Thursday, August 5, 2010

Knights Templar Benediction

I found this many, many years ago and I really liked it so I save it. It is a very good "code of conduct" that I felt important to add to my own life.

I do not believe it was ever copyrighted or has an author other the Knights Templar. so since I have now met a genuine member of the Knights Templar, I wish to share it with all of you.



KNIGHTS TEMPLAR BENEDICTION

A man has achieved true nobility who has lived well,
laughed often and loved much,

who has gained the respect of intelligent men,

the trust of pure women,
and the love of small children.

Who has always sought the best in others;
and given the best he had;

who has never lacked appreciation of the Earth's beauty,
nor failed to express it;

who has filled his niche and accomplished his task,

and who has left the world a better than he found it,
whether by an improved poppy,
a perfect poem,
or a rescued soul.

Whose life is an inspiration,
and whose memory is a benediction.

*** Update ***

Thanks to help from "Elfie" this benedition was a variation of the poem "Success" by Elisabeth-Anne "Bessie" Anderson Stanley in 1904. So even though this poem has nothing to do with the Knights Templar, I am leaving it posted since it may have resembled some of the real "code of ethics" of the legendary Templar Knights. Enjoy!

3 comments:

Elf said...

dear Ben,

the Traits of a Successful Life
http://de.spiritualwiki.org/Wiki/Erfolg#toc15
are around since the beg of last century and misattributed. this is a version that i have found, originating from AE Anderson Stanley, 1904:

What is success?

He has achieved success
who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
who has enjoyed the trust of pure women,
who has won the respect of intelligent men
and the affection of little children;
who has earned the approval of honest critics
and endured the betrayal of false friends;
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who has never lacked to appreciate Earth's beauty
or failed to express it always;
who has left the world a bit better than he found it,
whether an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
to have played and laughed with enthusiasm
and sung with exultation;
who has always looked for the best in others
and given them the best he had;
whose life was an inspiration;
whose memory a benediction.


Elisabeth-Anne "Bessie" Anderson Stanley, 1904
misattributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson

grace, Elf

Stephentruimm said...

Ben:

You might like this story appearing here: http://www.hiddenimmortals.info/hafeem-saul/

Saul is not at all like the immortal you know. Very different perspective! And I also should admit that I have not met Saul myself, as you have met the great man you write about. This story is very much second hand. Still, it might be interesting to you.

Ben Abba said...

Stephentruimm,

I'm not sure what to make of the stroy about Saul, but it is interesting enough to post your comment for others to review and comment on.

Blessings!