The History of Initiation - The Masonic Trowel

EASTERN MYSTERIES. 47
and even the angels of heaven to quake for fear. When
it was thus perfectly communicated, the aspirant was
directed to meditate upon it with the following associa-
tions, which are the mysterious names of the seven worlds,
or manifestations of the power of OM, the solar fire.
"OM! 17
Earth, sky, heaven, middle region, place of
births, mansion of the blessed, abode of truth." 18
The Arch .Brahmin, making a sign to the initiated to
be silent and attentive, now entered on the explanation
of the various emblems which were arranged around
him with the arcana of the hidden science enfolded
;
under the holy gloom of their mysterious veil the names
;
and attributes of the several deities whose symbols were
sculptured on the cavern walls and an ; elucidation of
the mythological, figures which every where abounded ;
emblems of wisdom, strength, and beauty ; temperance,
fortitude, prudence, and justice, and every other commendable
virtue.
The science of astronomy occupied a proportionate
share of attention during this display but its more ab-
;
struse problems were hid from common investigation by
the enigmatical obscurity with which they were studi-
ously invested. Thus a horned elephant's head symbolized
the Sun, and a rabbit the Moon; 19 but the Sun and Moon
were termed, in their sacred dialect, the two eyes of
God ; therefore the foregoing emblems were mystically
the two eyes of God. Geometry was very early practised
in India, as is evident from the true proportions of
those stupendous caverns which have been already de-
scribed. 20 The Brahmins were consequently acquainted
with the science of arithmetic ; they understood music,
and Mr. Maurice thinks they were the inventors of algebra.
to the fire, and all other solemn purifications shall pass away ; but
that which shall never pass away is the word OM ; for it is the symbol
of the Lord of all things." Mr. Wilkins informs us, from the Bhagvat
Geeta (p. 122), that in addition to the above cipher, which signifies
Om. the combination of two others, ff^ Tat, and Al Q|^ Sat, are
necessary to compose the mysterious name of the deity. An elephant's
head was the, visible emblem of this awful name.
17 OM is termed by Dara Shekoh, the seal by which secrets or
mysteries are revealed. (Vid. Wait. Orient. Ant, p. 36.)
18
Porph. de. Ant. Nymph., p. 268. Asiat. Res., vol. v., p. 348.
19
Heetop., p. 177. Vid. ut supra, p. 21.