THE QUEST

What is the Quest for the Holy Grail?

The legendary and chivalrous veiled accounts of the 'Quest for the Holy Grail' are metaphorical accounts of man's eternal search for truth. These mystical stories are not merely folklore. They are parts of an orderly tradition, unfolding through the centuries and bearing witness to a well-organized plan and program. The governing rules that define this quest are known as the 'Orders of the Quest'.   

"For practical purposes, the Esoteric Schools, which championed the human cause through the Dark Ages and the medieval world, may be considered together as the 'Orders of the Quest', according to Manly P. Hall.

This Quest has transcended through time by way of the metaphorical and allegorical interpretations hidden (cipher) into the lore of mythology. The symbolism and rituals of these secret societies always involves a search for something 'remote' or 'hidden'. In order for the Knight or Disciple to be able to succeed, he must dedicate himself to the service of his afflicted and exploited fellow man. The reward for this noble and heavenly pursuit is gaining access to the Kingdom of Heaven, which is a metaphorical interpretation for gaining heavenly vision of spiritual mysteries. 

Like the myths of classical antiquity, these hero tales are sacred rituals belonging to secret Fraternities perpetuating the esoteric doctrines of antiquity. It is a near impossible task to trace the descent of these tales as the adept tradition of complete secrecy makes the task exceedingly difficult. The individuals responsible for the creation of these tales do not reveal their true identities, place of residence, or agendas being sought to advance. 

Most of the names which have descended to us are pseudonyms, the locations are imaginary or deliberately falsified, and the special projects themselves concealed under extravagant fables. Unless the student or reader has some sympathetic grasp of the situation and has trained himself to observe the landmarks (symbols), he can discover or reveal little of genuine significance. 

The adept tradition in early Europe is traceable by natural means and normal faculties, if we are prepared to undertake the task and have access to the necessary reference material. It is quite possible to overlook or undervalue obscure details, but these do not impair, certainly they do not discredit, the major premise. 

There is an incontrovertible mass of evidence indicating the existence of initiated philosophers possessing a superior knowledge of divine and natural laws. There is also sufficient proof that these initiates were the agents of a World Fraternity or Brotherhood of Adepts that has existed since the beginning of written history.  

This overfraternity has been called the Philosophic Empire, the Great School, the College of the Holy Spirit, and the Invisible Government of the World.  References to this sovereign body of "the ancient ones of the Earth" occur in the sacred writings, the philosophical literature, and the mystical traditions of all the races and nations of mankind. 

We have selected from the most reputable sources vestiges relating to the Academy of the Adepts. The reader is invited to consider these fragments, to examine their contents, and to discover for himself the veritable accounts which they conceal. We believe that the thoughtful and discriminating student will have little difficulty in recognizing the essential landmarks (symbols). 

We further believe that the student (he) will come to understand why we have referred to the stream of the secret doctrine as Humanism. The term is not used in its popular sense, but to describe the grand program of the Mystery Schools for the emancipation of man from bondage to ignorance, superstition and fear.

Civilization is unfolding according to a predetermined plan, and not by accident and fortuitous circumstance. This plan does not limit the individual to any creed or doctrine but invites him to recognize those essential disciplines by which he can attain internal security for himself and can contribute to the final emancipation of all men. 

The adepts are the philosophic elect; the priest-kings and the shepherds of the herds of human souls. During enlightened ages, they have appeared as venerated teachers, social reformers, seers, and prophets. In benighted times, their leadership has taken on various appearances, but its substance is unchanging and unchangeable.

We have distinguished three (3) important divisions in the European descent of the Mysteries:

1. Orders of the Quest

2. Orders of the Great Work

3. Orders of Universal Reformation

The first group was dedicated to the restoration of the secret sciences through search and discovery. The second group was devoted to the proof and personal accomplishment of that which was known to be true. And the third group was resolved to apply the proven principles of the esoteric tradition to the enlargement, restoration, and reformation of collective society. 

If the reader may wonder why we do not attempt to reveal the names, lives, and particular accomplishments of the Masters of the Quest, in this way supplying glamourous biographies of real or suspected adepts of the period, let him pause for a moment and consider. These initiates neither required nor desired the aggrandizement of their persons. 

Like all worthy men and women, they preferred to be honored through their work, and submerged their identities in their programs so completely that their personalities have become one with their principles. Such biographical material as is available is nearly always mythical and symbolical. What we take to be an account of the men themselves is merely the record of their advancement in the sacred Orders. 

in later centuries we have some details about the initiates; but during the period of the Quest, we do well, indeed, if we can identify certain outstanding Humanists with the Secret Societies, which were the proper custodians of the great descent. Our purpose is accomplished if we can convey some general realization of the motions of the Philosophic Empire, from the complete secrecy of its origin to its final emergence as the natural government of the world. 

Manly Palmer Hall

March 1949