SUBUD VISION

Author:

Merin Nielsen

Mini Biography

Born 1961, raised and still living in Brisbane, I joined Subud in 1980. I have had committee roles in two Subud groups, and edited the Subud Australia newsletter in 1991-92. Never having been a helper, I have seemingly always been worried about the extent to which Subud drifts toward religion-hood. I have an arts degree in professional writing and have done professional proof-reading, including one year for a government department, a published novel and some student doctoral theses. Currently working part-time and studying part-time for a science degree, I enjoy philosophy and bushwalking.

Genuinely Open pdf, html

There is no real problem with Subud's lack of growth -- just with its unreadiness to announce the latihan to the world. This inhibition stems from a more basic malady -- too much religiosity in the culture of Subud groups.

Absurd Subud pdf, html

We could make Subud a religion. We could dream of the ideal latihan world. Or we could start hauling Subud down to earth.

An Atheist View pdf, html

There are Subud Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims -- and Subud Atheists

Why Subud Groups Should Not Present Bapak’s Talks pdf, html

A teaching is a kind of authoritative statement about how things are. By presenting Bapak's talks, we promote the teachings that they contain, contradicting Subud's claim of religious impartiality. This puts pressure on members to respect the teachings, and puts off enquirers about the latihan.

Unthinkable pdf, html

How Subud conventions discourage democracy.

An alternative explanation of the Subud exercise in psychological terms pdf, html

To be practised, the latihan requires no explanation, and paying attention to Bapak’s talks is a purely private, optional ‘extra’ for Subud members. Another option, though, is to explore alternative accounts, perhaps derived from different perspectives of various cultures, including that of modern, secular science. Without suggesting that any explanation is superior, this article puts forward an analysis of ‘spirituality’ that casts the latihan in a non-traditional light.

Feedback on Merin's articles

To send feedback on an article, please click on the button, next to the article synopsis, that says "Send Feedback on this article".
Any feedback items are listed below.