Subud Vision - Feedback

Stefan Freedman - Buddhism and Subud

Hinduism and Subud. From Katherine Carre, December 11, 2007. Time 18:21

Thanks Stefan for taking up the question of Buddhism and Subud. Hinduism is also misrepresented in Subud literature, not only as regards meditation but as a religion it is reduced to the seeking of powers.

I certainly think the question whether Subud is officially for all of humankind or for those belonging to the Abrahamic religions only should be asked and openly discussed. I have not been able to find out, so as a representative of SDI at various UN & NGO meetings, when asked I have always said Subud was a universal way of receiving the Great Life Force because that is what I believe. But is that right ?

From stefan, December 12, 2007. Time 0:1

Hi Katherine,

Good to get your feedback. I agree that Hinduism, as well as Buddhism, is poorly represented in Subud literature, ie in Bapak's explanations.

You mention being a representative of SDI at various UN & NGO meetings and I'm very interested to hear some more about this connection. I know the Quakers interface with the UN but I didn't realise that we do. I'm heartened that you, as a Subud rep, are sensitive to these issues.

And you said, "When asked I have always said Subud was a universal way of receiving the Great Life Force because that is what I believe. But is that right?" Well that's how I perceive it too. The latihan seems to work for people of all faiths and philosophies, whether monotheistic, polytheistic, atheist or "other".

I think Bapak emphasised that the latihan was intended for all of humanity because that was his hope and his vision. But as an organisation we're surely overdue for broader and more contemporary descriptions of the latihan.

This would supercede those explanations that Bapak gave which are (unintentionally I believe) alienating to Hindus, Buddhists or others who don't, for example, feel at home with talk about "the Power of The One Almighty God". Unfortunately - because Islamic extremists have in recent years taken to using similar terms - it makes a radical update of our literature, websites and interface with the public rather urgent.

Stefan

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