What a Master is has been the subject of debate on every IRC Channel I have ever been in. The easiest way to explain it is this, it's a mindset. Either you have it or you don't. That doesn't mean that it cannot be taught, what that means is that either you have what it takes in side of you to learn and use it, or you dont. Even the most submissive seeming man can have it inside of him to be a Master, he just needs that side brought out. For myself, I see a Master as a man who is in almost total control. It's not possible to be in TOTAL control, too many variables in this world to control everything, he is a Man that seeks total control. He IS in total control of himself and his slave or slaves, if he has such. To me, being in total control of one's self means that you know yourself and seek self improvement. Basically he knows his short comings and fixes them, this is probably the single most difficult thing to do. It takes total honesty about yourself and ALOT of soul searching. He doesnt allow emotions to sway his oppinions or his ideals, he sticks by them reguardless of the cost to himself. He is a protector of his family, his property, of his friends, his Homestone, and lastly of himself. He gives without thought of himself to those who need it. He is a kind man at heart, but one who is harder than a diamond at the first sign of insubordination or disrespect to the afore mentioned individuals. Don't take kindness for weakness, that will be your first and last mistake. He shows kindness to those who need it, he encourages the wayward. If I've completely lost you, or bored you at this point, think of it this way, these are the traits that all true Gorean Masters have in common:

Justice: He is Just in all that he does.

Judgement: "Take sex, revenge and personal gain out of any situation, and what you have left, is the best solution based on the information that you have at hand." -Doomfarer

Decisiveness: He makes quick descisions, not rushed ones. This ties in with what I said for Judgement.

Integrity: He is honest and trustworthy, accurate and truthful, and stands up for what he belives in.

Dependability: He is careful of what he promises, he thinks honestly and avoids excuses.

Tact: He cooperates in sprit and in fact. He studies others and takes what he thinks will apply best for him. He is courtious and considerate of his situation, meaning "Your House, Your Rules."

Initiative: He develops and maintains his physical and mental alertness, "Always prepared." He anticiapates situations based on information he has at hand.

Enthusiasm: No matter the odds, no matter the outcome, he keeps a positive attitude and accepts what happens.

Bearing: He controls his body and his actions as though his life depended on it, because it will. He is in contol of his emotions and does not let them rule his descisions, they help influence and shape them, not control them.

Unslefishness: Do I really need to explain this one?

Courage: Moral, Physical, Emotional and Spiritual, that about covers it.

Knowledge: Familiarity gained through experiance and association, he is always learning.

Loyalty: Family, Friends, Homestone, Heart.

Endurance: Get your mind out of the gutter! He avoids excesses that slow down mental and physical stamina. Know the differance between pain and discomfort.

I hope, in some small way, this essay has allowed you to learn what it is to be a Master. At least from my point of view. And if some of this sounds familiar to a few of you out there, I know a great barber to keep them high and tight. Be well, and be safe in your journies.

-Lobo_Negro ©2003