An excerpt from the “The Lost Symbol” in Parade Magazine…
House of the Temple
8:33 P.M.
Since the beginning of time, the secret had always been how to die.
The thirty-four-year-old initiate gazed down at the human skull cradled in his palms. The skull was hollow, like a bowl, filled with bloodred wine.
Drink it, he told himself. You have nothing to fear.
As was tradition, he had begun this journey adorned in the ritualistic garb of a medieval heretic being led to the gallows, his loose-fitting shirt gaping open to reveal his pale chest, his left pant leg rolled up to the knee, and his right sleeve rolled up to the elbow. Around his neck hung a heavy rope noose—a “cable-tow” as the brethren called it. Tonight, however, like the brethren bearing witness, he was dressed as a master.
The assembly of brothers encircling him all were adorned in their full regalia of lambskin aprons, sashes, and white gloves. Around their necks hung ceremonial jewels that glistened like ghostly eyes in the muted light. Many of these men held powerful stations in life, and yet the initiate knew their worldly ranks meant nothing within these walls. Here all men were equals, sworn brothers sharing a mystical bond.
Read more of the pro-log and chapter 1 here.
“The secret really is how to die!
When your physical body dies, your consciousness will live on. After death you can guide your consciousness back to its Source and reunite your soul with God. Or your consciousness will be distracted by the images that come to you which reflect the most significant moments you’ve gained during your live on earth. These attachments to the material world will then determine how your next life will look like and what you, again, need to learn to learn the secret how to die! So how can we learn how to die? By practising it! Practise guiding your consciousness back to its Source of infinite invincibility! You can do this by sitting alone in a quiet room, with closed eyes and by meditating upon one single thought, thing or word or the light of a flickering candle. This method will lead your attention away from thoughts flying in your head and will quiet your restless mind. Eventually your persistent attention will grow and so will your consciousness, your soul will be acknowledged again and will lead you back to its essence, which is pure consciousness, pure love and beyond, Pure God, you are God, acknowledge it.”