C.R. “Chuck” Dunning, Jr. is a contemplative author, advocate, consultant, and facilitator. He has over 35 years of experience in mysticism and esotericism, as well as a career in mental health and higher education. His special interests are in traditions like Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism, and esoteric Christianity. Chuck is a Thirty-Third Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a co-founder and trainer in the Masonic Legacy Society, a Full Member of both the Texas Lodge of Research and Oklahoma Lodge of Research, and a lineage holder in two different Rosicrucian systems. His other books include A Rose Croix Oratory: Rosicrucian Reflections and Resources from a Knight of the Eagle and Pelican (2023), The Contemplative Lodge: A Manual for Masons Doing Inner Work Together (2021), and Contemplative Masonry: Basic Applications of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Imagery for the Craft (2016). Chuck was also a contributing author for The Art and Science of Initiation (2019). In 2018, the readers of Fraternal Review ranked him among the top ten esoteric Masonic authors, and in 2021 they chose Contemplative Masonry as third among the top Masonic books since the turn of the millennium. Chuck is a facilitator of customized workshops and retreats and is a popular guest speaker for both in-person and virtual events. His work can be followed through the Contemplative Builder YouTube Channel, the Contemplative Builder Facebook page, and ChuckDunning.com.
The Mystic Tie and the Way of Oneness: Masonry's Mystical Quest for Unity, Wholeness, and Harmony
In The Mystic Tie and The Way of Oneness, C.R. “Chuck” Dunning, Jr. explores the path of self knowledge at the center of Masonic initiation, guiding an earnest Mason toward experiences of profound interconnectedness, unity, and love. He provides every seeker willing to take up their working tools in contemplation and in pursuit of mystical experience with thoughtful and practical instruction, inspiration, and clear advice from his many years of walking this path. It is an essential resource for all who recognize that the practice of Masonry is a way of life.
"Brother Dunning is the Fraternity's shining light on the hidden nature of Speculative Freemasonry. In this book, he focuses on the many contemplative aspects of our Hidden Art, which reveals the path of Initiation. He introduces essential themes and symbols of Freemasonry from the perspective of their mystical nature, elevating our awareness and understanding of their significance in seeking oneness within ourselves, love for our brothers, and the sacredness of our being as Sons of Light. It should be read by every serious student of the Mystic Art." – Robert G. Davis, 33° G.C., Past Grand Master (Oklahoma), Past Sovereign Grand Master of the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees (USA), author of The Mason's Words, The Journey of the Elu to Enlightenment, and In Search of Light
"My experience is that extraordinary books gnaw at the core of your being. They compel you to think, communicate, and act differently. Dunning's The Mystic Tie and The Way of Oneness brims with the Love, wisdom, and insight of a genuine mystic. It is transformative and truly extraordinary!" – Shaun Bradshaw, 33°, Past Grand Master, (North Carolina), co-author of A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program
"As Freemasonry undergoes a rebirth of its mystical founding principles, Dunning is at the forefront of the movement. In this essential book, he examines how our once and future state of unity, wholeness, and harmony can be achieved by understanding ourselves at a deep level and through the practice of divine love." – Ben Wallace 33°, Past Grand Orator (North Carolina), co-author of A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program
"The Mystic Tie and the Way of Oneness is an insightful view of Freemasonry's Great Mystery. Brother Dunning carefully guides the reader along the path to enlightenment." – P.G. Pete Normand, 33°, Past Grand Chancellor of the Grand College of Rites, Past President of the Masonic Restoration Foundation, Past Master of the Texas Lodge of Research
"In this work, Dunning presents an alternative approach to understanding various Masonic concepts, inviting the reader to contemplate topics typically overlooked in conventional practices. From the Mystic Tie to the Blazing Star, Dunning offers profound interpretations, making this book a must-read for those seeking deeper insight into Masonic symbolism." – Mohamad Yatim, 33°, Past Sovereign Grand Master of the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees (USA), Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Hauts Grades Academy (Scottish Rite-NMJ), Grand Educator of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey
A Rose Croix Oratory: Rosicrucian Reflections and Resources from a Knight of the Eagle and Pelican
A Rose Croix Oratory offers a comprehensive, powerful, and transformative system of self-directed inner work, drawing deeply from the waters of the Rosicrucian stream with its currents of Christian esotericism, Cabala, Magic, Hermeticism, Alchemy, and compassionate service to others. Combining his many decades of experience practicing and teaching contemplative and inner work with the fruits of his personal explorations, C.R. "Chuck" Dunning, Jr. provides a unique, insightful, and captivating journey through the history, symbolism, and philosophy of Rosicrucianism, particularly through the lens of the Scottish Rite Rose Croix degree. This book is a precious resource of inspiration and instruction, not only for those just beginning to sense their connection to the Rose and the Cross, but also the most experienced travelers through these sublime mysteries.
"In A Rose Croix Oratory, Dunning explores the nexus between Rosicrucianism and the Masonic Rose Croix Degree. But he does far more than this: he provides a complete primer for understanding the essential history, symbols, principles, teachings, and objectives of Rosicrucianism in a fresh, holistic manner that seeks to inspire readers to go beyond merely sitting in lodge and attending meetings. The meditations, exercises, and rituals make A Rose Croix Oratory a valuable textbook for Rosicrucian self-initiation. This is a spiritual manual for those seeking to truly live a Rosicrucian life." — Chic Cicero and Sandra Tabatha Cicero, authors of Self-Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition and The Essential Golden Dawn
"Rarely does a book deserve to be called an instant classic. A Rose Croix Oratory is one of the very few books I’ve seen recently that deserves that title. Using the Rosicrucian tradition as a bridge, it unites the worlds of Christian esotericism and Masonic teaching in an extraordinary synthesis complete with a richly developed system of inner psychospiritual practice. It will be of compelling interest to any student of the inner traditions of the West, and especially to any brother of the Craft whose search for 'more light' leads to the portals of the Mysteries." — John Michael Greer, author of The Way of the Golden Section, The Ceremony of the Grail, and Mystery Teachings from the Living Earth
"Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism are like conjoined twins - ever connected and ever unique in their own ways. This peculiar union is no better expressed than in the 18th Degree of the Scottish Rite, the Rose+Croix Degree. Dunning's personal journey through these Mysteries is a welcome example of ora et labora, 'prayer and work', applied to their intertwined paths through the lenses of Hermeticism and Christian esotericism. As such, this book will be of value to anyone with such interests, regardless of their affiliation or lack thereof, and it may even find itself as part of a broader curriculum for working groups as well." — Mark Stavish, M.A., 32°, author of The Path of Freemasonry: The Craft as a Spiritual Practice
"Can Rosicrucian wisdom be consumed like a neatly packaged TV dinner, and will it yield the sustenance of the real thing? Some Rosicrucian Orders send cozy study materials that way. In contrast, Masonry leaves many things unsaid so that its esotericism needs to be unpackaged. A Rose Croix Oratory is the reward of one who has undertaken that journey for himself and opens the way for others to follow. The reader will start with a solid foundation in the tradition and gain the Rosicrucian mindset, and the symbols of the tradition are presented so that you can draw out the vital sustenance of that most holy Rosy Dew for yourself." — Samuel Robinson, author of Alois Mailander: A Rosicrucian Remembered and The Rosicrucian Fraternities in the Wake of J.B.Kerning and Alois Mailander
The Contemplative Lodge: A Manual for Masons Doing Inner Work Together
The Contemplative Lodge continues the work of C.R. “Chuck” Dunning, Jr. in providing thoughtful, practical, and accessible guidance for everyone interested in the utilization of contemplative practices, such as meditation, breath work, chanting, and visualization, within a Masonic setting and context. This book specifically addresses the needs of Masons seeking to facilitate or participate in group practices, learning, and support. Brother Dunning hands readers the working tools required to develop themselves as skilled contemplative practitioners, facilitators, teachers, and mentors. He provides many detailed scripts, exercises, and instructions that may be used by Masons in their Lodges or within private group settings. His three decades of experience provide wise and vital insight into the establishment and preservation of the right environment, the benefits and challenges unique to group work, and the most effective methods and approaches to ensure that participants get the most out of group contemplative practice.
"Brother Dunning's The Contemplative Lodge picks up where his Contemplative Masonry left off, offering guided exercises to engage members in a meaningful lodge experience. His ideas focus on the inner, symbolic, and speculative aspects of the Craft, encouraging members to seek balance and develop an active, meaningful relationship between themselves and ‘the work’. This book provides techniques which transform the theoretical into the practical, showing how speculative and philosophical notions are actualized. Brother Dunning asks us to examine ourselves and our intentions, demonstrating that ritual and reflection (when properly understood and applied) address the needs of the individual, thus contributing to a better society." — Arturo de Hoyos, 33°, Grand Cross, KYCH, Grand Archivist and Grand Historian, Supreme Council, 33°, S.J.
"The Contemplative Lodge is an essential read for every member of the Craft. Brother Dunning shows how contemplation lies at the heart of Freemasonry, providing clear, simple-to-follow instructions for Lodges that want to introduce contemplative discussion, group meditation, silent sitting, guided imagery meditation, and more. This book offers essential guidance to every Lodge seeking to encourage the exploration of its processes, symbolism, meaning, and implications for the life of the initiate. Strikingly, rather than adopting these practices from other systems, Brother Dunning looks within Freemasonry itself to find them." — Angel Millar, author of Freemasonry: Foundation of The Western Esoteric Tradition
"If your desired Lodge experience is limited to a hot meal, a reading of the minutes, and paying bills, then this is not the book for you. The Contemplative Lodge offers the reader a blueprint for a more spiritual, a more meditative, and a more Masonic Lodge. This is a book for those with a hunger to experience the deeper and more meaningful aspects of Freemasonry. In a nutshell, if you care about Freemasonry, buy this book and put it to use. You, and your lodge, will greatly benefit." — Michael R. Poll, author of Measured Expectations, A Masonic Evolution, and A Lodge at Labor
Contemplative Masonry: Basic Applications of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Imagery for the Craft (Revised & Expanded Edition)
Part of the work that has become Contemplative Masonry first appeared on the internet in 2000 as an anonymously authored guide to the exploration of Freemasonry through contemplative practices like prayer, meditation, breath work, chanting, and visualization. Sixteen years later, the original author of that material, C.R. “Chuck” Dunning, Jr., has come forward with a substantially expanded edition for those seeking to utilize Masonic symbolism and teachings in a way that is practical, accessible, inspiring, and profoundly transformative. Contemplative Masonry is a much-needed resource for Masons seeking to undertake the challenging and rewarding work of deep self-knowledge and self-improvement. Brother Dunning provides Freemasons with a unique system of practices derived directly from the Degrees of Craft Masonry, without reliance upon other religious, spiritual, or esoteric traditions. He also shares the valuable wisdom and insights that come from decades of personal experience with contemplative practices.
"I would heartily recommend this book to any Mason who has wondered how he might engage more deeply with the Craft and enhance his quest for light. Brother Dunning has mapped out a practical approach to what he terms contemplative Masonry, which can be practiced by any brother, regardless of his religion or spiritual beliefs. I know of few Masons better qualified to serve as a guide to a specifically Masonic path of spiritual growth." — Jay Kinney, 33°, author of The Masonic Myth and editor of The Inner West
"Chuck Dunning takes us on a wonderful and enlightening journey of what has to occur in a man's body, mind, and spirit for him to actually improve himself in Masonry. He discusses the nature of inner work in Freemasonry, and he is eminently qualified to do so. He enlightens us with his wisdom and offers us a number of exercises which can lead us to the true treasure of manhood. This book is a must read for anyone wanting to know what is hidden in the language of Freemasonry." — Robert G. Davis, 33° G.C., author of The Mason's Words and Understanding Manhood in America