SURRENDER

A seemingly simple word, evoking an array of emotions from capitulation to renunciation, from giving-in to rising-up, from transformation to transcendence.

How could one word make a world of difference, not in the 'what', but in the 'how'.

Surrender - often construed to be an act done 'to' someone or something. That's how the word is generally perceived. However, there emerges a very different meaning to it, when there is only surrender, no 'to'.

Vedanta philosophy gives a beautiful characterization of the mind in four distinct dimensions - Manah, Buddhi, Chitta and Ahankar.

Manah - the memory and recall, that provides a point of reference.

Buddhi - the intellect and intelligence, that provides the power of discretion.

Chitta - the pure consciousness, that connects us to the universe.

Ahankar - the identity, that upholds the entity and drives purpose.

When one surrenders 'to', a duality emerges. One person surrendering 'to' another person or situation. Two 'identities' emerge. One who is surrendering, the other who is surrendered to.

In reality, one never surrenders 'to' another person or situation, one only surrenders 'to' this identity, to this Ahankar. Imperative to differentiate that Ahaknar is not ego. But, Ahankar has the potential to be transformed or rather reduced to, just being the ego. As long as this identity exists, a potential for ego exists, duality exists and the surrender isn't done, isn't complete, isn't absolute.

The epic Ramayan tells a story of this duality in all its magnificence - Ravan and Hanuman, both extremely powerful, exceptionally knowledgeable and intensely devoted individuals. Similar in many ways, both had the wherewithal to win over the world, all by themselves; yet very different in how they approached surrender.

Ravan surrendered 'to' his identity. And this identity compelled him to vindicate his ego, leading him to defend the indefensible - the ego. Defend even at the cost of complete annihilation.

Hanuman, on the other hand, surrendered. He never surrendered 'to' Lord Ram. He just surrendered. Surrendered completely and his identity transcended to being the embodiment of eternal love and immortal sovereignty.

When the disciple surrenders 'to' the Guru, knowledge flows. When the disciple surrenders, that knowledge becomes enlightenment.

When an individual surrenders 'to' the forces of nature aka God, happiness flows. When an individual surrenders, surrenders unconditionally, that happiness transcends into everlasting love and boundless compassion.

Surrender. Not 'to', just SURRENDER.