From our World Subud Chair Lady Osanna Vaughn:

It is clear that a lot of practical work was done at the recent World Subud Council meeting in Bangalore, India. The WSA executive (ISC) ended up with 15 or so clear objectives and lines of action for the next year; issues of the legal responsibilities of the WSA directors were discussed; specific projects around the world were presented; the location for the next world congress was found, fulfilling both outer and inner requirements; the joint working together of the wings was further refined; Susila Dharma International and the Muhammad Subuh Foundation held meetings in parallel; Subud India and Zone 1&2 had annual gatherings. There was a buzz of activity (involving at times probably close to 250 people), interwoven with the gentle presence of Ibu Rahayu (photo with members from Subud India), who gave wonderful talks and testing sessions. We were blessed and grateful.

As all these tangible elements found their place, the intangible ones also grew and found theirs.

Early in the proceedings, testing took the ladies right to the crux of the matter, with a question along the lines of: What is the essence of Subud as received by Bapak? I felt it was to lift humanity to a higher place. This became like the bright light on the horizon for me; the vision that we can carry in everything we do – from the smallest effort to the largest project; facing God in every step we take. In no way does it brush aside common sense, practicality and hard work; but rather it fills them with content. Thus the essence of cathedrals can be manifested in everything we do.

I mention cathedrals because they have come up so frequently in recent conversations and correspondence. The great Gothic cathedrals are stunning pieces of architecture, built with mathematical and musical dimensions full of mystery and hidden secrets; yet their main purpose some say was to give anyone (from whatever walk of life) entering them a truly spiritual and uplifting experience.

Imagine if we had a similar approach in everything we do. How would it be if each of our actions – whether cooking a meal, painting a picture, starting an enterprise or project, organising an event – were undertaken with the intention of creating a vessel to carry this essence forward? What kind of world would we help bring about if each effort we make were to start with a sense of praise and gratitude for the gifts we have been given by Almighty God, and a genuine feeling to share them with our fellow human beings?

I believe that the World Subud Council has a role to play in all this, holding our association in its awareness, free of prejudice, expectation, judgement and self-interest. It may call for special latihans, moments of deep quiet, prayer, or loving thought, and may extend also to the world that surrounds us. Of course, this does not have to be limited to the council members. Any Subud member, anywhere in the world, is invited to join in. This also does not mean that we turn a blind eye to issues that may need to be addressed; but that our approach is from a quiet place, without jumping to conclusions, trying to remain objective.

I also had an image of each Subud member being like a coloured thread of unique beauty, and that the council, with its broad overview, could be able to weave them into a tapestry where each would recognise him or herself as part of a larger picture. In this way, I believe that the council is able to set a general direction that truly reflects the reality of us all.

Another sense that came out of the Bangalore meeting follows up on Ibu Rahayu's words at the beginning of the year: that we have been preparing ourselves for many years now, and that the time to act has come. I feel that not only individual members, but the World Subud Association in its own right is ready to be truly present in the world. How this presence may be manifested depends on us all and will reflect situations as they arise. If we give these actions the kind of content I have spoken of, I am confident that we will move forward together in a blessed, fruitful and beneficial manner.