Surrender and Submission in the Occult and Religion
Introduction
Surrender and submission are profound themes interwoven into the fabric of human spirituality. Both concepts have deep roots in religious traditions and the occult. Yet, despite sharing some overlapping definitions, they carry distinct connotations and are practiced differently across various spiritual disciplines. This article delves into the nuanced interpretations and significance of surrender and submission within the realms of religion and the occult.
Surrender in Religion
In many religious traditions, surrender is perceived as the relinquishment of one’s ego, desires, or attachments to align oneself with divine will. Here’s how this idea manifests in several major religions:
- Christianity: The act of surrender is central to Christian teachings. Jesus’ submission to God’s will, particularly in his acceptance of crucifixion, is a pivotal instance. Believers are often taught to “surrender all” to God, placing their trust in His divine plan.
- Islam: The very word “Islam” translates to “submission” or “surrender” to the will of God. Muslims believe that by surrendering to Allah’s will, they attain peace and purpose in life.
- Hinduism: The concept of “Prapatti” or complete surrender to God is present in various Hindu traditions. Devotees believe that by giving themselves entirely to the divine, they can achieve moksha or liberation.
Submission in the Occult
In the realm of the occult, submission often implies yielding to greater powers, be they divine entities, spirits, or cosmic forces. This submission isn’t always about seeking protection or alignment but can be about tapping into deeper wisdom or power.
- Hermetic Traditions: These teachings, based on the writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, emphasize the importance of aligning one’s will with the Universal Will. Through certain rituals and practices, practitioners aim to dissolve their individual desires and submit to cosmic laws.
- Witchcraft: Some traditions within witchcraft involve forming pacts or alliances with spirits or deities. These pacts may require the witch to submit or dedicate themselves to these entities in exchange for knowledge, power, or favor.
- Ceremonial Magick: Rituals in this domain often involve invocations where the practitioner submits to higher powers, angels, or entities to harness their energies for specific purposes.
The Overlapping Essence
While surrender and submission might be delineated by their religious or occult contexts, both underscore a similar spiritual principle: the human experience is enhanced when in alignment with something greater than oneself. This can be a divine being, universal law, or even an internal, higher self. Both concepts are, in essence, a means to transcend the limitations of the ego and tap into a more expansive, interconnected reality.
Conclusion
Surrender and submission, regardless of the context, represent a yielding or aligning of the personal will with a greater force or entity. Whether found in religious devotion or occult practice, these acts highlight humanity’s innate desire to connect with something larger than itself, seeking purpose, power, or enlightenment. As we continue to evolve in our understanding of spirituality, the concepts of surrender and submission remain foundational, guiding us towards profound truths about our existence and our place in the cosmos.
