Freemasonry and Hinduism

Mackey asserts that nothing in Indian philosophies coincides at any point with the philosophy of Freemasonry, and that no origins of the Craft trace their roots to India 1.

In the Scottish Rite, Albert Pike presents a comparative reading that links Eastern religious traditions to Masonic ideals 2. Pike highlights the legend of "Chrishna" as the "Hindoo Redeemer," noting his humble life, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension 2. He further designates Buddha as the earliest recorded "Masonic Legislator" for reforming the religion of the Brahmins and opening the priesthood to all men without distinction of caste under a single uncreated God 2.

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