Everyone is the King and the Servant as well

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Do you think someone can be a “king and a servant” at the same time? I still never heard it possible in other parts of the world’s culture except in Indonesia, in particular in Batak’s livelihoods.

It happens in Batak’s life. In Batak’s tradition, there is a bond that unites us all. A relationship that reminds us not to be arrogant or selfish. Instead, we need to be a humble man as we are all the same before God’s eye. One could be the king, and at the same time, he could be the servant. It is known as Dalihan Na Tolu ( Batak’s three principles).

How does it work? In Batak’s patriarchal life, each individual has three functions inside them: as a king, as a servant, and as a sibling. First, as a king (hula-hula), people will respect us. Second, being a servant (boru), we have to serve others. And third, as a sibling (dongan tubu), we have to be kind to each other. That’s is the value. All will experience the functions.

You can see the application in the traditional Batak party, for instance, a wedding party, a death party, and a family party. But, for sure, it is also applied to anyone in general.

By establishing the principles, a well-balanced life happens in the Batak family.

Photo: internet

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