Jonti Marks was born in London and grew up partly in England and partly in Kenya. He was a school teacher for 27 years and worked in Zambia, Kenya and the UK as an English and Drama teacher and also as a Head. He left teaching in 2013 to devote himself to his writing full-time.
Jonti became a Freemason in Nairobi in 1990 and has always been interested in the deeper, spiritual significance of the Craft. His Masonic writings aim to illuminate these hidden depths and to help make Freemasonry relevant, useful and inspiring for Masons and non-Masons alike.
Jonti's non-Masonic writings are largely informed either by his experiences as a teacher or by his life in Kenya - and often by his life as a teacher in Kenya!
Jonti's book,' Teaching from the Heart:100 Meditations for Teachers' follows the format of the Masonic books and offers 100 inspirational messages for teachers, parents, policy makers and educationalists in every sphere who do so much to determine the well-being of our society and the future of the planet. It was written as a parting gift to the profession and is the distillation of a 30-year philosophy of education that appears increasingly important and even urgent in today's moral climate.
'The Bhagavad-Gita in 18 Sonnets' also reflects a lifetime's interest and a deep connection with the spiritual teachings of India. Jonti has been familiar with the Gita for all of his life and was moved to try to capture some of the essence and spirit of this sacred text in a wholly poetic form.
You can find out more about Jonti at: www.jontimarks.com
A series of books that aims to offer all those who have chosen Freemasonry as one of their paths daily inspiration and the opportunity to contemplate the deeper significance of our Craft.
The series comes in distinct sections:
'Level Steps' is a collection of 100 daily meditations based on the ritual, practices and teachings of Blue Lodge or Craft Freemasonry.
'Hidden Depths' follows the same pattern but is based around the teachings of Royal Arch Freemasonry.
The two volumes of 'Still Waters' are general Masonic Meditations on the Book of Psalms. Each daily meditation is set alongside the Psalm that inspired it.
'365 Level Steps' is a lightly edited compilation of the previous four books set out as one volume with a meditation for every day of the year.
Distant Peaks is a series of 100 Meditations inspired by the Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius.
Travelling Light explores Masonic ideas relating to Light and the search for inner illumination.
The latest book in the "Masonic Meditations" series. With quotations from a wide range of sources, from Masonic ritual and the Guru Granth Sahib to the Grateful Dead, this volume explores Masonic symbolism relating to light and the human search for inner Illumination.
Marcus Aurelius was Emperor of Rome from 161 to 180CE. He was also a Stoic philosopher and is best known for his ‘Meditations.’ This new book from the author of ‘Level Steps’ and ‘Hiram’s Way’ explores some of these Meditations from a Masonic perspective and offers deep and contemplative insights into the place and value of Freemasonry in today’s world.
A book of affirmations for lovers; part poetry, part course-book, these daily readings will deepen your love and appreciation for each other and for the love you share.
This second volume of Masonic Meditations inspired by the Book of Psalms continues where the first one left off, thus completing the cycle which offers inspiring thoughts on all 150 Psalms in a series of 165 ‘meditations.’
A new rendering of The Bhagavad-Gita in 18 Shakespearean Sonnets, this beautiful volume aims to capture the essence and spirit or the original in a form that both lyrical and succinct.
'Teaching from the Heart' is a series of 100 inspirational messages for teachers and all those involved or interested in the education of young people. Written by a teacher with nearly 30 years experience, it comes from a place of real understanding and from an educator who has genuine respect, compassion and love for Teachers and Students alike.
Following on from the success of ‘Level Steps: 100 Daily Meditations for Freemasons,’ this companion volume offers further practical insights into the deeper spiritual meanings of Freemasonry, with particular reference to the symbolism and forms of the Holy Royal Arch.
‘Level Steps: 100 Daily Meditations for Freemasons’ is a beautiful and practical book offering insight and inspiration to all Freemasons who are interested in the deeper meaning of the Craft, as well as an instrument of understanding for their families and friends and all those searching for guidance and spiritual insight.