How does Freemasonry interpret the concept of the 'spiritual edifice'?

The concept of the spiritual edifice rests on the premise that the physical lodge and its structural symbolism represent the individual human soul and collective humanity 3. Rather than referring to a material building, the lodge in Masonic symbolism signifies the inner personality of the Mason, whose moral and spiritual development serves as the construction of an unseen temple 3.

Wilmshurst reads the spiritual edifice as both an individual and universal undertaking. Individually, an initiate's spiritual life begins upon an internal foundation-stone laid at birth; through self-discipline and work upon the self, the soul is wrought like a square stone to become part of a restored temple in the heavens 3. Universally, he views this process as an ancient science aimed at rebuilding the fallen temple of collective humanity 3.

Mackey equates the Masonic spiritual temple with the alchemical philosopher's stone, treating both as symbols of moral rectitude and living justly, mercifully, and humbly 2. Waite similarly records the central Masonic imagery of the individual soul being built up as a "living stone" into a grand spiritual temple 1.