Surrender with Meher Baba By Laurent Weichberger (Nov. 5, 2017)
Through unfathomable ways, I lead you to liberation. Accept My rhythm, come in tune with it without reservations. My rhythm of Truth shall redeem you; It will open your heart, it will give you new love.1 ~ Avatar Meher Baba
PREAMBLE2: During 2017, my wife Vanessa and I were in a “Discourses” meeting at the Meher Spiritual Center. Somehow the issue of surrender was raised, and we had a brief exchange with the entire reading group. A female participant said somewhat dramatically, “I surrender… I just give up.” Laurent offered a gentle reminder from his perspective regarding “Passive Surrender” vs. “Active Surrender” and how the “I just give up” statement sounded a bit passive. What he believes Baba is asking for from us seems more like an active type of surrender. The participant asked – “Well, what is that?” Laurent responded that it must have something to do with, “Giving over my self-will, or my wants and desires, in exchange for God’s Wish and Will – what He wants for me.” Of course, this is not so easy. Ultimately, the group decided not to continue this conversation, as it was a side topic from the discourse we were discussing. Later, privately, the participant continued sharing and asked, “Can we have a whole seminar dedicated to surrender?” This article is based on Laurent’s research for and the results of that first surrender seminar which took place in the Fall of 2017. DEFINITION OF SURRENDER3: Transitive verb . to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand . to give up completely or agree to forgo especially in favor of another . to give (oneself) over to something (such as an influence) Intransitive verb . to give oneself up into the power of another MY EARLY EXPERIENCES OF SURRENDER Here are some of my experiences around the topic of surrender, from my many travels, and lastly a personal prayer I sometimes say. New York City: My first remembrance of surrenderance with Meher Baba was in the Spring 1986. I had written my first letter (there was no email back then) to the Meher Spiritual Center to request a personal retreat. I received a very loving response from David Silverman. In his response, David enclosed a Meher Baba card.
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