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Subud Vision - Discussion

Erica Sosna - God's Work

Dear Erica. From haskel adamson, May 14, 2008. Time 9:31

Hi Erica ,
I enjoyed reading your article. Though I have always felt I have followed my own path in life, when I was opened ten years ago, I was so bowled over by my experiences, that I accepted some of the more dubious theories that abound in Subud circles. Theories that probably made more sense 50 years ago in Indonesia. I really appreciate Subud vision as a forum for Subud members to speak their minds without feeling that they are blaspheming in some way.

Subud is a powerful tool for transformation, the flip side of this is its power for manipulation through encouraging new members to believe in the teachings of Bapak, or "his helpers".

Ten years ago there seemed to be a lot more "Bapak says", and i'm glad this has diminished. The three month rule is a maximum time limit, but helpers feel they have to wait this long for some reason. Why not open people after a few meetings and meet up with them for a few months afterwards? — to help them make sense of their new experiences.

I enjoyed meeting you at congress last year, and it's good to read that you are keeping your own mind.

love Haskel


From Bronte, October 5, 2009. Time 0:59

Dear Erica.
I hope nothing will deter you from Subud, ever.
That is a hard ask.

I was opened before my "due time" because I wanted to be. But it was a spontaneous thing, with no helper or witness.
I had to wait for longer than normal for my formal opening.
I think the opening time depends on the inner preparedness of each person, and it is not often easy to know if a person is "ready". So an arbitrary period of three months was recommended for formality sake. Many exeptions will occur.
including those which breach the "must be 18 years old" "rule"
As to sharing latihan like it was just another spiritual practice, like Yoga, I cannot feel at ease about this. I even want to do it. But that would be my will, my ego, not the other person's inner need. I have a friend who thinks he might "want Subud", but I am not going to push him. I believe latihan changes people, and we need others who understand it at least a little in order to share and compare notes, and feelings, about it. No one who has not experienced the opening, and consequent latihans, seems able to address anything about the latihan. Even member seem to want to compare it, saying things like "it is just the manifestation of the Chi force." and so on. I think it is not, and it is not really to be compared to Yoga either, and probably to nothing else at all.
May your Subud path be clear and long for you.
Bronte


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