“Mastery in Servitude” is at the heart of all traditions

“Mastery in Servitude” was the motto of spiritual master Meher Baba (1894–1969). It is both a complex concept and a basic one. So basic that it sits at the heart of all spiritual and religious traditions. So complex that it must be applied with great care.

Serving who? Serving how? Mastering what?

Each tradition answers these questions differently. Who and what you are asked to serve or surrender to is different. While it isn’t always made clear by leaders or clearly understood by followers of different traditions, mastery is the same. It is mastery or discovery of the highest form of our humanity. It is that simple.

Not so simple. Careful selection of who and what we serve and how we serve is essential. Examples of misplaced surrender and service abound, resulting at best in lost opportunity, at worst in damage and suffering. On the other hand, even if we make less than helpful choices, these can develop our discernment, so that if and when we do serve again, it will put us on a better path.