Sacred verses Secret?

[HaggisShuu]

How much in the temple is not discussed because of covenants and how much is not discussed out of reverence? 
 

I would love to attend the temple more often but current circumstances don't permit. I will be fortunate if I can attend once this year. 
 

As such, I've forgotten some bits and pieces here and there:

What is said in the blessing in the initiatory, as far as I'm aware this isn't covenanted to secrecy. Would it be sinful to read it online? 
Same for symbols on garments? I honestly can't remember if garments symbols are supposed to be kept secret via covenant. I've forgotten some of them too. 
 

There is much more I have forgotten so the answer is attend again, but these are the main things on my mind, which I know of no covenant preventing their reverent discussion. 
 

Thanks. 

[Carborendum]

If it is hinted at in scriptures, you can "refer" to it in person.

If you can find it described in scriptures, you can describe it in person.  

If you can find it explicitly stated in scriptures, you can state it in person.

Examples:

• Joseph's coat of many colors was most likely his temple garment.
• When Jacob "wrestled with an angel," that was an endowment ceremony.
• When Mahonri Morinancumer saw the finger of the Lord, he was receiving a very special endowment.
• The parable of the wedding feast is a reference to the endowment.

Clearly, the uninitiated would not be able to glean the specifics of the temple ceremony from these brief descriptions.  But, to those who have been endowed, they are clear -- at least, when properly pointed out.

They are vague enough that even the initiated may overlook the reference.  But once pointed out, it is pretty clear.

Follow the example of scriptures.  That's the level that you can talk about it outside the temple.

Edited April 2 by Carborendum

[HaggisShuu]

31 minutes ago, Carborendum said:

If it is hinted at in scriptures, you can "refer" to it in person.

If you can find it described in scriptures, you can describe it in person.  

If you can find it explicitly stated in scriptures, you can state it in person.

Examples:

• Joseph's coat of many colors was most likely his temple garment.
• When Jacob "wrestled with an angel," that was an endowment ceremony.
• When Mahonri Morinancumer saw the finger of the Lord, he was receiving a very special endowment.
• The parable of the wedding feast is a reference to the endowment.

Clearly, the uninitiated would not be able to glean the specifics of the temple ceremony from these brief descriptions.  But, to those who have been endowed, they are clear -- at least, when properly pointed out.

They are vague enough that even the initiated may overlook the reference.  But once pointed out, it is pretty clear.

Follow the example of scriptures.  That's the level that you can talk about it outside the temple.

Interesting examples. I remember seeing in a textbook that the transfiguration in the new testament was a form of the endowment ceremony also. 
 

But the rest of this makes sense. Almost sounds like the temple is an additional form of scripture of to learn from. Not to learn about from other sources. 

[Carborendum]

1 hour ago, HaggisShuu said:

Interesting examples. I remember seeing in a textbook that the transfiguration in the new testament was a form of the endowment ceremony also. 
 

But the rest of this makes sense. Almost sounds like the temple is an additional form of scripture of to learn from. Not to learn about from other sources. 

BTW, 

Initiatories are hinted at in Exodus 19:10-11. And there are no specifics described therein. 

So, if we follow the principle of describing only to the extent that the scriptures do, I wouldn't be too flippant with saying they "clearly" can be discussed without limitation outside the temple.

The level they speak of them is about the same as "go do your washing and anointings."  Nothing more.  But it implies that they will receive their endowment shortly thereafter.

Edited April 2 by Carborendum

[Traveler]

2 hours ago, HaggisShuu said:

How much in the temple is not discussed because of covenants and how much is not discussed out of reverence? 
 

I would love to attend the temple more often but current circumstances don't permit. I will be fortunate if I can attend once this year. 
 

As such, I've forgotten some bits and pieces here and there:

What is said in the blessing in the initiatory, as far as I'm aware this isn't covenanted to secrecy. Would it be sinful to read it online? 
Same for symbols on garments? I honestly can't remember if garments symbols are supposed to be kept secret via covenant. I've forgotten some of them too. 
 

There is much more I have forgotten so the answer is attend again, but these are the main things on my mind, which I know of no covenant preventing their reverent discussion. 
 

Thanks. 

This is my personal opinion and experience.  The temple is a most sacred place of learning from G-d.  Take as much advantage as possible to learn while in the temple.  I find the Celestial room to be a profound place to meditate on sacred and important things.   I have concluded for myself that rather than pray in the Celestial room, I listen and wait upon the L-rd.  Some of my most sacred and profound revelations have come to me while meditating and pondering in the Celestial room of the temple.

I believe we should always seek to learn and draw close to Christ at any place and time we have opportunity.  I also believe that we should take every opportunity possible to draw near to G-d at his holy temple.

One last point.  There should be nothing in our lives that is not in harmony with the spirit that attends us while at the temple.

 

The Traveler