Mitch Ditkoff is here trying to remove the negative connotations from the word 'master' because it is a word that Prem Rawat has used and uses for himself. Rawat does not usually use the word 'master' when he talks about himself. He uses the words "the Master" when discussing himself and on the fewer occasions he uses "a master" it is usually to discuss an historical or mythical figure of whom he claimed to be a reincarnation in his earlier more explicit career. In his post-1984 career he alludes to these persons knowing that the connection is understood: "I mean there are people … Kabir died a very poor man, much poorer than those people who take his works and translate them. Ha ha ha, terrible translations cause they don't know what he is talking about." His 'students' know what Rawat is talking about.
So what is the blessing for a human being. Of course we've talked about life, we've
talked about the breath, we've talked about this existence and yes they're all blessings.
But there is another wonderful blessing and that blessing is the Master.
"Ultimately, a real master is someone dedicated to sparking mastery in others. That's the end game. Their efforts are dedicated to helping everyone who comes to learn from them fulfill their highest potential." Far from mastery Rawat teaches a disempowering message of endless 'dependence' upon Him. Rawat so spectacularly misses this particular attribute of 'mastery' that even after 60 years of 'his work' sharing his message and "revealing the secret Self-Knowledge" no-one at all other than himself can independently stand up and describe what Rawat's message is, let alone attain potential mastery enough to teach others.
The Most Misunderstood Word in the Room
Why the word "master" triggers suspicion in some people, reverence in others, and how my experience with Prem Rawat changed the way I understand it.
Mitch Ditkoff
Jun 27, 2026
Prem Rawat, Barcelona, Spain: February 2, 2025, Photo courtesy of New York Time
Throughout history and even last Thursday there have always been people in the world who have attained mastery - a deep, enduring competence in a skill, craft or field.
Some of these people have not only attained extraordinary wisdom and know-how, they have also made it their life's work to guide others on their own journeys - providing all kinds of teachings, inspiration and support.
When I was 23, I heard about someone who fit this description - Prem Rawat - a young boy from India who was only 13 at the time. There was something about him that I found stunningly compelling. What he was communicating in such an easy-going way cut through the Gordian knot of my own concepts and complexity.
Prem Rawat at 8 years old: Photo courtesy of Jacques Sandoz
The experience of one's true nature
Soon after tuning into what he had to say, I took him up on his offer and received what he referred to as "Knowledge," the direct experience of my own true nature - that which was completely radiant, real and alive within me.
But not only did Prem help me connect with this experience, he also taught me how to stay in touch with it as I went about my daily life-simple techniques for turning my attention inward.
"There's only one kind of peace - not true peace or false peace - but the peace that comes from within you." - Prem Rawat
The plot thickens
Of all the names that have been used to refer to Prem Rawat over the years, the one that's been the most difficult to understand is "master"- a word common in Eastern countries, but much less so in the West.
In the East, the word master is used as a term of respect for someone who has demonstrated a high degree proficiency in helping people become more awake, aware and alive. In the West, however, the word usually pushes people's buttons.
Photo by Charles Cameron
When some people in the West hear the word they think only of its negative connotations - its downside. And yet, there are also many positive connotations of the word depending on the context in which it is used.
For example, when a person has achieved a high degree of mastery they are commonly referred to as a master. Indeed, there are master carpenters, master electricians, master plumbers, master mechanics, and master conductors.
"In mastery, the journey itself is the reward."-George Leonard
Apprenticeship
People who aspire to develop mastery often seek out a master to apprentice with, wanting to learn everything humanly possible from that very accomplished person.
Each master, of course, has their own personality, teaching style and ways of relating to their students. Some are tough. Some are easy going. Some are neither. And some are both. And yet, for the aspiring apprentice the relationship to the master in their chosen field is considered a great boon - the fast track to in-depth learning, insight and understanding.
What's in a word?
Every language has their own particular word for master. In Italian, for example, the word is "maestro," an honorific term of respect usually associated with an eminent composer, conductor or teacher of music.
Arturo Toscani was considered a maestro, as was Giuseppe Verdi, Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle and many others. And while the word maestro was first used to describe conductors of the highest order, it has also been used to describe artists. Leonardo da Vinci was a maestro, as was Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Titian, Modigliani, Monet and Picasso.
Which brings us to the question of the moment: If a master is someone who has achieved mastery, what then is mastery?
"Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason, mastery demands all of a person." - Albert Einstein
Two different dictionary definitions
Most dictionaries include two definitions of the word. The first is "comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or accomplishment." The second definition is why many people bridle at the word-"control or superiority over something or someone."
Few of us want to be controlled by something or someone else - not the government, not our parents, employer, social media or spouse. We deeply value our independence and the right to choose for ourselves. Indeed, this is part and parcel of what it means to be a mature human being - someone who has sovereignty over their own life.
Paying attention to the conductor
If you are a violinist in an orchestra that a maestro is conducting, it's a given that you, no matter how proficient you might be on your instrument, will pay attention to the maestro's guidance. Regardless of the conductor's personality or mood of the moment, you understand that the person with the baton in their hand has a great gift for eliciting the best possible music from you and the rest of the orchestra.
You understand that the maestro's direction is designed to honor the genius of the composer whose music you are playing in order to deliver a soul-stirring performance.
If the conductor gives you the signal to play softer or more slowly, you will respond accordingly - not because they are "asserting power over you," but because you know they have a perspective and proficiency to produce an extraordinary result.
The art of sparking mastery in others
Ultimately, a real master is someone dedicated to sparking mastery in others. That's the end game. Their efforts are dedicated to helping everyone who comes to learn from them fulfill their highest potential.
"I want you to have the same experience I'm having." - Prem Rawat
"I am just a human being," he has said on more than a few occasions. "I am a mirror," he has also said -"a way for people to see who they truly are." Calling him a master is besides the point and will only spark debate. The real question isn't the word used to describe him, but how he can be of service to you -assuming, of course, you are interested in learning from him. And yes, he too has been an apprentice. He too had a teacher - someone recognized to have attained an extraordinary level of mastery and that was his own father, Shri Hans Ji Maharaj. In the end, no one can tell you who Prem Rawat is. And no one can tell you who you are, either. You will need to discover that for yourself. As the old adage goes, the master can cook for you, but cannot eat for you. The ball, as always, is in your court.
"Breath: Wake Up to Life" author event, Dublin, Ireland, July 25, 2025: Photo courtesy of The Times of London
How Prem Rawat refers to himself
The question is: do you want to play?
"Don't simply believe my words; test them against your experience, not your theories." - Prem Rawat
A song of mine that elaborates on this most curious subject
