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."]

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(1) Burman, Edward "The Templars: Knights of Christ" Crucible: London. 1986. Pp. 47
(2) Ibid Pp. 47
(3) Ibid Pp. 47