Source: “The Templars and the Grail: knights of the quest”, By Karen Ralls, Quest Books, Theosophical Publishing House, 2003.
1. The Knights Templar - Beyond the Myth.mp4
1. Unmasking the Knights Templar - Beyond Myth to Medieval Powerhouses.m4a
This topic delves into the multifaceted history of the Knights Templar, initially presenting them as a "new species of knighthood" that uniquely combined monastic devotion with fierce martial prowess during the Crusades. Beyond their role as elite "spiritual special forces," the text highlights their incredible transformation into powerful empire-builders and financiers, pioneering early banking practices like letters of credit and accumulating immense wealth through diverse commercial activities. The source also explores their significant influence as trusted advisors and diplomats to popes and kings, even speculating on their potential involvement in King Richard I's enigmatic capture. Finally, it details their expertise as agricultural and maritime experts, managing vast landholdings and operating a substantial shipping network, while also touching upon speculative connections to historical figures like Roger de Flor and the enduring mystery surrounding their fate after their suppression.
Topic 1: Identity and Unique Nature of the Knights Templar The Knights Templar were a devout medieval military religious Order that uniquely combined the roles of knight and monk, a combination previously unseen in the Western medieval world. St. Bernard of Clairvaux, in his famous letter "In Praise of the New Knighthood," elevated the Templars above other orders, portraying them as a fierce spiritual militia for Christ. He saw them as a "new species of knighthood," engaging in a double conflict against both physical enemies and invisible forces of evil. These individuals were strong warriors who also waged war against vice and demons, exhibiting a lack of fear of death and confidence in becoming martyrs in the sight of the Lord.
Topic 2: St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Influence and Vision St. Bernard of Clairvaux was highly influential in shaping the image and ideology of the Knights Templar. He led a strictly ascetic life, known for extreme fasting and simple living. His powers of persuasion were extraordinary, and he was unflinchingly dedicated to the idea of a "new knighthood." He criticized the excesses of secular knights, disapproving of idle words, immoderate laughter, gambling, hunting, and displays of pomp and pride. In contrast, he envisioned the Templars as combining the best of both practical and spiritual virtues, referring to them as "lions in war, lambs in the house." His close association with the early Templars and his view of his monastery as "heavenly Jerusalem" and "fortress of God" underscored his deep connection to their mission of defending Jerusalem.
Topic 3: Templar Lifestyle, Discipline, and Monastic Vows The Templars were dedicated to a life of service, setting aside ordinary secular temptations. They accepted many sacrifices, adhering to a strict religious Rule that separated them from secular society. This included giving all personal property to the Order, not shaving their beards, avoiding ornamentation on their clothing, abstaining from luxurious foods and women, and eating little meat. They took the three monastic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, living by rigorous standards akin to modern-day elite military special forces, making them the most disciplined fighting force in Western Europe.
Topic 4: Distinction from Traditional Monks Despite their monastic vows and adherence to a religious Rule, the Templars were not considered traditional monks. Unlike monks, who typically lived in enclosed communities primarily focused on prayer and spiritual battles, the Templars did not reside in enclosed houses. Their main purpose, as evidenced by the history of the Crusades, involved fighting numerous bloody physical battles in defense of Christendom, distinguishing them from the more contemplative life of conventional monastic orders.
Topic 5: Initial Opposition and Eventual Acceptance of Warrior-Monk Ideal The concept of combining spiritual devotion with physical fighting initially met with disagreement, as some churchmen considered these functions incompatible, given the medieval concern for sins and souls. Even St. Bernard himself grappled with these issues. The Byzantines were particularly shocked to see priests bearing arms and entering battle within the Crusader armies. However, as the Templars demonstrated their battle skills and achieved victories, they gained significant respect. The power of the "New Knighthood" concept was so strong that even the older Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (Hospitallers) adapted its official Rule to include a knightly monastic ideology, fusing the ideals of knighthood and monasticism into a code for warrior-monks.
Topic 6: Templar Role in the Crusades and Holy Land A fundamental aspect of the Knights Templar's mission was their active involvement in the Crusades. They were specifically tasked with protecting pilgrims traveling in the Holy Land and defending Christian holy places against the increasing Muslim presence. This protective and defensive role was central to their identity as a "militia of Christ."
Topic 7: Complex Templar-Muslim Relations Contrary to popular myth, the relationship between the Templars and their adversaries, the Saracens, was not always one of unadulterated animosity. The Templars, like the Saracens, were expertly trained not to fear death. There is evidence that Templar leadership, on several occasions, regarded Saladin, the leader of the Saracens, with respect. Similarly, Muslim chroniclers at times referred to Templar leaders in equal terms, even amidst fierce warfare. This suggests that the two sides sometimes honored each other. Furthermore, it is believed that the Templars may have learned much about mathematics, architecture, and sacred geometry from their alleged enemies. They also hired Arab interpreters and scribes and employed Saracens on the island of Majorca, which sometimes caused chagrin to the papacy but filled practical needs during the Crusades.
Topic 8: Templar Links with the Nizari Ismailis (Assassins) Medieval Templar links with the Muslim world extended to the Nizari Ismailis, a religio-political Islamic group also known as the Assassins in medieval times. These Assassins were trained as holy warriors, not unlike the Templars themselves. Christian crusaders had contact with the Assassins even before the Templar Order was founded in 1119. Early European contact with the Assassins during the Crusades is documented from 1106. The world explorer Marco Polo further fueled European fascination with the Assassins by compiling legends about them, including tales of a magnificent enclosed garden at Alamut that mirrored Muhammad's description of Paradise.
Topic 9: Templars as Empire-Builders and Wealth Acquisition Beyond their spiritual and military roles, the Knights Templar were highly practical and became one of the wealthiest and most powerful organizations in the Western world. They served as diplomats, trusted advisors to kings and Popes, guardians of royal treasuries, maritime and seafaring experts, major property developers, caretakers of land and animals, agricultural experts, and business experts in commerce, trade, markets, and fairs. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Order acquired extensive property, including churches, farms, mills, villages, monasteries, and ports, through donations from aristocratic families, kings, and fallen soldiers, leading to a spectacular and rapid rise to power and wealth.