In some circles the term surrender is considered a dirty word, a relinquishing of personal power, whereas many spiritual traditions encourage it.
Yes, in those circles one is expected to take a stand, hold one's ground, be self-determined and all the rest. This epitomizes ego-mind's world where these are virtues not to be compromised or relinquished.
So very contradictory views.
Actually not. If one's goal is to let go of ego-mind's dominance, of the false self, in favor of a freer more awake sense of self, then surrender becomes the relinquishing of that limited self. Then real courage and determination are required.
Then the question becomes surrender to what?
Indeed. A misguided surrender to anything less than the highest, to Self Itself, is fraught with complications. To avoid this requires true spiritual maturity, not for the gullible or faint-hearted.
There's still the question of what is being surrendered and what expression of Self to surrender to.
Two very good points. Who or what we think we are has to eventually go. Only as that process is in play can we access the intuitive knowing to recognize the object of this surrendering.