Mystic masonry, or, The symbols of freemasonry and the greater ...

;
196 Mystic Masonry.
the active movement, and consciousness the passive
theater of the varied experiences of Ufe. Consciousness
is, therefore, to the Hfe of man what
Space is to the existence and movements of Cosmos
—the ALL-CONTAINER. The Ego is a self-centered
"ray;" a focus; the "mathematical point" in consciousness.
That which the nucleus is to the living
cell, the point from which all forces and movements
emanate, and to which all counter-movements and
forces tend, such is the Ego—the Thinker of man.
The first point to be made in real initiation is for
the Thinker to control the thought. Instead of
passively and helplessly receiving all suggestions
that come from the physical senses, or appetites ; or
all that come from ambition, selfishness and pride
he selects, and chooses, and Wills what thoughts
shall come. In this manner he acquires mastery
over his own mind, and frees his will from the
dominion of Desire; or rather elevates and purifies
Desire. He is no longer hag-ridden by vagrant
thoughts; or a victim to the ghosts of a remorseful
memory, or a depraved imagination. That one can
thus choose the subjects of his own thoughts is really
within the experience of every one when he comes
to reflect upon the subject. But few people are
aware that the mind can be divested of all thought