Burlingame Lodge No.400 Trestleboard (January 2023)

In my recent travels in foreign countries, I had the opportunity to take part in a specific meditation intended to cleanse the spirit through breath practice. I initially did not intend to write about my experience and share it with you all but, describing my practice with Brother Tim Martin, he gave me reason to reflect and notice the positive experience that should be shared with the rest of the lodge.

First, let me explain this type of meditation from the perspective of my friend, Adam Sorkin:

is the ascetic training associated with the Shinto religion, in much the same way that Zen meditation is an ascetic training associated with Buddhism. While there are many varieties of Misogi, this particular training uses breath, brought up from the hara to chant at kiai-level volumes. This chanting, which we refer to as harai, is done continuously and intensively, for the purpose of “clearing out” the body and spirit.

...At Ichikukai, we say that the purpose of training is to cut ourselves free from illusions and delusion, and that the sword we use is our breath. We are trying, through a simple method and a lot of effort, to hack away the weeds and muck that that make us trudge rather than glide through our daily life. We seek to free ourselves, to get beyond emotional baggage and history, beyond façades and pretense, beyond labels of self and others; stripping away each until we can feel what is truly real. (Sorkin, n.d.)

For the uninitiated, allow me to explain a few concepts:

1. Hara: the abdomen or lower belly, also referred to as your body’s center

2. Harai: purification, related to sweeping or “clearing out”

3. Ichikukai: a training hall in Tokyo, founded in 1921, for the ascetic practices of Zen and Misogi-no-kokyu-ho.

4. Kiai: a shout or battle-cry, often accompanying a martial strike. Also indicates one’s energetic resolve or focused intent.

5. Misogi: ritual purification

6. Misogi-no-kokyu-ho: purification through breathing

7. Shinto / Shintoism: the indigenous spirituality of Japan, encompassing religion, rituals, history, and mythology (Sorkin, n.d.).

Next, let me point out that though the meditation is initially based on religion, no religious ties are asserted to the practice of misogi, and any religious interpretation can be administered to the practice and only a focus on the action of breath during practice is intended. To me this is a direct parallel to the teachings of masonry. As a matter of parallels, in order to proceed with the practice of misogi at Ichikukai, a person has to be recommended and vouched for in order to participate in the practice. Sound familiar?

Aside from the parallels with masonry, the most important aspect of the intensive meditation for me was the realization of presence of mind that can be achieved during the practice. In my perspective, this was a happiness of being able to be present and

Ichikukai Dojo

be alive. This happiness permeated my being during my practice and revealed itself when all the other layers (anger, fear, pain, et cetera) dissolved away. Words may be inadequate to describe the clarity I experienced but much like the rituals of our order, attempts to frame the importance of transformation from this imperfect world into the perfect one will be in these words I attempt to transmit to you, my brothers.

Finally, what does all this mean for our lodge? Clarity of intent at the present and the happiness of being are things that we should all strive, evidenced by the lessons in our ritual. Let the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity ring true and allow us to see these virtues in the works of foreign lands not unlike our own.

I look forward to the year ahead and welcome any discussion regarding travel in foreign lands.

P.M. Master

Reference: Sorkin, A. (n.d.). Toward an American understanding of misogi. Retrieved from personal communication October 2, 2018.

Master’s note: Adam Sorkin lived in Japan for roughly 15 years. He began training at Ichikukai Dojo in 2002 and was a live-in student from 2004 to 2005. He currently resides in Illinois. He and the Master are friends through the martial art of Aikido and through the practice of Misogi-no-kokyu-ho at Ichikukai.

Adam Sorkin can be contacted at adam.john.sorkin@gmail.com

Fraternal Love, Vince D. Chan,

A Warm Greeting

My Brothers,

hank you for affording me this opportunity to discharge the duties as your Senior Warden; namely to: assist the Worshipful Master in opening and closing the Lodge; mentor of all new candidates by selecting competent Masonic education mentors; and ensure that all candidates are progressing at a reasonable rate. In the absence of the Worshipful Master, the Senior Warden presides over the Lodge.

We are all taught that the Senior Warden’s Jewel of Office is the Level, which is a stonemason's instrument used for measuring whether a surface is a true vertical or a true horizontal. But we as Free and Accepted Masons use the Level as an instrument to square our actions by the square of virtue. It is this last word (virtue) to which I would like to focus this article.

The Roman statesmen Cicero explained “virtue” as follows: “Virtue may be de-

fined as a habit of mind (animi) in harmony with reason and the order of nature.”

TThis chart sums up one person’s view of the differences between a virtuous “habit of mind in harmony with reason and the order of nature”, and behavior which is not.

Gary Stephens, P.M. (650) 255-9140

22146 Prospect St., Hayward

Marty Cusing, P.M. (650) 218-6088

669 Hayne Rd., Hillsborough

David Jolliffe, P.M. (650) 344-9522

715 Acacia Dr., Burlingame

So as this Masonic year unfolds, let’s try to steer clear of “excess” and “deficiency”, and support each other in being the best virtuous versions of ourselves, and in the process “Level” our actions accordingly.

Robert O. Whyte Senior Warden

Candidate

Whit Stephens (415) 828-1995 209 Lomitas Ave., South San Francisco

Roberto Diaz, Jr., P.M.2 (650) 245-7338 1316 Vancouver Ave., Burlingame

Gary Shweid (650) 302-4639

6 Corte Camellia, Millbrae

Vincent Chan, P.M. (510) 332-2015

1781 Vista del Sol, San Mateo

Joshua Cusing, P.M.2 (650) 826-9065

810 S. Humboldt St. San Mateo

Fraternally,

Hello Brethren and Friends,

Happy New Year and blessings to all, for a healthy and prosperous 2023.

Our lodge has weathered the storm of global pandemic and learned a few things. Our very capable officers and Pasters Masters have done a fantastic job at prioritizing our health and safety, while the world figured out masks, distancing, and vaccines; a personal note of thanks to Roberto Diaz, PM and Joshua Cusing, PM, for their steadfast observance of these principles. The world of technology is not as robust as we thought it was, and there s no comfort

like spending time with those you love. Returning to lodge to share time and create memories will be the best medicine for the weary heart - so let’s get to it.

Our Worshipful Master has a fun year planned, and we will take this opportunity to get caught-up on ritual work for our candidates and new brothers. Please join us at your earliest opportunity to shake a hand, share a warm embrace and reunite with a lodge full of brothers who have your back, and your best interest in mind. Review the lodge calendar for upcoming stated meetings and degrees, and let’s share a meal, tell some stories, and grow the connection we have with our lodge and fellow travelers. I look forward to sitting with you in lodge very soon.

Charlie Drechsler, P.M.2 Junior Warden

The 2023 Leadership Retreats are your chance to get hands-on, practical advice on the issues facing lodges today. Gain fresh ideas, discover new tools, and connect with other lodge officers at these impactful and enlightening sessions.

Fraternally,

Born: May 12, 1928

Raised: March 17, 1950

Entered into Rest: April 17, 2022

Almighty Father! Into thy hands we commend the soul of our beloved brother...

Secretary’sCorner

Dues Payments

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When a Brother earns the title of Master Mason, often times he desires to enrich his Masonic journey by exploring the wealth of knowledge in Masonry outside of our Lodge. Few Brothers are further invested with the responsibility of leadership in these bodies.

Burlingame Lodge congratulates our members that ascended to new leadership roles serving in 2022 & 2023!

Marty M. Cusing, P.M. Junior Grand Deacon Grand Lodge of California

Reynaldo B. Harrold, Jr., P.M.2 Inspector District No. 143 Grand Lodge of California

Marty M. Cusing Board of Directors Acacia Creek Retirement Community

M. Whit Stephens Potentate Asiya Shriners

Roberto Diaz, Jr., P.M. Hospital Board Asiya Shriners

Joshua L. Cusing Director

Arabians Unit Asiya Shriners

Joseph J. Becker, 32° K.C.C.H. Venerable Master Lodge of Perfection Burlingame Scottish Rite

Joshua L. Cusing, 32° K.S.A. Wise Master Chapter of Rose Croix Burlingame Scottish Rite

James L. Cutsinger, 32° Commander Council of Kadosh Burlingame Scottish Rite

Joshua L. Cusing, 32° K.S.A. Chieftain Knights of St. Andrew Burlingame Scottish Rite

Marty M. Cusing Illustrious Master Sword & Trowel Council No. 51 Cryptic Masons

Jaeson S. Cusing President Bay Area Global Outreach (BAGO) Lions Club

Master

Vincent D. Chan, P.M. hydroz1@gmail.com (510) 332-2015

Senior Warden

Robert O. Whyte rwcm@msn.com (650) 417-5274

Junior Warden

CharlieDrechsler,P.M.2 drechslercd@hotmail.com (650) 270-4925

Treasurer

David D. Jones, P.M. Jonesaccountancy@sbcglobal.net (650) 548-4040

Secretary

David R. Jolliffe, P.M. drj715@hotmail.com (650) 773-5034

Chaplain

Roberto Diaz, Jr., P.M.2 drrobdiaz58@yahoo.com (650) 245-7338

Assistant Secretary

Marty M. Cusing, P.M. martycusing@gmail.com (650) 218-6088

Senior Deacon

Joseph J. Becker, P.M.2 jbdesignsinc@gmail.com (650) 291-6220

Junior Deacon Martin Chavez nobadpit@gmail.com (510) 621-3135

Marshal Gary L. Stephens, P.M. glstephens5@gmail.com (650) 255-9140

Senior Steward

Shawn M. Snowden shawns103@gmail.com (262) 271-5957

Junior Steward

Renato G. Alferez renay0814@att.net (650) 740-1884

Organist

Jack J. Burrous, P.M. jb38banjo@yahoo.com (650) 583-5182

Tiler

Joshua L. Cusing, P.M.2 jlcusing@gmail.com (650) 826-9065

Officers’ Coach Joseph J. Becker, P.M.2 jbdesignsinc@gmail.com (650) 291-6220

Burlingame Masonic Hall Association, Inc. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Timothy D. Martin, P.M. Ex-Officio

Vincent D. Chan, P.M. Master Roberto Diaz, Jr., P.M.2 Aidan Cotter

Vice President

James L. Cutsinger Ex-Officio Robert O. Whyte Senior Warden Charlie Drechsler, P.M.2

Secretary

David R. Jolliffe, P.M. Ex-Officio David D. Jones Treasurer Gary B. Sweid

The Hall Association meetings are usually held on the fourth Thursday of the month, are generally open to all members of the Lodge and commence at 6:30 PM

Asst. Grand Lecturer: Masonic Division 1 Gary R. Quintrell, P.M. (707) 845-2756 grhlnorcal@gmail.com

Junior Grand Deacon Marty M. Cusing, P.M. (650) 218-6088 mcusing@freemason.org

Inspector: 153rd Masonic District

Christopher D. Smith, P.M. 3 (650) 430-4301 okiepiper@gmail.com

Akop Vetsikyan

Arthur J. Thomas

Christopher S. Kaufman

Gregory J. Mariel, P.M.

Freddie L. Go, Jr.

Gregory H. Peters

Lawrence N. Max

David A. Huston, P.M.

Brian D. Mackwood, Sr. Michael J. Nafzinger

Navit K. Bahalla

Aidan Cotter

Arthur B. Davis