Rosicrucian is not a cult - Idiodi

Accra, July 7, GNA - Mr Kenneth U. Idiodi, Grand Regional Administrator of the Rosicrucian Order of Africa, on Friday explained that Rosicrucian teachings of mysticism had nothing to do with the mysterious, weird or the occult.

He said the teachings were rather a transparent and precise that brought deep understanding to the hidden laws of nature as well as a close attuning to ones inner self.

Mr Idiodi was speaking at the opening of the Rosicrucian Order Convention 2006 in Accra which is on theme: "Mysticism in daily life" would delve into the hidden meaning of life and the feeling of those, who seek direct communion with God or the Divine. He explained: 93Mysticism is not mystery. The two words have different connotation. A mystery is something beyond man's understanding and knowledge, unavailable for his scrutiny. =93Quite differently, mysticism, on the other hand comes from a Greek root 93Mystes=94 which means one initiated, and has always meant the opening up of the individual to knowledge and the attainment of wisdom.=94

Mr Idiodi told the Convention, which attracted participants from all the Anglophone and Francophone countries in the West African Sub-Region, =93the Order is not a sect and does not require its members to behave, act or think in a specific way contrary to their beliefs=94.

The Order, which is "The Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis" (AMORC) is the world's foremost system of instruction and guidance for the exploration of the inner nature of the human being.

Members were free to retain all they value and what they cherished in life and were encouraged to nurture and develop all those things that brought peace, happiness and fulfilment in their lives, Mr Idiodi said. "True Rosicrucian seeks to enhance all that is good and constructive in life, regardless of creed or culture," he said.

Mr Idiodi said the teaching of mysticism provided full and satisfying understating of many phenomena, which for the present remained beyond the realms of modern science and religion that were often accepted as mere faith.

He said even though the study of mysticism did not require any arduous academic training, it, however, demanded sincere and dedicated work upon the improvement of one's inner self. Mr Idiodi said the benefits of mysticism and inner enlightenment was the awakening of the intuitive sense to solve many of life's problems; the unfolding of previously hidden talents; the attainment of deeper and meaningful relationships with others and the discovery of a higher, less selfish purpose in life.

Mr Solomon T.O Purtorphy, Chainman of the Organizing Committee, said the Rosicrucian was concerned about the dissemination and perpetuating of exoteric truth upon which man's spiritual unfolding was dependent. =93Our purpose is to further the evolution of humanity through the development of the full potential of each individual in the spirit of service" he said.

He urged members in their own sphere of influence to let their life be the torch to manifest in all that they did. 7 July 2006