How do the pillars relate to Masonic teachings?
The pillars in Freemasonry, specifically the two great pillars known as Jachin and Boaz, symbolize significant teachings and attributes. According to Masonic ritual, they represent the foundational qualities of wisdom, strength, and beauty. These pillars are described as supporting the Lodge, with wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn. They embody divine attributes that reflect the nature of the universe as a temple of the Deity, where wisdom, strength, and beauty are present around His throne as pillars of His works.
Furthermore, the pillars also signify the duality of existence, representing the terrestrial and celestial realms, and the balance between spirit and matter. They serve as a reminder for Masons to overcome their lower nature and strive for higher consciousness, symbolizing the journey of personal and spiritual development. The act of passing between the pillars is seen as a rite of passage into a higher state of being, emphasizing the importance of inner strength and wisdom in the pursuit of enlightenment.
As noted in the teachings, “the pillars also represent once more the two great laws of progress, karma and dharma, the former providing the environment or material world, and the latter the direction of the self within” .