In almost every Lodge in India, irrespective of the Constitution, there are five Volumes of Sacred Law, opened side by side, upon the Altar. Yes! Our Altars are big enough for that! The Square and the Compasses are placed in the manner of the Degree on either the Bible, or on that holy book which the Worshipful Master of the Lodge holds in reverence. Or, if there is a candidate to be obligated, it may in some Lodges, be placed on the Volume of the candidate’s faith. At times, it so happens that a candidate not subscribing to any of the above faith has to be obligated. In such cases, the candidate is asked to bring his own book of his faith, which is then also placed on the Altar, side by side with the other books.
On account of the several cultural and religious differences, a certain amount of trivial laxity is usually tolerated in our Lodges. For instance, when a prayer is being recited, it is normal for a Christian to uncover his head. Quite to the contrary, in quite a few other faiths, it is considered improper to have the head uncovered during prayers. So, during the recitation of the prayers, some orthodox heads get covered. After the obligation, when the ritual requires the Worshipful Master to say "... you will now seal this obligation by kissing the Volume of Sacred Law ...", it is not uncommon in India for the Master to say "... you will seal this obligation on the Volume of Sacred Law in a manner most binding on your conscience ...". Because the manner of reverencing the Volume of Sacred Law is very different for each individual, and some dare not touch their lips on the Volume of Sacred Law. It is very interesting to observe the several different ways that are "most binding".