The refinement
Fifth Reflection
By "perfection," we mean a path that the Initiate follows throughout life to attain higher levels of self-awareness.
Perfection has a dual nature: esoteric and cognitive. These are two sides of the same coin. Although distinct, one relies on the other, and both lead to perfection.
The esoteric nature originates in the initiation, through which the Candidate "dies" as a profane individual and is "reborn" as a Knight (Dame) of Dignity. They acquire a dimension they previously lacked. At the very moment they receive the light, they embark on a symbolic journey that will lead them to unveil the Mysteries of life.
This journey can be characterized as follows:
- The esoteric foundation of humanity, which begins with the Orphic Rites in Greece in the 6th century BCE.
- Symbolism, which expresses this foundation.
- The sacredness of the Temple, where the Ceremonies of Initiation, Passage, and Elevation take place.
The history of humanity is described, in its many aspects, by documents from the past that recount events, occurrences, and narratives from different times and places. The same applies to thought—whether mythical, philosophical, or scientific.
However, the history of humanity is also written by what happens in the "underground." There is a "hidden thread" that accompanies and justifies, step by step, the history recorded in books.
I call this hidden thread the "Esoteric Foundation of Humanity," which finds its expression in initiatory societies such as the Rosicrucians, the Illuminati, Freemasonry, and Dignity.
Esotericism is a world written in "symbols." If we wish to understand it, we must learn to read these symbols. However, symbols are revealed only to initiates. Therefore, only they can comprehend the esoteric world. The profane are not granted this ability.
The hidden thread of humanity, composed of symbols whose meanings are known only to initiates, finds its expression in a place separate from profane spaces—a sacred place called the "Temple." The term "sacred" must be distinguished from "religious," as the sacred is original, whereas the religious is its interpretation. Thus, the sacredness of Dignity should not be confused with religiosity.
Within the Temple, the sacred space where initiates gather, the Ceremonies of Initiation, Passage, and Elevation take place. This means that the esoteric path is characterized by three ascending stages, which I call "Degrees."
The First Degree is that of Initiation, through which one is made a Knight (Dame). The symbolism of this Degree is the "Triangle," the primordial geometric figure that Plato’s Demiurge, with divine wisdom, took into his hands to begin creating the sensible world.
The Second Degree is that of Passage to a higher level of knowledge. The symbolism of this Degree is the "Square," a geometric figure used to represent the four tangible elements created with the Triangle: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire.
The Third Degree is that of Elevation to the highest level of knowledge. The symbolism of this Degree is the "Circle," a geometric figure representing the perfection toward which all Initiates must strive.
The Triangle and the Circle are the beginning and the end of Everything. In between lies human life, with all its contradictions: good and evil, justice and injustice, kindness and cruelty, beauty and ugliness.
Life’s contradictions are symbolically represented by "white" and "black." The checkerboard pattern of black and white squares represents the struggle for life and the triumph of moral values.
Those who succeed in this struggle may access the privileges of the Circle and lead a serene life full of significant achievements, both for themselves and others.
Those who fail will be reduced to a state of "brutes" and will live a life of suffering.
In Dignity, esoteric study involves the knowledge of Symbolism, Rituals, the Temple, and the Certificate.
The cognitive nature of perfection is expressed through the study of the philosophical meaning of the three Degrees.
In the First Degree, the Initiate must know themselves, as Socrates stated and other philosophers reaffirmed. Self-knowledge is achieved through the study of Philosophy, Morality, and Psychology. This Degree represents the "First Pillar of Life."
In the Second Degree, after knowing themselves, the Initiate must know other people to understand the rules of the society in which they live. The knowledge of others is achieved through the study of Philosophy and Social Sciences. This Degree represents the "Second Pillar of Life."
In the Third Degree, after knowing themselves and others, the Initiate must know God and the religions that interpret Him. The knowledge of God is achieved through the study of Philosophy and Theological Doctrines. This Degree represents the "Third Pillar of Life."
The knowledge of life is complete if, and only if, the Initiate learns the three Pillars upon which it rests. Then, and only then, will Wisdom become the supreme guide of human conduct. With Wisdom, one will approach perfection—the ideal and unattainable limit toward which the Initiate must strive.