalt come to be our Judge. We beseech Thee, therefore, help Thy servants, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious Blood. Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints, in glory everlasting. O Lord, save Thy people: and bless Thine inheritance. Govern them, and lift them up for ever. Day by day we bless Thee. And we praise Thy name for ever, and world without end. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, to keep us without sin. Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us. Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in Thee. O Lord, in Thee have I hoped: let me never be confounded.
http://www.sspx.co.uk/prayers.php?id=232
Article #222 (To be continued)
Letters from Home: Hugues de Payens to his Bretheren
From: kynara54leddon (Original Message)
Sent: 1/12/2006 2:01 PM
PREFACE: Every once in a while, someone will ask me: "are there Templars in the Chivalry for Children program?" And while the classic virtues of the Templar Rule (i.e. poverty, chastity and obedience) are NOT overtly included in the seven virtues we teach (i.e. humility, courtesy, honesty, loyalty, courage, charity and perseverance) the spirit of the Templar legacy *is* represented in the material.
In a recent re-reading of a reference book on the history of the Templars, I was reminded of this translation of a letter written in 1126 from Hughes de Payens to his bretheren. Not only is it a window into the mind of the order's founder at a time of great uncertainty, it also illustrates two of the C4C virtues as Hughes de Payens saw them.
Certainly, within the purview of our program, necessity requires that we do a secular presentation of these two virtues...but these two virtues are very much present, none-the-less.
(Note: For futher research, the original text is found in: Leclerq "Sur le Debut de Templiers", p 84)
1) Hugues asserts that the knights' original vocation has been weakened by the devil, and then seeks to reassure them by means of spiritual quotations.
2) He states that the military nature of the order is a major objection raised against them, and replies to this objection by insisting that since the main intention is religious the purpose of the order is primiarily relitious and only then military.
3) The devil tempts the brothers with pride and ambition, and the idea of achieving highter rank. Hugues insists that they must resist such desires with humility (emphasis mine). With patience and humility they well best serve God.
4) Referring to the same temptations, he reminds the knights that neigher tank nor dress conver Christian grandeur.
5) To the possible objection that military duties might be a obstacle to the peace of mind essential for contemplation, he argues that even contemplatives must perform some labour and cannot live without devoting time to activities other than contemplation.
6) He emphasizes the necessity of duty and perseverance (emphasis mine), since these qualities will enable the knights to resist the temptations of the devil which threaten their vocation.
7) The multiform nature of the devil's suggestions is stressed, especially the notion that the Templar brothers are not mere servants. Hugues insists on the idea of an association of free brother knights, and how service in such an association can lead to salvation."(1)_______________________________________________
(1) Burman, Edward "The Templars: Knights of God" Crucible Press, 1986., Pp. 24
_________________________________________________________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 1/12/2006 2:03 PM
ADDENDUM: As a historian, I find it very interesting that the order is remembered for its triune Vow of poverty, chastity and obedience... But when it's all said and done, I agree with Edward Burman, who noted (vis a vis the Prologue to the Templar Rule) that "the dilligence and perseverance echo the plaintive language of Hugues de Payen writing to the brothers left behind in Jerusalem."(2)
"Devant toutes choses quiquioques seit chevlaier de Christ, elisant tant sainte conversation, toi entour le profession, covient ajoustier pure diligence e ferme perseverance, qui est si digne et si sainte, et si haute est coneue a estre, que se ele est gardee purement et pardurablement, tu desserviras a tenir compaignie entre les martirs qui connerent por Jhesu Christ lor arms." (3a)
[translation: Above all things, whoever is a knight of Christ choosing only holy conversation, you who have taken the vow should add pure diligence and firm perseverance which are worthy and holy and recognized as elevated virtues so that if you observe it in all it's purity and eternity you will be worthy of keeping company with the martyrs who give their souls for Jesus Christ."] (3b) ____________________________________
(2) Burman, Edward "The Templars: Knights of God" Crucible Press, 1986., Pp. 31 (3a/b) Ibid Pp. 30
Sent: 1/12/2006 2:01 PM
PREFACE: Every once in a while, someone will ask me: "are there Templars in the Chivalry for Children program?" And while the classic virtues of the Templar Rule (i.e. poverty, chastity and obedience) are NOT overtly included in the seven virtues we teach (i.e. humility, courtesy, honesty, loyalty, courage, charity and perseverance) the spirit of the Templar legacy *is* represented in the material.
In a recent re-reading of a reference book on the history of the Templars, I was reminded of this translation of a letter written in 1126 from Hughes de Payens to his bretheren. Not only is it a window into the mind of the order's founder at a time of great uncertainty, it also illustrates two of the C4C virtues as Hughes de Payens saw them.
Certainly, within the purview of our program, necessity requires that we do a secular presentation of these two virtues...but these two virtues are very much present, none-the-less.
(Note: For futher research, the original text is found in: Leclerq "Sur le Debut de Templiers", p 84)
1) Hugues asserts that the knights' original vocation has been weakened by the devil, and then seeks to reassure them by means of spiritual quotations.
2) He states that the military nature of the order is a major objection raised against them, and replies to this objection by insisting that since the main intention is religious the purpose of the order is primiarily relitious and only then military.
3) The devil tempts the brothers with pride and ambition, and the idea of achieving highter rank. Hugues insists that they must resist such desires with humility (emphasis mine). With patience and humility they well best serve God.
4) Referring to the same temptations, he reminds the knights that neigher tank nor dress conver Christian grandeur.
5) To the possible objection that military duties might be a obstacle to the peace of mind essential for contemplation, he argues that even contemplatives must perform some labour and cannot live without devoting time to activities other than contemplation.
6) He emphasizes the necessity of duty and perseverance (emphasis mine), since these qualities will enable the knights to resist the temptations of the devil which threaten their vocation.
7) The multiform nature of the devil's suggestions is stressed, especially the notion that the Templar brothers are not mere servants. Hugues insists on the idea of an association of free brother knights, and how service in such an association can lead to salvation."(1)_______________________________________________
(1) Burman, Edward "The Templars: Knights of God" Crucible Press, 1986., Pp. 24
_________________________________________________________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 1/12/2006 2:03 PM
ADDENDUM: As a historian, I find it very interesting that the order is remembered for its triune Vow of poverty, chastity and obedience... But when it's all said and done, I agree with Edward Burman, who noted (vis a vis the Prologue to the Templar Rule) that "the dilligence and perseverance echo the plaintive language of Hugues de Payen writing to the brothers left behind in Jerusalem."(2)
"Devant toutes choses quiquioques seit chevlaier de Christ, elisant tant sainte conversation, toi entour le profession, covient ajoustier pure diligence e ferme perseverance, qui est si digne et si sainte, et si haute est coneue a estre, que se ele est gardee purement et pardurablement, tu desserviras a tenir compaignie entre les martirs qui connerent por Jhesu Christ lor arms." (3a)
[translation: Above all things, whoever is a knight of Christ choosing only holy conversation, you who have taken the vow should add pure diligence and firm perseverance which are worthy and holy and recognized as elevated virtues so that if you observe it in all it's purity and eternity you will be worthy of keeping company with the martyrs who give their souls for Jesus Christ."] (3b) ____________________________________
(2) Burman, Edward "The Templars: Knights of God" Crucible Press, 1986., Pp. 31 (3a/b) Ibid Pp. 30
Les Grands-Maîtres de l'Ordre du Temple - Hugues de Payns
From: Filcos (Original Message)
Sent: 2/6/2009 4:15 PM
Un très beau site, seulement la remarque en rouge est déplacée. Les templiers furent mis à mort, mais il y a eu des rescapés, de là nos Ordres. De toute façon, ce qui figure sur ce site est du copiage, soit-disant ayanr reçu l'autorisation des éditeurs. Vrai ou faux? Or, un chevalier peut donner l'adoubement à un autre. Vos réactions! Merci.
http://www.templiers.net/maitres/index.php?page=jacques-de-molay
Sent: 2/6/2009 4:15 PM
Un très beau site, seulement la remarque en rouge est déplacée. Les templiers furent mis à mort, mais il y a eu des rescapés, de là nos Ordres. De toute façon, ce qui figure sur ce site est du copiage, soit-disant ayanr reçu l'autorisation des éditeurs. Vrai ou faux? Or, un chevalier peut donner l'adoubement à un autre. Vos réactions! Merci.
http://www.templiers.net/maitres/index.php?page=jacques-de-molay
The Naming of Swords
From: kynara54leddon (Original Message)
Sent: 1/1/2008 8:23 PM
In the ancient days, warriors in many lands claimed (and named) their weapons. Even today, in literature and legend, these names come down to us to invoke a sense of wonder and mystery:
Charlemagne(1): Joyeuse
Charlamagne (2): Closamount King
Arthur (1): Excalibur King
Arthur (2): Caliburn
Gawain: Galatyn
Roland: Durandal
Edward the Confessor: Curtana
Beowulf: Naegling
Julius Caesar: Crocea Mors "Yellow Death" (source: Geof of Monmouth)
Marc Anthony: Philippan (source: William Shakespeare)
Nanigi: Kusanagi "Herb Queller" (Sanshu no Shinki/The Three Treasures)
Siegfried: Balmung
Mohammad (1): Al Battar "Beater"
Mohammad (2): Dhu'l Fakar "Sharp"
Mohammad (3): Halef: "Deadly"
Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar/El Cid (2): Colada
Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar/El Cid (2):
Tizona Tethra, King of Fomor: Orna (source: "Book of Invasions")
Lugh Lamfada: An Fragarach "Retaliator" (source: "Mabinogion")
Ferghus Mac Roich: Caladbolg (source: "Tain Bo Cualgne")
Kormak Ogmundsson: Skofnung (source: Saga Ogmundsson)
Surt: Laevateinn "Staff of Destruction" (source: Voluspa)
King Rhydderch Hael: Dyrnwyn (Thirteen Hallows of England)
So, all of this begs a question: if you ever find (or found?) yourself the proud posessor of a weapon of renown, what name would you give it? (and why?) Since I asked the question, it's only fair that I start. In the Chivalry for Children program, there are 4 swords present during the class (three of which have recorded names: Talismen, Geburah, and Windwalker. The first two blades were named by their owners because of aspects they saw in the swords themselves. The last blade, Windwalker, was named by a Native American Elder in honor of the Civil War veteran it originally belonged to. The name has been retained in honor of the original owner (and out of respect for the Elder who named it).
_________________
"The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom; to serve all, but love only one. " Honore de Balzac
____________________________________
From: Jonathon_TN
Sent: 12/11/2008 8:27 PM
I have a bayonette that I obtained in a curious manner. I sometimes refer to it as The "Sword in the Barrel" from the manner I obtained it. It's an M1 Garand, bayonette, possibly milled from a previous bayonete for the 1903 Springfield (as did happen early in ww2 when supplies were scarce). I dont usually call it by name but I like to have it around. It's got tally marks on the handle. I didn't put them there .I have a 8mm Mauser rifle I sometimes call Isabella. It was made in a Spanish Armory and probably did some time propping up an unsavory regime. But it's mine now.
Sent: 1/1/2008 8:23 PM
In the ancient days, warriors in many lands claimed (and named) their weapons. Even today, in literature and legend, these names come down to us to invoke a sense of wonder and mystery:
Charlemagne(1): Joyeuse
Charlamagne (2): Closamount King
Arthur (1): Excalibur King
Arthur (2): Caliburn
Gawain: Galatyn
Roland: Durandal
Edward the Confessor: Curtana
Beowulf: Naegling
Julius Caesar: Crocea Mors "Yellow Death" (source: Geof of Monmouth)
Marc Anthony: Philippan (source: William Shakespeare)
Nanigi: Kusanagi "Herb Queller" (Sanshu no Shinki/The Three Treasures)
Siegfried: Balmung
Mohammad (1): Al Battar "Beater"
Mohammad (2): Dhu'l Fakar "Sharp"
Mohammad (3): Halef: "Deadly"
Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar/El Cid (2): Colada
Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar/El Cid (2):
Tizona Tethra, King of Fomor: Orna (source: "Book of Invasions")
Lugh Lamfada: An Fragarach "Retaliator" (source: "Mabinogion")
Ferghus Mac Roich: Caladbolg (source: "Tain Bo Cualgne")
Kormak Ogmundsson: Skofnung (source: Saga Ogmundsson)
Surt: Laevateinn "Staff of Destruction" (source: Voluspa)
King Rhydderch Hael: Dyrnwyn (Thirteen Hallows of England)
So, all of this begs a question: if you ever find (or found?) yourself the proud posessor of a weapon of renown, what name would you give it? (and why?) Since I asked the question, it's only fair that I start. In the Chivalry for Children program, there are 4 swords present during the class (three of which have recorded names: Talismen, Geburah, and Windwalker. The first two blades were named by their owners because of aspects they saw in the swords themselves. The last blade, Windwalker, was named by a Native American Elder in honor of the Civil War veteran it originally belonged to. The name has been retained in honor of the original owner (and out of respect for the Elder who named it).
_________________
"The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom; to serve all, but love only one. " Honore de Balzac
____________________________________
From: Jonathon_TN
Sent: 12/11/2008 8:27 PM
I have a bayonette that I obtained in a curious manner. I sometimes refer to it as The "Sword in the Barrel" from the manner I obtained it. It's an M1 Garand, bayonette, possibly milled from a previous bayonete for the 1903 Springfield (as did happen early in ww2 when supplies were scarce). I dont usually call it by name but I like to have it around. It's got tally marks on the handle. I didn't put them there .I have a 8mm Mauser rifle I sometimes call Isabella. It was made in a Spanish Armory and probably did some time propping up an unsavory regime. But it's mine now.
Biblical Archaeology: A "Grail" of a Different Color
kynara54leddon (Original Message)
Sent: 10/1/2008 4:59 PM
A team of scientists led by renowned French marine archaeologist Franck Goddio recently announced that they have found a bowl, dating to between the late 2nd century B.C. and the early 1st century A.D., that is engraved with what they believe could be the world's first known reference to Christ...
For more information:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26972493/?GT1=43001
Sent: 10/1/2008 4:59 PM
A team of scientists led by renowned French marine archaeologist Franck Goddio recently announced that they have found a bowl, dating to between the late 2nd century B.C. and the early 1st century A.D., that is engraved with what they believe could be the world's first known reference to Christ...
For more information:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26972493/?GT1=43001
The Sleeping Shepherd-Kings of Salem and 'The Shepherds of Arcadia'
From: Donna17190 (Original Message)
Sent: 10/1/2008 9:10 PM
http://osdir.com/ml/culture.templar.rosemont/2007-04/msg00016.html
The Sleeping Shepherd-Kings of Salem
Jesus descends from the sons of Salma who were the Sleeping Shepherds of Bethleham. I suspect Jesus came as the embodiment of King Solomon, a 'Sleeping Sherpherd' after the god Endymion who was worshipped by the Carians who I believe were king David's bodyguards. The Carians followed Mithra, also, and thus were the Parthian Magi who woke the Sleeping Shepherds of Bethleham and told them of their Savior asleep in a manger.
Endymion is related to Salmoneus who is depicted in a paintng by Poussin whose work 'The Shepherds of Arcadia' has received much attention in regards to the Priory de Sion and the Davinci Code. I believe there was a search for the burial place of Solomon in Arcadia by Freemasons.
According to Robert Graves, the names Salma, or Salmon, are royal titles among the Kenites who were Mose's inlaws. He married Jethro's daughter, a shepherdess. Scholars are now concluding Moses adobted the religion of Jethro that made a home in Salem, or Jerusalem, where the Axis Mundi was established.
I beleive Jesus was the embodiment of the first King of Salem, who was David. Solomon installed the Rosa Mundi, or the Shekinah in the temple. The Golden Gate in Herod's temple was sealed, and could only be opened by the embodiment of Salma, or, Solomon. Jesus entered that gate as the embodiment of Solomon to be crowned the King of Jeruaslem.
Jesus was nicknamed 'The Wind' which is the name of Aeolus the father of Salmoneus. Just before Jesus dies on the Axis Mundi there is an eclipse of the sun that lasts for three hours.
The Jews studied the phases of the moon to determine many temple rituals, and the Jubilee. Selene, the goddess of the moon, visited Endymion in his cave while he was asleep, and somehow had fifty beautiful daughters by him that represented the phases of the moon.
During the eclipse, when the cosmic clock is being reset, Jesus declares "It is done!" and the the tombs of "sleeping Saints" are opened, and they go into Jerusalem and talk to the citizens. The "saints" were not buried near Jerusalem, but the 'Kings of Jerusalem' were. This was the true title nailed over Jesus' head atop the cross. Here is the Good Shepherd - AWOKEN - from his deep sleep. Consider the sleeping disciples atop the Mount of Olives where Solomon built a temple to golden chariots.
What did the Good Shepherds of Salem, Elis, and Arcadia do with the wool of those sheep?
I found Endymion, yesterday, after I found the Axis Mundi. Meher Baba, the Parthian Poet, was called "The Awakener". The Rose-line, the Meridian, and the Axis Mundi has been reset. The Rose of the World is awake in her new kingdom!
Jon Presco
Rechabite-Nazarite Prophet
Copyright 2007
http://rougeknights.blogspot.com/
Selene, the Titan goddess of the moon, loved the mortal, who was so beautiful that she asked Endymion's father Zeus to grant him eternal youth so he would never leave her. Alternatively, Selene loved so much how Endymion looked when he was asleep in the cave on Mount Latmos, near Miletus, in Caria; she entreated with Zeus that he might remain that way. Either way, Zeus blessed him by putting him into an eternal sleep. Every night, Selene visited him where he slept. Selene and Endymion had fifty daughters called the Menae.
The sons [8] of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim, 51 Salma, the father of Bethlehem, and Hareph the father of Beth-gader. 52 Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim had other sons: Haroeh, half of the Menuhoth. 53 And the clans of Kiriath-jearim: the Ithrites, the Puthites, the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; from these came the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites. 54 The sons of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-joab and half of the Manahathites, the Zorites. 55 The clans also of the scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites and the Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab.
http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Chronicles+2
In Greek mythology, Salmoneus was the son of Aeolus and Enarete, the brother of Athamas and the father of Tyro. Salmoneus became King of Elis and founded the city of SalmoniaIn myths, Salmoneus tried to equal Zeus by riding a bronze chariot. He imitated thunder by dragging bronze kettles behind his chariot and hurled torches into the air to simulate lightning. He made all the efforts to prove his false divinity to his subjects and force them to make offerings to him. Zeus killed him with a lightning bolt and destroyed his kingdom to vindicate his honour as a true immortal.
Luke 2:8-20[8] And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. [9] An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [10] But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. [12] This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."[13] Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,[14] "Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."[15] When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."Surrounding Christ's death on the cross, was a chain of miraculous events that gave tremendous testimony to (1) the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, (2) His claims as the Son of God, and (3) as a result, to the fact of the redemption that comes through faith in Him. Any one of these miracles alone would be astounding, but linked together they form an unbreakable chain of evidence that authenticates and declares Jesus Christ as truly the Son of God and the redemptive Savior of the world.
Matthew 27:45-53 Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, " Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani ?"that is, " My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me ?" 47 And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, began saying, "This man is calling for Elijah." 48 And immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. 49 But the rest of them said, "Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him." 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook; and the rocks were split, 52 and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.
Five miracles are recorded in this passage. They include:
The miraculous darkness that settled over the land.
The rending of the veil in the temple.
The shaking of the earth and the rocks splitting.
The opening of the tombs.
The raising of many saints who had died.
http://www.divinesport.com/awakener.html
Elis, or Eleia (Greek, Modern: Ήλιδα Ilida, Ancient/Katharevousa: Ἤλις, also Ilis, Doric: Ἄλις) is an ancient district, that corresponds with the modern Elis Prefecture. It is in southern Greece on the Peloponnesos peninsula, bounded on the north by Achaea, east by Arcadia, south by Messenia, and west by the Ionian Sea.The local form of the name was Valis, or Valeia, and its meaning, in all probability, "the lowland." In its physical constitution Elis is practically one with Achaea and Arcadia; its mountains are mere offshoots of the Arcadian highlands, and its principal rivers are fed by Arcadian springs.
In myths, Salmoneus tried to equal Zeus by riding a bronze chariot. He imitated thunder by dragging bronze kettles behind his chariot and hurled torches into the air to simulate lightning. He made all the efforts to prove his false divinity to his subjects and force them to make offerings to him. Zeus killed him with a lightning bolt and destroyed his kingdom to vindicate his honour as a true immortal.
ALPHEIOS (or Alpheus) was a River-God of Elis and Arkadia, in the Peloponnesos, southern Greece.The River Alpheios had its headwaters in the south-eastern corner of Arkadia, flowing the length of the country into Elis in the east, past Olympia to reach the Ionian sea. Several of its tributory rivers were also personified, such as the Ladon, Erymanthos, Kladeos and Kytheros. Another personified Eleian river was the small Anigros to the south.
http://www.theoi.com/Potamos/PotamosAlpheios.html
This Æolus was son of Hellen and the nymph Orseis, and a brother of Dorus, Xuthus and Amphictyon. He is described as the ruler of Aeolia (later called Thessaly) and held to be the founder of the Aeolic branch of the Greek/Hellenic nation. Æolus married Enarete, daughter of Deimachus (otherwise unknown). Æolus and Enarete had many children, although the precise number and identities of these children vary from author to author in the ancient sources. Those listed as the sons of Æolus and Enarete include Cretheus, Sisyphus, Deioneus, Salmoneus, Athamas, Perieres, Cercaphas and perhaps Magnes (who is usually regarded as a brother of Macedon) and Aethlius.Endymion (mythology)
_________________________________________
From: Lightseeker
Sent: 10/5/2008 6:23 AM
That's an interesting theory or belief that Jon Presco wrote:
"I believe there was a search for the burial place of Solomon in Arcadia by Freemasons."
As a Freemason and Masonic Historian of over 30 years, I can confirm that there was no search for the burial place of King Solomon, nor was there any need for this, the location is well known and requires no further investigation. I'm afraid you need to draw some other conclusions regarding Arcadia, and hopefully they will be more accurate next time.
Sorry to have to burst the bubble, but there are a lot of incorrect assumptions made about Freemasonry, but I wish you luck with your pursuit for truth!
Lightseeker
Sent: 10/1/2008 9:10 PM
http://osdir.com/ml/culture.templar.rosemont/2007-04/msg00016.html
The Sleeping Shepherd-Kings of Salem
Jesus descends from the sons of Salma who were the Sleeping Shepherds of Bethleham. I suspect Jesus came as the embodiment of King Solomon, a 'Sleeping Sherpherd' after the god Endymion who was worshipped by the Carians who I believe were king David's bodyguards. The Carians followed Mithra, also, and thus were the Parthian Magi who woke the Sleeping Shepherds of Bethleham and told them of their Savior asleep in a manger.
Endymion is related to Salmoneus who is depicted in a paintng by Poussin whose work 'The Shepherds of Arcadia' has received much attention in regards to the Priory de Sion and the Davinci Code. I believe there was a search for the burial place of Solomon in Arcadia by Freemasons.
According to Robert Graves, the names Salma, or Salmon, are royal titles among the Kenites who were Mose's inlaws. He married Jethro's daughter, a shepherdess. Scholars are now concluding Moses adobted the religion of Jethro that made a home in Salem, or Jerusalem, where the Axis Mundi was established.
I beleive Jesus was the embodiment of the first King of Salem, who was David. Solomon installed the Rosa Mundi, or the Shekinah in the temple. The Golden Gate in Herod's temple was sealed, and could only be opened by the embodiment of Salma, or, Solomon. Jesus entered that gate as the embodiment of Solomon to be crowned the King of Jeruaslem.
Jesus was nicknamed 'The Wind' which is the name of Aeolus the father of Salmoneus. Just before Jesus dies on the Axis Mundi there is an eclipse of the sun that lasts for three hours.
The Jews studied the phases of the moon to determine many temple rituals, and the Jubilee. Selene, the goddess of the moon, visited Endymion in his cave while he was asleep, and somehow had fifty beautiful daughters by him that represented the phases of the moon.
During the eclipse, when the cosmic clock is being reset, Jesus declares "It is done!" and the the tombs of "sleeping Saints" are opened, and they go into Jerusalem and talk to the citizens. The "saints" were not buried near Jerusalem, but the 'Kings of Jerusalem' were. This was the true title nailed over Jesus' head atop the cross. Here is the Good Shepherd - AWOKEN - from his deep sleep. Consider the sleeping disciples atop the Mount of Olives where Solomon built a temple to golden chariots.
What did the Good Shepherds of Salem, Elis, and Arcadia do with the wool of those sheep?
I found Endymion, yesterday, after I found the Axis Mundi. Meher Baba, the Parthian Poet, was called "The Awakener". The Rose-line, the Meridian, and the Axis Mundi has been reset. The Rose of the World is awake in her new kingdom!
Jon Presco
Rechabite-Nazarite Prophet
Copyright 2007
http://rougeknights.blogspot.com/
Selene, the Titan goddess of the moon, loved the mortal, who was so beautiful that she asked Endymion's father Zeus to grant him eternal youth so he would never leave her. Alternatively, Selene loved so much how Endymion looked when he was asleep in the cave on Mount Latmos, near Miletus, in Caria; she entreated with Zeus that he might remain that way. Either way, Zeus blessed him by putting him into an eternal sleep. Every night, Selene visited him where he slept. Selene and Endymion had fifty daughters called the Menae.
The sons [8] of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim, 51 Salma, the father of Bethlehem, and Hareph the father of Beth-gader. 52 Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim had other sons: Haroeh, half of the Menuhoth. 53 And the clans of Kiriath-jearim: the Ithrites, the Puthites, the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; from these came the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites. 54 The sons of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-joab and half of the Manahathites, the Zorites. 55 The clans also of the scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites and the Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab.
http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Chronicles+2
In Greek mythology, Salmoneus was the son of Aeolus and Enarete, the brother of Athamas and the father of Tyro. Salmoneus became King of Elis and founded the city of SalmoniaIn myths, Salmoneus tried to equal Zeus by riding a bronze chariot. He imitated thunder by dragging bronze kettles behind his chariot and hurled torches into the air to simulate lightning. He made all the efforts to prove his false divinity to his subjects and force them to make offerings to him. Zeus killed him with a lightning bolt and destroyed his kingdom to vindicate his honour as a true immortal.
Luke 2:8-20[8] And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. [9] An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [10] But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. [12] This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."[13] Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,[14] "Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."[15] When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."Surrounding Christ's death on the cross, was a chain of miraculous events that gave tremendous testimony to (1) the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, (2) His claims as the Son of God, and (3) as a result, to the fact of the redemption that comes through faith in Him. Any one of these miracles alone would be astounding, but linked together they form an unbreakable chain of evidence that authenticates and declares Jesus Christ as truly the Son of God and the redemptive Savior of the world.
Matthew 27:45-53 Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, " Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani ?"that is, " My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me ?" 47 And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, began saying, "This man is calling for Elijah." 48 And immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. 49 But the rest of them said, "Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him." 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook; and the rocks were split, 52 and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.
Five miracles are recorded in this passage. They include:
The miraculous darkness that settled over the land.
The rending of the veil in the temple.
The shaking of the earth and the rocks splitting.
The opening of the tombs.
The raising of many saints who had died.
http://www.divinesport.com/awakener.html
Elis, or Eleia (Greek, Modern: Ήλιδα Ilida, Ancient/Katharevousa: Ἤλις, also Ilis, Doric: Ἄλις) is an ancient district, that corresponds with the modern Elis Prefecture. It is in southern Greece on the Peloponnesos peninsula, bounded on the north by Achaea, east by Arcadia, south by Messenia, and west by the Ionian Sea.The local form of the name was Valis, or Valeia, and its meaning, in all probability, "the lowland." In its physical constitution Elis is practically one with Achaea and Arcadia; its mountains are mere offshoots of the Arcadian highlands, and its principal rivers are fed by Arcadian springs.
In myths, Salmoneus tried to equal Zeus by riding a bronze chariot. He imitated thunder by dragging bronze kettles behind his chariot and hurled torches into the air to simulate lightning. He made all the efforts to prove his false divinity to his subjects and force them to make offerings to him. Zeus killed him with a lightning bolt and destroyed his kingdom to vindicate his honour as a true immortal.
ALPHEIOS (or Alpheus) was a River-God of Elis and Arkadia, in the Peloponnesos, southern Greece.The River Alpheios had its headwaters in the south-eastern corner of Arkadia, flowing the length of the country into Elis in the east, past Olympia to reach the Ionian sea. Several of its tributory rivers were also personified, such as the Ladon, Erymanthos, Kladeos and Kytheros. Another personified Eleian river was the small Anigros to the south.
http://www.theoi.com/Potamos/PotamosAlpheios.html
This Æolus was son of Hellen and the nymph Orseis, and a brother of Dorus, Xuthus and Amphictyon. He is described as the ruler of Aeolia (later called Thessaly) and held to be the founder of the Aeolic branch of the Greek/Hellenic nation. Æolus married Enarete, daughter of Deimachus (otherwise unknown). Æolus and Enarete had many children, although the precise number and identities of these children vary from author to author in the ancient sources. Those listed as the sons of Æolus and Enarete include Cretheus, Sisyphus, Deioneus, Salmoneus, Athamas, Perieres, Cercaphas and perhaps Magnes (who is usually regarded as a brother of Macedon) and Aethlius.Endymion (mythology)
_________________________________________
From: Lightseeker
Sent: 10/5/2008 6:23 AM
That's an interesting theory or belief that Jon Presco wrote:
"I believe there was a search for the burial place of Solomon in Arcadia by Freemasons."
As a Freemason and Masonic Historian of over 30 years, I can confirm that there was no search for the burial place of King Solomon, nor was there any need for this, the location is well known and requires no further investigation. I'm afraid you need to draw some other conclusions regarding Arcadia, and hopefully they will be more accurate next time.
Sorry to have to burst the bubble, but there are a lot of incorrect assumptions made about Freemasonry, but I wish you luck with your pursuit for truth!
Lightseeker
From: Donna17190 (Original Message)
Sent: 6/24/2008 3:39 PM
EMERALD TABLET OF HERMES TRISMEGISTUS
Translation by Issac Newton c. 1680.
1) Tis true without lying, certain & most true.
2) That which is below is like that which is above & that which is above is like yet which is below to do ye miracles of one only thing.
3) And as all things have been & arose from one by ye mediation of one: so all things have their birth from this one thing by adaptation.
4) The Sun is its father, the moon its mother
5) The wind hath carried it in its belly, the earth its nurse.
6) The father of all perfection in ye whole world is here.
7) Its force or power is entire if it be converted into earth.
7a) Separate thou ye earth from ye fire, ye subtle from the gross sweetly with great industry.
8) It ascends from ye earth to ye heaven & again it descends to ye earth and receives ye force of things superior & inferior.
9) By this means you shall have ye glory of ye whole world & thereby all obscurity shall fly from you.
10) Its force is above all force. For it vanquishes every subtle thing & penetrates every solid thing.
11) So was ye world created.
12) From this are & do come admirable adaptations whereof ye means (Or process) is here in this.
13) Hence I am called Hermes Trismegistus (thrice great), having the three parts of ye philosophy of ye whole world.
14) That which I have said of ye operation of ye Sun is accomplished & ended.
compliments of Sir Cliff Glinn
___________________________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 6/27/2008 6:55 PM
For those wishing to ponder this passage in greater detail, I can recommend the following website:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/alc/emerald.htm
In it you can find translations of and commentary on the various passages from the perspective of a wide variety of esoteric thinkers including Newton, Albertus Magnus, Blavatsky, and Fulcanelli...
Sent: 6/24/2008 3:39 PM
EMERALD TABLET OF HERMES TRISMEGISTUS
Translation by Issac Newton c. 1680.
1) Tis true without lying, certain & most true.
2) That which is below is like that which is above & that which is above is like yet which is below to do ye miracles of one only thing.
3) And as all things have been & arose from one by ye mediation of one: so all things have their birth from this one thing by adaptation.
4) The Sun is its father, the moon its mother
5) The wind hath carried it in its belly, the earth its nurse.
6) The father of all perfection in ye whole world is here.
7) Its force or power is entire if it be converted into earth.
7a) Separate thou ye earth from ye fire, ye subtle from the gross sweetly with great industry.
8) It ascends from ye earth to ye heaven & again it descends to ye earth and receives ye force of things superior & inferior.
9) By this means you shall have ye glory of ye whole world & thereby all obscurity shall fly from you.
10) Its force is above all force. For it vanquishes every subtle thing & penetrates every solid thing.
11) So was ye world created.
12) From this are & do come admirable adaptations whereof ye means (Or process) is here in this.
13) Hence I am called Hermes Trismegistus (thrice great), having the three parts of ye philosophy of ye whole world.
14) That which I have said of ye operation of ye Sun is accomplished & ended.
compliments of Sir Cliff Glinn
___________________________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 6/27/2008 6:55 PM
For those wishing to ponder this passage in greater detail, I can recommend the following website:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/alc/emerald.htm
In it you can find translations of and commentary on the various passages from the perspective of a wide variety of esoteric thinkers including Newton, Albertus Magnus, Blavatsky, and Fulcanelli...
a piece of Avalon here in the city of the blues
From: Donna17190 (Original Message)
Sent: 9/17/2008 3:22 PM
Hello Reverend Donna,
This is my last week living in Memphis. I am taking a job elsewhere in the state, but I did happen to go with a friend to tour the very beautiful St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral downtown. The cathedral has too parts, the earlier smaller Victorian Gothic chapel set up for and by the nuns early on. These were the nuns famous as the Martyrs of Memphis who died trying to save many from the Yellow Fever outbreak.
The larger structure connected to it is the main cathedral and is build in the English Gothic manner. What I thought might be of interest to you is the Glastonbury Stone set within the north facing wall. It is a small piece of column facade (as far as I can tell) obviously carved from an early period, which is apparently from Glastonbury cathedral. How it came by way of Memphis I cannot guess. All this time there was a piece of Avalon here in the city of the blues. One almost wants to pull the stone out of the wall to see what lies behind it.
Here is a picture of it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Glastonbury_Stone_St_Marys_Episcopal_Cathedral.jpg
LVX,
Jonathon
( recently received this email from one of our former OTG Commanders, and with his permission I'm sharing it wih you)
Sent: 9/17/2008 3:22 PM
Hello Reverend Donna,
This is my last week living in Memphis. I am taking a job elsewhere in the state, but I did happen to go with a friend to tour the very beautiful St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral downtown. The cathedral has too parts, the earlier smaller Victorian Gothic chapel set up for and by the nuns early on. These were the nuns famous as the Martyrs of Memphis who died trying to save many from the Yellow Fever outbreak.
The larger structure connected to it is the main cathedral and is build in the English Gothic manner. What I thought might be of interest to you is the Glastonbury Stone set within the north facing wall. It is a small piece of column facade (as far as I can tell) obviously carved from an early period, which is apparently from Glastonbury cathedral. How it came by way of Memphis I cannot guess. All this time there was a piece of Avalon here in the city of the blues. One almost wants to pull the stone out of the wall to see what lies behind it.
Here is a picture of it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Glastonbury_Stone_St_Marys_Episcopal_Cathedral.jpg
LVX,
Jonathon
( recently received this email from one of our former OTG Commanders, and with his permission I'm sharing it wih you)
Finding the grail - a possibly new perspective
From: kynara54leddon (Original Message)
Sent: 7/1/2008 10:02 PM
BRADAMANTE:
"O chaste and noble maiden, the future mother of heroes, the glory of Italy, and destined to fill the whole world with their fame."(1)
In both Ludovico Ariosto's work Orlando Furioso(1516) and Matteo Maria Boiardo's Orlando Innamorato (1487), the "Virgin Knight" Bradamante (also spelled "Bradamant" is portrayed as one of the greatest female knights in literature. As a Christian knight, the legendary "White Plume and Shield of the House of Clairmont" was considered equal to any foe.
In one story in the Tales Of Charlemagne, Bradamante defeats by her prowess in single combat, Sacripant, king of Moorish Circassia. In another celebrated adventure, Bradamante defeats the Moorish knight Rodomont in a "Pas d'Armes" (Passage at Arms), freeing by her valor all of the knights imprisoned by the King. Merciful in victory as was her wont, she spares her adversary.(2)
For more information on Bradamante and her adventures, I recommend the following online resource:
http://www.bartleby.com/183/8.html
BRITOMART:"
For she was full of amiable grace,
And manly terrour mixed therewithall,
That as the one stird vp affections bace,
So th'other did mens rash desires apall,
And hold them backe, that would in errour fall;
As he, that hath espide a vermeill Rose,
To which sharpe thornes and breres the way forstall,
Dare not for dread his hardy hand expose,
But wishing it far off, his idle wish doth lose."(3)
In Edmund Spencer's Elizabethan work The Faerie Queene (1590) the warrior virgin Britomart (or "Britomartis") represents the virtue of Chastity. Skilled in fighting and stout of heart Britomart, daughter of Ryence, King of South Wales, had an amazing capacity for calm thought in even the most tumultous circumstances.
Roaming the world in search of her true love Argetall, Princess Britomart and her aged nurse/"squire" Glauce met and vanquished all the Princess met in combat. To her lance fell such puissant knights as Sir Guyon, Sir Blandamour and Sir Paridellas (as well as the unnamed Knights of Castel Joyous.) A Champion to those who sought her aide, even an Enchanter's wiles could not deter her from her duty or Quest.
____________________
(1) Bulfinch, Thomas. Age of Fable: Vol. IV: Legends of Charlemagne. Vol. VII. 1913. http://www.bartleby.com/183/8.html (Download 7-1-08 )
(2) Legends of Chivalry: Medieval Myth. Metro Books, New York (2000) Pg. 47
(3) Spencer, Edmund. The Faerie Queene. Book 3, Canto 1. http://gorddcymru.org/twilight/camelot/faerie_queene/faerie_queene_book3.htm(Download 7-1-08 )
Sent: 7/1/2008 10:02 PM
BRADAMANTE:
"O chaste and noble maiden, the future mother of heroes, the glory of Italy, and destined to fill the whole world with their fame."(1)
In both Ludovico Ariosto's work Orlando Furioso(1516) and Matteo Maria Boiardo's Orlando Innamorato (1487), the "Virgin Knight" Bradamante (also spelled "Bradamant" is portrayed as one of the greatest female knights in literature. As a Christian knight, the legendary "White Plume and Shield of the House of Clairmont" was considered equal to any foe.
In one story in the Tales Of Charlemagne, Bradamante defeats by her prowess in single combat, Sacripant, king of Moorish Circassia. In another celebrated adventure, Bradamante defeats the Moorish knight Rodomont in a "Pas d'Armes" (Passage at Arms), freeing by her valor all of the knights imprisoned by the King. Merciful in victory as was her wont, she spares her adversary.(2)
For more information on Bradamante and her adventures, I recommend the following online resource:
http://www.bartleby.com/183/8.html
BRITOMART:"
For she was full of amiable grace,
And manly terrour mixed therewithall,
That as the one stird vp affections bace,
So th'other did mens rash desires apall,
And hold them backe, that would in errour fall;
As he, that hath espide a vermeill Rose,
To which sharpe thornes and breres the way forstall,
Dare not for dread his hardy hand expose,
But wishing it far off, his idle wish doth lose."(3)
In Edmund Spencer's Elizabethan work The Faerie Queene (1590) the warrior virgin Britomart (or "Britomartis") represents the virtue of Chastity. Skilled in fighting and stout of heart Britomart, daughter of Ryence, King of South Wales, had an amazing capacity for calm thought in even the most tumultous circumstances.
Roaming the world in search of her true love Argetall, Princess Britomart and her aged nurse/"squire" Glauce met and vanquished all the Princess met in combat. To her lance fell such puissant knights as Sir Guyon, Sir Blandamour and Sir Paridellas (as well as the unnamed Knights of Castel Joyous.) A Champion to those who sought her aide, even an Enchanter's wiles could not deter her from her duty or Quest.
____________________
(1) Bulfinch, Thomas. Age of Fable: Vol. IV: Legends of Charlemagne. Vol. VII. 1913. http://www.bartleby.com/183/8.html (Download 7-1-08 )
(2) Legends of Chivalry: Medieval Myth. Metro Books, New York (2000) Pg. 47
(3) Spencer, Edmund. The Faerie Queene. Book 3, Canto 1. http://gorddcymru.org/twilight/camelot/faerie_queene/faerie_queene_book3.htm(Download 7-1-08 )
The Mystical Table, a possible "grail" image from the Koran?
From: Donna17190 (Original Message)
Sent: 5/22/2008 11:39 PM
>Koran, Chapter 5 Al Maidah ('The Table') verse 117
>"Prayed Jesus, noble son of the Virgin Mary, 'Oh Precious Lord, send from Paradise a mystical >table magnificently spread, so that every human being without exception may celebrate the >profound festival of the Ultimate Divine Sign, thus providing true spiritual sustenance for all >humanity. Allah alone is the best and only Sustainer’."
>Arabic: Qala Isa-ibnu Maryama-Llahumma Rabbana anzil 'alayna ma'idata mina sama'i takunu >lana 'idal-li-awwalina wa akhirina wa ayatam-minka war razuqna wa anta khayru Raziqin.
Sent: 5/22/2008 11:39 PM
>Koran, Chapter 5 Al Maidah ('The Table') verse 117
>"Prayed Jesus, noble son of the Virgin Mary, 'Oh Precious Lord, send from Paradise a mystical >table magnificently spread, so that every human being without exception may celebrate the >profound festival of the Ultimate Divine Sign, thus providing true spiritual sustenance for all >humanity. Allah alone is the best and only Sustainer’."
>Arabic: Qala Isa-ibnu Maryama-Llahumma Rabbana anzil 'alayna ma'idata mina sama'i takunu >lana 'idal-li-awwalina wa akhirina wa ayatam-minka war razuqna wa anta khayru Raziqin.
Joan of Arc’s Feast Day is May 30 - today!
From: Donna17190 (Original Message)
Sent: 5/30/2008 2:51 AM
Joan of Arc’s Feast Day is May 30 - today! This is the anniversary of her death when she was burned at the stake in Rouen in 1431. Let us all as knights of Jesus Christ’s Universal Church remember her feast day. It is an opportunity to honor and pay homage to Jehanne la Pucelle for the great woman of Faith that she was/is and to celebrate her ultimate victory over evil through, with and in Jesus Christ’s Glorious Love and Mercy!
Joan of Arc had never read a treatise on strategy nor seen a battlefield but she defeated at her first attempt the greatest tacticians of her time! How could this be? It is quite simple: because she surrendered completely to the Divine Will and did not question the Invisible as would have done an adept of the intellectual plane!
Most extraordinary soldier, you insistently proclaimed: "Let God be served first!" You began by winning many victories and received the plaudits of princes, but then you were given to the enemy and cruelly put to death. Instill in us the desire to serve God first and perform our earthly tasks with that idea ever in our minds. Amen.
O, mighty Lord, I pray that You will be my shield, just as You protected St. Joan of Arc in battle. As I do battle against ignorance, cruelty and injustice, through Your unending love, I pray that You will deliver me from my enemies, and that You will grant me goodness and steadfastness, so that I might lead others to do Your will and glorify Your Name. Through the power of Christ, our Lord. Amen.
NOVENA TO SAINT JOAN OF ARC
Glorious St. Joan of Arc, filled with compassion for those who invoke you, with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection... (mention here). Vouchsafe to recommend it to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints praise Him through all eternity. O most powerful Saint Joan, do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of winning my way to heaven, forever and ever. Amen.
The Litany of St. Joan of Arc
Lord, have mercy on us! Jesus Christ, have mercy on us! Lord, have mercy on us!
Jesus Christ, hear us! Jesus Christ, graciously hear us!
Our Heavenly Father, Who art God, have mercy on us!
Son, Savior of the world, Who art God, have mercy on us!
Holy Spirit, Who art God, have mercy on us!
Holy Trinity, Who art God, have mercy on us!
Holy Mary, virgin Mother of God, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Assumption, principal patron of France, pray for us.
Saint Michael the Archangel, patron and special protector of France, pray for us.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and Martyr, pray for us.
Saint Margaret of Antioch, virgin and Martyr, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, chosen by God at Domremy, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, informed [of her mission] by Saint Michael, the Archangel and his Angels, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, compliant to the call of God, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, confidant and submissive to her voices, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, model of family life and labor, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, faithfully devoted to Our Lady, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, who delighted in the Holy Eucharist, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, model of generosity in the service to God, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, example of faithfulness to the Divine vocation, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, model of union with God in action, pray for us.Saint Joan of Arc, virgin and soldier, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, model of courage and purity in the field [of battle], pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, compassionate towards all who suffer, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, the pride of Orleans, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, glory of Reims, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, liberator of the Country, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, abandoned and imprisoned at Compiegne, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, pure and patient in thy prison, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, heroic and valiant before thy judges, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, alone with God at the hour of torment, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, Martyr of Rouen, pray for us.
Saint Joan or Arc and Saint Therese of Lisieux patronesses of France, pray for us.
All the Saints of France, intercede for us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, ave mercy on us,
Lord.Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us,
Lord.Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, Lord.
Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us, that we may become worthy of the promises of Our Savior Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Oh God, Who hast raised up in an admirable manner, the virgin of Domremy, Saint Joan of Arc, for the defense of the faith and country, by her intercession, we ask Thee that the Church [may] triumph against the assaults of her enemies and rejoice in lasting peace; through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen
Sent: 5/30/2008 2:51 AM
Joan of Arc’s Feast Day is May 30 - today! This is the anniversary of her death when she was burned at the stake in Rouen in 1431. Let us all as knights of Jesus Christ’s Universal Church remember her feast day. It is an opportunity to honor and pay homage to Jehanne la Pucelle for the great woman of Faith that she was/is and to celebrate her ultimate victory over evil through, with and in Jesus Christ’s Glorious Love and Mercy!
Joan of Arc had never read a treatise on strategy nor seen a battlefield but she defeated at her first attempt the greatest tacticians of her time! How could this be? It is quite simple: because she surrendered completely to the Divine Will and did not question the Invisible as would have done an adept of the intellectual plane!
Most extraordinary soldier, you insistently proclaimed: "Let God be served first!" You began by winning many victories and received the plaudits of princes, but then you were given to the enemy and cruelly put to death. Instill in us the desire to serve God first and perform our earthly tasks with that idea ever in our minds. Amen.
O, mighty Lord, I pray that You will be my shield, just as You protected St. Joan of Arc in battle. As I do battle against ignorance, cruelty and injustice, through Your unending love, I pray that You will deliver me from my enemies, and that You will grant me goodness and steadfastness, so that I might lead others to do Your will and glorify Your Name. Through the power of Christ, our Lord. Amen.
NOVENA TO SAINT JOAN OF ARC
Glorious St. Joan of Arc, filled with compassion for those who invoke you, with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection... (mention here). Vouchsafe to recommend it to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints praise Him through all eternity. O most powerful Saint Joan, do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of winning my way to heaven, forever and ever. Amen.
The Litany of St. Joan of Arc
Lord, have mercy on us! Jesus Christ, have mercy on us! Lord, have mercy on us!
Jesus Christ, hear us! Jesus Christ, graciously hear us!
Our Heavenly Father, Who art God, have mercy on us!
Son, Savior of the world, Who art God, have mercy on us!
Holy Spirit, Who art God, have mercy on us!
Holy Trinity, Who art God, have mercy on us!
Holy Mary, virgin Mother of God, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Assumption, principal patron of France, pray for us.
Saint Michael the Archangel, patron and special protector of France, pray for us.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and Martyr, pray for us.
Saint Margaret of Antioch, virgin and Martyr, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, chosen by God at Domremy, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, informed [of her mission] by Saint Michael, the Archangel and his Angels, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, compliant to the call of God, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, confidant and submissive to her voices, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, model of family life and labor, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, faithfully devoted to Our Lady, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, who delighted in the Holy Eucharist, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, model of generosity in the service to God, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, example of faithfulness to the Divine vocation, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, model of union with God in action, pray for us.Saint Joan of Arc, virgin and soldier, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, model of courage and purity in the field [of battle], pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, compassionate towards all who suffer, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, the pride of Orleans, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, glory of Reims, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, liberator of the Country, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, abandoned and imprisoned at Compiegne, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, pure and patient in thy prison, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, heroic and valiant before thy judges, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, alone with God at the hour of torment, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, Martyr of Rouen, pray for us.
Saint Joan or Arc and Saint Therese of Lisieux patronesses of France, pray for us.
All the Saints of France, intercede for us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, ave mercy on us,
Lord.Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us,
Lord.Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, Lord.
Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us, that we may become worthy of the promises of Our Savior Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Oh God, Who hast raised up in an admirable manner, the virgin of Domremy, Saint Joan of Arc, for the defense of the faith and country, by her intercession, we ask Thee that the Church [may] triumph against the assaults of her enemies and rejoice in lasting peace; through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen
Have you heard about the documentary "Bloodline?"
From: Donna17190 (Original Message)
Sent: 5/19/2008 6:56 PM
Have you heard about the documentary "Bloodline?"
I went to see it last Saturday, and although the idea of a Marriage between Mary Magdalene & Jesus, and a resulting bloodline a la the Da Vinci Code is not an idea that I'm ready to "believe" as yet, the movie is fascinating for its discoveries of clues, relics and statements left by the enigmatic Beringer Sauniere, the parish Priest of Rennes les Chateau featured in the "Holy Blood Holy Grail" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holy_Blood_and_the_Holy_Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln.
As I once visited Rennes les Chateaux 1n 1988 during an almost 2 month stay in the Languedoc "Cathar Country", through a series of unforeseen circumstances, and it has piqued my curiosity ever since.
here's the website if you want to learn more about it: www.bloodlinethemovie.com
http://www.rennessence.com/
Up front info about Rennes-le-Chateau and people involved in various projects...
this link has access to a documentary from 1979 about the Templars, from Henry Lincoln, one of the men involved with HB-HG.
http://www.rlcresearch.com/2008/05/18/shadow-of-the-templars/
Sent: 5/19/2008 6:56 PM
Have you heard about the documentary "Bloodline?"
I went to see it last Saturday, and although the idea of a Marriage between Mary Magdalene & Jesus, and a resulting bloodline a la the Da Vinci Code is not an idea that I'm ready to "believe" as yet, the movie is fascinating for its discoveries of clues, relics and statements left by the enigmatic Beringer Sauniere, the parish Priest of Rennes les Chateau featured in the "Holy Blood Holy Grail" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holy_Blood_and_the_Holy_Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln.
As I once visited Rennes les Chateaux 1n 1988 during an almost 2 month stay in the Languedoc "Cathar Country", through a series of unforeseen circumstances, and it has piqued my curiosity ever since.
here's the website if you want to learn more about it: www.bloodlinethemovie.com
http://www.rennessence.com/
Up front info about Rennes-le-Chateau and people involved in various projects...
this link has access to a documentary from 1979 about the Templars, from Henry Lincoln, one of the men involved with HB-HG.
http://www.rlcresearch.com/2008/05/18/shadow-of-the-templars/
CINNABAR PATH IN PRACTICAL ALCHEMY
From: gor_363 (Original Message)
Sent: 3/3/2006 12:51 AM
Dear Members:The story starts from Kamala-Jnana as one of nom de plume of a contemporary alchemists (maybe Roger Caro or Jean Deleuvre)that was a Superior of the Temple of Ajunta.During the 60's, the Temple Initiatique Alchimique d'Ajunta wasfounded by Jean Deleuvre (known also probably as Kamala-Jnana). A book waspublished with photographs showing the main steps of the alchemicalwork (Cinabre Path).After Deleuvre's death, Roger Caro became the new leader of this groupand changed the name of Temple of Ajunta into Freres Aines de la roseCroix. In 1973, the organisation decided to be "asleep" for 25 yearsin order to match with rosicrucian traditions (?).In fact, in 1972, Etienne Roger Caro created a new organisation : theEglise Universelle de la Nouvelle Alliance. This later organisationseems to have stopped alchemical practices since the death of Mr. Caro.Roger Caro was born in 1911 and died in January of 1992.The Collegial Al-kimia is the External Circle of the Old Rosa + Cruzheadquartered in France.With Roger Caro's death, the Collegial Al-kimia has also fallen asleep.But it is possible write to Daniel Caro (son of Roger Caro) and to ordersome books published by Ajunta Temple. The address is :Daniel CaroBatiment D. Chambrun270 avenue de Pessicart06100 NiceSo my 1 question is what hapenned when Freres Aines R+C was separated from Temple of Ajunta. And was finally Temple of Ajunta survived after this? Was there any conflict? Because I know the people whom associate their selves with FARC, but say that don't wish to belong to Temple of Ajunta. If yes, what are the goals of Temple of Ajunta ???I noticed that the person in the forum called Temple of Ajunta, whom indicated the link to the site of AMORC Modus Operandi.2 questions: can you please tell me what is this site.3 questions: Cinnabar path do you know some other realiable works (maybe photographed) despite ofKamala Jnana/Jean Deleuvre/Roger Caro.4 question: what are the conditions of becoming member of Temple of Ajunta or FAR+C can you say more about this possibilities. If possible I would like to ask for your help.GOR
__________________________________
From: Tau_Vincent_2
Sent: 3/3/2006 8:42 AM
As for the FAR+C, you can't join the original FAR+C because it doesn't exist any longer. Roger Caro explicitely stated it:« A ma mort, l'Ordre souverain des Frères Aînés de la Rose Croix sera automatiquement dissout et plus personne ne pourra en utiliser le nom. » ... "Upon my death, the sovereign Order of the Elder Brothers of the Rosy Cross will automatically be disbanded and no longer will any person be able to use the name." If there are groups out there claiming to be the FAR+C, they are false, or not acting in accord with its leader. It should be added, however, that there are a couple students of Roger Caro still around who do still practice, and one might be able to enter the stream as a student.Many of the writings of Caro were available through Editions de Massanne, but many are now out of print.Que Dieu nous bénisse.+PhillipT. Vincent II, in ecclesiaKnight Commander, Sacra Insula Commandery
___________________________________
From: gor_363
Sent: 3/3/2006 10:46 PM
Thank you for your clarification.You mentioned that 'there are a couple students of Roger Caro still around who do still practice, and one might be able to enter the stream as a student'.Can you please say more about such possibility?You mentioned nothing about the Temple of Ajunta or Temple of Vrehappada originally associated with Kamala Jnana (maybe Jean Deleuvre).Fraternally in eclessia,GOR
___________________________________
From: gor_363
Sent: 3/4/2006 6:09 AM
Dear Tau Vincent II
In your other message in this forum you mentioned thatHowever, all hope is not lost. In spite of presently being extremely busy, there are some of us who have been in communication with one of Roger Caro's best students and who have expressed a desire to continue that aspect of the work, having already had access to virtually all other components of the esoteric tradition coming out of Europe, and in particular, France.It cannot be said what timeline may be involved, however, the potential is still very much alive.So can you please indicate of what this student have done until now? or did s/he achived any results and success in KJ way (since the way is described in the RC photos). Also I think that you could know the Society Sanctuaire in France.Bes regards,GOR
________________________
From: Tau_Vincent_2
Sent: 3/4/2006 9:31 AM
Well, I only know one of Caro's last principal students, and he is not taking on anyone at the moment. I will see if there are other possibilities from my French connections.I do know that the particular student I know has had some success, although I am not at liberty to say any more.I didn't mention the other groups because I know nothing of them personally. My primary focus and authority lies within the Eglise Gnostique - Martinism (&c.) - Memphis-Misraïm stream of French origination, although I have many connections to parallel and later groups.Que Dieu nous bénisse,+P
____________________________
From: MercuriusDeuplex
Sent: 3/5/2006 11:45 AM
I applaud your tenacity GOR ... any information on the former students of Caro and FAR+C or any surviving remnants of the teaching that can be brought forward is welcome.If Tau Vincent or Kamala Jnana or anyone else out there has any information that can help us to connect with the folks who have kept knowledge of the "Cinnabar Path" preserved, I invite you to share hints and clues or whatever you can.Has anyone written to Daniel Caro lately? Does anyone know if he speaks English? The books that he may make available, are they also all in French?
_________________________________
From: Filcos
Sent: 6/3/2008 9:37 AM
To Whom It May Concern:
I am pleased to have found this page, and to know what happened with FAR+C after the death of Roger Caro. I am not interested in alchemistry as such, but in the knighthood "Roux de Lusignan" as part of the Order of which I am since 1975 a "Chevalier Grand de Merit FARC". The FAR+C may have disappeared after the death of Roger Caro, but not the "Templar lineage Roux de Lusignan", in this I pursue Pierre Phoebus (Roger Caro) 's work, as found on my website as a "Memorial" to him:
www.haguratelier.com/FARC.html
I keep the nomination "Ordre Souverain des Frères Aînés Rose + Croix" in honour of Pierre Phoebus, to further the Knighthood lineage "Roux de Lusignan", whose knights have to observe:
Simplicity - Charity - Obeissance:
Love your neighbour more than yourself - be humble, charitable, and obedient to the ONE truth.
This means that all established religious beliefs, humanist and occult societies, gnostics, unbelievers, all are welcome, providing they observe humbliness (simplicity) - charity - obeissance to the ONE truth, the unity of all life.
In all this, is the emphasis laid on character building and spiritual (inside) development as a foundation for the development of all the faculties inherent in man (microcosm) as in the macrosmosm.
Let us have the strong determination to penetrate within the veil, and to find out what lies on the other side of the unknown.
Yours in the One,
+ Philippus-Laurentius De Coster
www.haguratelier.com/Oremus.html
__________________________________
From: Filcos
Sent: 6/3/2008 9:42 AM
Post Scriptum:
I forgot to join a document as per attached.
Thank you.
+ Philippe Laurent De Coster, B.Th., D.D.
_________________________________
From: guild_decabalis
Sent: 6/3/2008 4:30 PM
Greetings all.
The only person whom has properly identified themselves here is:Philippe Laurent De Coster, B.Th., D.DGiven all the various anonymous postings over the years concerningTemple of Ajunta, AMS and FAR+C .. at Yahoo groups and alt.magick it must be noted that only TWO persons I know of whom have openly identified themselves as having a connection to FAR+C are Bishop de Coster and Jean Ruggiu of Paris.I personally do not accept postings from persons whom do notidentify themselves. Nor do I advise any person to accept postingsfor any person regarding FAR+C unless they can validate their lineageas a prerequisite.All else should be considered disinformation, spam and that witha political agenda.- Jean de Cabalis
___________________________________
From: guild_decabalis
Sent: 6/3/2008 4:55 PM
Oh and of course
+Phillip A. Garver (aka Tau Vincent II) of the FAR+C has identified himself
these postings are a few years old and he likely has learnt a lot more concerning FAR+C since his 2006 posting
____________________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 6/6/2008 9:09 AM
Sir:
Thank you for your post. Although my French is rusty, I found your memorial website to be a lovely tribute to an exceptional man. May you Prosper in the Great Work.CLL
Sent: 3/3/2006 12:51 AM
Dear Members:The story starts from Kamala-Jnana as one of nom de plume of a contemporary alchemists (maybe Roger Caro or Jean Deleuvre)that was a Superior of the Temple of Ajunta.During the 60's, the Temple Initiatique Alchimique d'Ajunta wasfounded by Jean Deleuvre (known also probably as Kamala-Jnana). A book waspublished with photographs showing the main steps of the alchemicalwork (Cinabre Path).After Deleuvre's death, Roger Caro became the new leader of this groupand changed the name of Temple of Ajunta into Freres Aines de la roseCroix. In 1973, the organisation decided to be "asleep" for 25 yearsin order to match with rosicrucian traditions (?).In fact, in 1972, Etienne Roger Caro created a new organisation : theEglise Universelle de la Nouvelle Alliance. This later organisationseems to have stopped alchemical practices since the death of Mr. Caro.Roger Caro was born in 1911 and died in January of 1992.The Collegial Al-kimia is the External Circle of the Old Rosa + Cruzheadquartered in France.With Roger Caro's death, the Collegial Al-kimia has also fallen asleep.But it is possible write to Daniel Caro (son of Roger Caro) and to ordersome books published by Ajunta Temple. The address is :Daniel CaroBatiment D. Chambrun270 avenue de Pessicart06100 NiceSo my 1 question is what hapenned when Freres Aines R+C was separated from Temple of Ajunta. And was finally Temple of Ajunta survived after this? Was there any conflict? Because I know the people whom associate their selves with FARC, but say that don't wish to belong to Temple of Ajunta. If yes, what are the goals of Temple of Ajunta ???I noticed that the person in the forum called Temple of Ajunta, whom indicated the link to the site of AMORC Modus Operandi.2 questions: can you please tell me what is this site.3 questions: Cinnabar path do you know some other realiable works (maybe photographed) despite ofKamala Jnana/Jean Deleuvre/Roger Caro.4 question: what are the conditions of becoming member of Temple of Ajunta or FAR+C can you say more about this possibilities. If possible I would like to ask for your help.GOR
__________________________________
From: Tau_Vincent_2
Sent: 3/3/2006 8:42 AM
As for the FAR+C, you can't join the original FAR+C because it doesn't exist any longer. Roger Caro explicitely stated it:« A ma mort, l'Ordre souverain des Frères Aînés de la Rose Croix sera automatiquement dissout et plus personne ne pourra en utiliser le nom. » ... "Upon my death, the sovereign Order of the Elder Brothers of the Rosy Cross will automatically be disbanded and no longer will any person be able to use the name." If there are groups out there claiming to be the FAR+C, they are false, or not acting in accord with its leader. It should be added, however, that there are a couple students of Roger Caro still around who do still practice, and one might be able to enter the stream as a student.Many of the writings of Caro were available through Editions de Massanne, but many are now out of print.Que Dieu nous bénisse.+PhillipT. Vincent II, in ecclesiaKnight Commander, Sacra Insula Commandery
___________________________________
From: gor_363
Sent: 3/3/2006 10:46 PM
Thank you for your clarification.You mentioned that 'there are a couple students of Roger Caro still around who do still practice, and one might be able to enter the stream as a student'.Can you please say more about such possibility?You mentioned nothing about the Temple of Ajunta or Temple of Vrehappada originally associated with Kamala Jnana (maybe Jean Deleuvre).Fraternally in eclessia,GOR
___________________________________
From: gor_363
Sent: 3/4/2006 6:09 AM
Dear Tau Vincent II
In your other message in this forum you mentioned thatHowever, all hope is not lost. In spite of presently being extremely busy, there are some of us who have been in communication with one of Roger Caro's best students and who have expressed a desire to continue that aspect of the work, having already had access to virtually all other components of the esoteric tradition coming out of Europe, and in particular, France.It cannot be said what timeline may be involved, however, the potential is still very much alive.So can you please indicate of what this student have done until now? or did s/he achived any results and success in KJ way (since the way is described in the RC photos). Also I think that you could know the Society Sanctuaire in France.Bes regards,GOR
________________________
From: Tau_Vincent_2
Sent: 3/4/2006 9:31 AM
Well, I only know one of Caro's last principal students, and he is not taking on anyone at the moment. I will see if there are other possibilities from my French connections.I do know that the particular student I know has had some success, although I am not at liberty to say any more.I didn't mention the other groups because I know nothing of them personally. My primary focus and authority lies within the Eglise Gnostique - Martinism (&c.) - Memphis-Misraïm stream of French origination, although I have many connections to parallel and later groups.Que Dieu nous bénisse,+P
____________________________
From: MercuriusDeuplex
Sent: 3/5/2006 11:45 AM
I applaud your tenacity GOR ... any information on the former students of Caro and FAR+C or any surviving remnants of the teaching that can be brought forward is welcome.If Tau Vincent or Kamala Jnana or anyone else out there has any information that can help us to connect with the folks who have kept knowledge of the "Cinnabar Path" preserved, I invite you to share hints and clues or whatever you can.Has anyone written to Daniel Caro lately? Does anyone know if he speaks English? The books that he may make available, are they also all in French?
_________________________________
From: Filcos
Sent: 6/3/2008 9:37 AM
To Whom It May Concern:
I am pleased to have found this page, and to know what happened with FAR+C after the death of Roger Caro. I am not interested in alchemistry as such, but in the knighthood "Roux de Lusignan" as part of the Order of which I am since 1975 a "Chevalier Grand de Merit FARC". The FAR+C may have disappeared after the death of Roger Caro, but not the "Templar lineage Roux de Lusignan", in this I pursue Pierre Phoebus (Roger Caro) 's work, as found on my website as a "Memorial" to him:
www.haguratelier.com/FARC.html
I keep the nomination "Ordre Souverain des Frères Aînés Rose + Croix" in honour of Pierre Phoebus, to further the Knighthood lineage "Roux de Lusignan", whose knights have to observe:
Simplicity - Charity - Obeissance:
Love your neighbour more than yourself - be humble, charitable, and obedient to the ONE truth.
This means that all established religious beliefs, humanist and occult societies, gnostics, unbelievers, all are welcome, providing they observe humbliness (simplicity) - charity - obeissance to the ONE truth, the unity of all life.
In all this, is the emphasis laid on character building and spiritual (inside) development as a foundation for the development of all the faculties inherent in man (microcosm) as in the macrosmosm.
Let us have the strong determination to penetrate within the veil, and to find out what lies on the other side of the unknown.
Yours in the One,
+ Philippus-Laurentius De Coster
www.haguratelier.com/Oremus.html
__________________________________
From: Filcos
Sent: 6/3/2008 9:42 AM
Post Scriptum:
I forgot to join a document as per attached.
Thank you.
+ Philippe Laurent De Coster, B.Th., D.D.
_________________________________
From: guild_decabalis
Sent: 6/3/2008 4:30 PM
Greetings all.
The only person whom has properly identified themselves here is:Philippe Laurent De Coster, B.Th., D.DGiven all the various anonymous postings over the years concerningTemple of Ajunta, AMS and FAR+C .. at Yahoo groups and alt.magick it must be noted that only TWO persons I know of whom have openly identified themselves as having a connection to FAR+C are Bishop de Coster and Jean Ruggiu of Paris.I personally do not accept postings from persons whom do notidentify themselves. Nor do I advise any person to accept postingsfor any person regarding FAR+C unless they can validate their lineageas a prerequisite.All else should be considered disinformation, spam and that witha political agenda.- Jean de Cabalis
___________________________________
From: guild_decabalis
Sent: 6/3/2008 4:55 PM
Oh and of course
+Phillip A. Garver (aka Tau Vincent II) of the FAR+C has identified himself
these postings are a few years old and he likely has learnt a lot more concerning FAR+C since his 2006 posting
____________________________
From: kynara54leddon
Sent: 6/6/2008 9:09 AM
Sir:
Thank you for your post. Although my French is rusty, I found your memorial website to be a lovely tribute to an exceptional man. May you Prosper in the Great Work.CLL
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
