How does the third degree prepare you for death?
The Third Degree in Freemasonry, often referred to as the Master Mason degree, is rich in symbolism and teachings that relate to the concepts of life, death, and immortality. According to Albert Pike in *Morals and Dogma*, the degree teaches that while all men are destined to face death, there exists a law that guides their spirits towards a state of happiness and perfection after death. Pike states, “Let us seek the things that are above and be not content with a world that must shortly perish and which we must speedily quit while we neglect to prepare for that in which we are invited to dwell forever.” This emphasizes the importance of preparing for the afterlife and understanding the transient nature of earthly existence.
Furthermore, the degree symbolizes a mystical death, where the candidate undergoes a transformation that allows them to experience a deeper understanding of life and death. As noted in *The Hidden Life in Freemasonry*, the Master Mason degree creates an atmosphere that helps the candidate pierce through the veils separating them from a true understanding of life and death, suggesting that the process of initiation is akin to a psychological and spiritual rebirth, preparing them for the inevitable transition of death.
In essence, the Third Degree encourages Masons to reflect on their lives, to seek moral and spiritual growth, and to prepare for the eventuality of death with dignity and understanding, fostering a sense of peace regarding the transition to the next life.