WSA F.Y.I World Association December 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE WSA TEAM INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Message from The WSA Team

Celebrating Bapak’s Birthday, The year 2020 is drawing to a close, and hopefully 2021 The second part 2 will see us revert to normality. The WSA Team would like to sincerely wish you all a blessed and joyful Christmas International Helpers AREA 1 2020 and a Happy New Year 2021. Srilanka 8 New Zealand 10 We have to be grateful for the advance communications AREA 2 Congo 14 technology, despite travel restriction, the council has Portugal 15 AREA 3 been busier than ever attending to the needs of the world General 17 Subud community. Zone Countries You all know that this council has been given an extended Subud Spain Congress 18 Zone 8 Annual Meeting 20 term, with the next World Congress now due only in Zone 9 Annual Meeting 22 January 2024.

For members of the council this is a privilege and an honor, which we, with God’s guidance, intend to make good use of in serving you.

We hope that we will be soon given the chance to meet as many of you as possible in person.

Nahum, Rosario, Suyono, Hannah, Pudji & Elwyn 28 December 2020

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CELEBRATING BAPAK: SUSILA BUDHI DHARMA, THE BOOK RECEIVED By Daniela Moneta and Solihin Garrard, WSA Archivists (Second Part of Two)

The 1975 edition of Susila Budhi Dharma

The 1975 publication is titled Susila Budhi Dharma: A poem received and written down in High Javanese and Kawi, and later rendered into Indonesian by Muhammad-Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo, with a new English translation from the Indonesian made at Wisma Subud, Cilandak, published by Subud Publications International for the International Subud Committee. United Kingdom: Subud Publications International, 1975. 391 pages. Here are some notes gathered about this edition:

“In the Javanese text the pre-1972 spelling has been retained but the Indonesian has been brought up to date.” Hardback and paperback editions are made available and the sections of the poem are numbered for the first time. The translation team was Bapak’s daughter Ibu Hardiyati along with Hamidatun and Reynold Sullivan. 1 A note was recently found in an unpublished version of Susila Budhi Dharma translated in 1971 by Herbert Sinewardene, a Subud member from Colombo, which states that the team found his translation helpful in translating the 1975 edition.” The archives do not have a copy of the 1971 translation by Sinewardene; please consider donating a copy to the archives, if you have one.

The 1990 Commemorative edition of Susila Budhi Dharma

There is an edition of Susila Budhi Dharma that was printed in commemoration of the thousandth day selamatan of Y. M. Bapak which took place on 18 March 1990. This publication contains an introduction by the Chairman of Subud National Committee which states that a Working Group, consisting of several Subud brothers and sisters who are familiar with the and its art and poetry has voluntarily worked to adapt the spelling of the Javanese language into a standard spelling, as decreed in 1974 by the Minister of Education. The English translation is the same as the 1975 edition. This edition was published by Subud Indonesia Publication by permission of the International Subud committee for the Family of Bapak Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo. []: Subud Indonesia Publication. [1990], 385 pages.

1 In Ibu Yati’s Memories of Bapak interview on the Subud Archives website, she mentions that when Husein Rofé lived with her family in , in the early 1950s, that he taught her English. Bapak wanted all of his children to learn English.

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The 1993 Translation directly from Javanese to English

The WSA Archives was given, by Sylvia des Tombe, an original copy of Mansur Medeiros’ translation from the Javanese into English2 of the first five chapters of Bapak’s spiritual poem. The title was translated from the Javanese and written as follows: Susila Budi Darma. The manuscript is 59 pages (8.0 X 11.0 inches) with a two-page Dictionary for Translating at the end along with an alternative arrangement of lines for Chapter 2, verses 1, 2, and part of 3. Mansur, a long-time Subud member who lived at Wisma Subud for many years, was known in Indonesia as the foremost Javanese scholar for translating Javanese to English. He was educated at Harvard University and graduated with honors. He spent the majority of his life living at Wisma Subud translating Bapak’s talks and teaching. 3 He was an advisor to the archives from 1988 to 1993, after Bapak’s passing, when Bapak’s Archives were organized and preserved. Some of Mansur’s other English translations from the Javanese of works by Bapak are in the Wisma Subud archives. Mansur returned to his home after translating these first five chapters of Susila Budhi Dharma to take a post as a professor at Harvard University where he had an office until his death. This is the only known translation of Susila Budhi Dharma from the Javanese by an English speaker. You can read more about Mansur, his translating, his relationship with Bapak, and a tribute to him in Subud Voice, November 2007, pages 1-2, 13-14.

Here is an example of the first page of Mansur’s translation made in November 1993. The title page of the translation reads: A Literal Line-by-Line Translation of SUSILA BUDI DARMA by Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwijoyo Prepared by M. M. Medeiros To Guide Listeners to the Recorded Version. This may have been Mansur’s attempt to provide an English version to the Javanese when the Javanese portions of Susila Budhi Dharma were sung. Mansur’s translation was recently read by members of the Subud California group at Palo Alto/Santa Clara Valley this past Ramadan.

2 The archives are looking for Mansur’s complete translation from Javanese into English beyond chapter five, if it exists. Please let the archives know if you have any further information. 3 You can read more about Mansur’s work in a book about Barack Obama’s mother called A Singular Woman: The Untold Story of Barack Obama’s Mother by Janny Scott (New York: Riverhead Books, 2011). It has interesting comments about Mansur and several other Subud members who worked for Ann Dunham in her language school. See page 121. It says “Mohammad Mansur Medeiros, a reclusive and scholarly Subud member from Fall River, Massachusetts, and Harvard, whom Ann hired as a teacher, had immersed himself so deeply in Javanese culture, language, and that friends nicknamed him Mansur .”

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The 2001 edition of Susila Budhi Dharma

This 2001 edition of Susila Budhi Dharma was published by Subud Publications International, translated by Sharif and Tuti Horthy, and edited by Manuela Mackenzie. It has a new English translation of the Indonesian prepared for this centenary edition. Siti Rahayu, Muhammad Subuh’s eldest daughter, contributes a forward.

In the 2001 edition we have a quote from Bapak’s 1981 talk in Vancouver, British Columbia, on 20 July 1981 (81 YVR 4) which reads:

In the holy books it is said that the way that leads to the completeness of life is not a path that can be made up, explored or planned by human beings – only by Almighty God. Human beings are required only to surrender; to surrender with acceptance and a willingness to let go.

If one were to investigate, step by step, realm by realm and journey by journey, it would be impossible to calculate how many hundred million years the journey from this world to heaven would take, the journey to the level we refer to as God.

. . . Susila Budhi Dharma will give you some idea of that journey.

The third appendix of this 2001 edition has this further explanation concerning Susila Budhi Dharma in response to a letter in 1971 to Bapak from Matthew Sullivan which gives Bapak’s clarification about his translation from the Javanese of Susila Budhi Dharma.

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How to Request Access to the Subud Archives website

All of the material mentioned in this article is available digitally for Subud members only on a secure website. Subud Archives Online website uses technology to take a further step on the road to making our archives more accessible for Subud members today and in the future. In so doing, we are able to make visible and available archival material previously held only in remote storage areas. The Archives website gives access to historical documents, videos, films, photographs, books, newsletters, interviews, and stories that tell the history and development of Subud today as it is being made and back to the very beginnings of Subud and its spread around the world.

This website is intended to be of use to incoming officers and helpers who wish to learn more about their job and what others have done in that job before them; to help those who work in wings, affiliates, and related entities; to provide source material for Subud historians wanting to write the history of their country, region, or group; and for Subud members who want to progress in their personal development in the and understand more about Subud and its history.

You can apply for access to the Subud Archives Online website by emailing [email protected]. A request form will be sent to you asking you to observe copyright and not share links or your password with others. Return the form to the address listed and you will be notified when your registration is completed.

Endnote

This article is about three things we can celebrate during the time of Bapak’s birthday when many of us around the world are locked down and have to stay at home to keep safe and well:

1) Digitization as a way to share material. The archives are making some older books which are out of print available to be read online as well as other historical material, films, photos, and videotaped interviews of Subud members, among other things;

2) Finding three "new" items in the archives: Rofé’s second half of his 1955 translation; Bapak’s personal copy of SBD published in 1958 that has his handwritten corrections; and the first five chapters of Mansur Medeiros's English translation from the Javanese of Susila Budhi Dharma;

3) Introducing the Subud community to the archive’s website, for members only, as a place to share information about the history, growth, and development of Subud.

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International Helpers Area 1

SRILANKA – FEBRUARY 2020

After visiting India, the International Helpers, Hermina Flynn, Rohmana Friend, Hussein Rawlings and Suryadi Sumohadiwidjojo were joined by Isti da Silva and Sudarmadji Sumohadiwidjojo and spent the weekend in Sri Lanka at the request of the members. There are around 20 long term members in Colombo.

Arriving Friday night, 14th February, we went straight to our hotel accommodation, which was generously provided by the group, where the Chair, Malik and wife, Aisyah Shidiq, welcomed us for dinner and a catch up about the program.

Saturday, 15th February, 10:00 a.m. The members and the International Helpers all met at the Sri Lanka Subud House and chatted together for a while, it was wonderful to see these very beloved members again. Men and women were able to do simultaneous Latihan and testing as the Subud House is very spacious. The women tested about “the quiet time and inner culture of Indonesia, Australia and Sri Lanka”, and “how is our courage when we follow Bapak’s guidelines in our daily life and Subud work”.

We then rejoined the men and resumed chatting about current events in the Subud world and eventually broke for lunch. After the customary afternoon rest, everyone headed back to the house and resumed with another Latihan and more testing. This time, the women tested “How is it for our spiritual growth if there is a Zone meeting in Colombo.” ”What can each of us contribute?”. What is the significance of Subud Sri Lanka in the World?” The day ended with dinner and further socializing, being together is always a happy event.

Sunday, 16th February, 10:00 a.m. We met for Latihan and testing once again. The women tested in a new Kedjiwaan Councillor and “what we need for our health at this time”, and “how can we put it into practice”. The men also tested around health and did a Latihan to keep them in good health.

Lunch followed and then there was a meeting to ascertain the logistics of a Zone meeting being held in Sri Lanka in October 2020. This had been raised at our visit the year before and was in the pipeline. Also, the IHs asked the members if there was anyone who would like to apply for the position of Trustee on the Mohamad Subuh Foundation board.

Following the afternoon rest, we returned again for Latihan and dinner. All the food is generously and lovingly provided and the Sri Lankan cuisine is enjoyed with much delight. This evening, two special guests were invited – the Indonesian Ambassador and his wife.

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As this was our last night, it was especially poignant, and goodbyes were said with the hope of meeting again later in the year.

Sunday night group photo at Sri Lanka Subud House, with guests, the Indonesian Ambassador to Srilanka, Bapak Ngurah and his wife Ibu Desak Ngurah, (standing in the front center between Rohmana Friend and Isti Da Silva, His Area 1) Sitting from left to right: Rukman Jacob, Hussain Pakir Saibo, Zareefa Pakir Saibo, Helena Goonetilleke. Subud Srilanka (Standing from left to right): Lakshman Joseph De Saram, Rumi Bathusha, Robert Goonetilleke, Malik Sideek, Ayesha Sideek, Ruani Goonetilleke, Cassandra Goonetilleke, Miriam Jacob. IH Area 1, Men (standing left to right): 3rd Suryadi S. (Indonesia), 5th Hussein Rawlings (New Zealand), 7th Sudarmaji S. (Indonesia). IH Area 1 Women (standing left to right): 4th Rohmana Friend (Australia), 10th Isti da Silva (Indonesia)

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NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 2020

Visit of IHs Hussein Rawlings, Hermina Flynn, and Rohmana Friend

The last trip for the Area 1 International Helpers (IH) was in March 2020. We were expecting a busy year but the Pandemic changed many things for the whole World. Three of our dewan, Hussein Rawlings, Hermina Flynn and Rohmana Friend, managed to go ahead with the program planned for Auckland, Nelson and Wellington. The Christchurch gathering, however, which included Dunedin, was cancelled over concerns about large gatherings. As three IHs and both the New Zealand Kedjiwaan Councillors (KC), Mira Nixon and Ramzi Adison, were available, a small gathering went ahead in Christchurch, with those members and helpers (one from Dunedin) of around 13 men and 10-12 women, who braved the uncertainty unfolding due to the virus, and generously provided all Christchurch Hall meals needed over the weekend and attended latihans and kedjiwaan sessions. We would like to express our gratitude for their wonderful hospitality.

Auckland, Saturday, 14th March, The IHs and KCs met at the Subud Auckland hall where the gathering was held. The Auckland group is small but well established with about 6-8 men and 8-10 women, and their Subud House is inspiring, having two large halls for Latihan and a comfortable kitchen and meeting area. The Auckland Helpers and Committee greeted us with a pot luck lunch, then men and women helpers broke into groups for Latihan, discussion and kedjiwaan. Most of the testing for the women was around the state of Subud Auckland and dewan development and as helpers, how we need to be and what we can each bring for the future growth and development of the group. The men tested around using the Latihan in facing life. Subud House, Auckland Sunday morning, 15th March, simultaneous latihan and kedjiwaan for all commenced at 10am, and after lunch, continued on into the afternoon. We looked at our capacity to bring Subud into our daily lives and our role in furthering Bapak’s mission. During the afternoon, two new National Helpers were tested in, one man and one woman (completing the National Dewan for the women). Everyone took a short stroll to the local Bistro for dinner ending a very productive and enjoyable visit.

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The next day, Monday 16th March, Hermina, Rohmana and Mira took a day trip to Waiheke Island to visit members there (6 women, no men). Four ladies attended and we enjoyed afternoon tea at their rented premises, and Latihan. Conversation after Latihan became concerned with the Covid virus, so we tested around our ability to face the challenges in our lives, the courage needed for these times.

On Tuesday 17th March, Rohmana, Mira and Hussein travelled to Nelson, and were met by Rosario and Matthew Moir and later joined everyone for dinner. The group is relatively small - 4 men and 5 women. Afterwards, simultaneous Latihans were held at their nearby rented premises, followed by a short kedjiwaan session. Ramzi and Hermina went to Wellington and were collected from the airport and taken to the Wellington Subud house for a potluck dinner. There were two men plus Ramzi and Hammond Peek and four women plus Hermina and National Helper, Renata Peek. Stories were shared of how each had found Subud, which as always was delightful, surprising, poignant and confirmed each persons’ sincere commitment to the Latihan and the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. Latihan and testing followed. The foreshadowing of the pandemic was felt and exploring our capacity to face challenges and deepen our surrender was very beneficial.

On Wednesday, 18th March, we regrouped at the Christchurch property, on which are two large Latihan halls, and an older house for meals and socializing. After Latihan with the local and National Helpers, we held an all helper meeting and discussed our recent group visits, and were updated on the local news and current issues facing the Christchurch group. A discussion continued about delegate responsibilities at World Congress and making ourselves accessible to all Zone KCs and Countries in regular Zoom talks.

Thursday,19 March, latihan and kedjiwaan began the day and in the afternoon, the women opened and welcomed a new member. Our day finished with a social dinner at the house on the property.

Friday was a rest day for all. The weekend was proactive, on Saturday, 21 March, morning latihan continued into the day with further latihan and testing. Again, we asked to be shown our ‘true capacity’ to face the challenges in our lives – we must not forget that we have the gift of the Latihan. There was another special occasion, a second woman was opened that afternoon. Dinner that evening was held at the home of Michael Chapman, the National Chair, and his wife Lucida. On Sunday, morning latihan and kedjiwaan included body testing and questions based around the qualities of Susila Budhi Dharma and expressing this in our lives.As the weather was balmy we had lunch under the trees, and finished up the day with the NHs and IHs meeting to review the overall visit.

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International Helpers Area 2

CONGO – FEBRUARY 2020

Visit of international helpers Valentín Pizzi and Howard Ray to Congo Kinshasa

At the end of the visit in Angola, Harina returned home, and Howard and Valentin flew to Kinshasa via Johannesburg, a long journey, there being no direct flights. Valentin had visited DRC for the Zone 5 Council Meeting in 2017, but for Howard this was his first visit, and a deep and rewarding experience.

Congo, Kinshasa Group with Howard and Arriving after midnight, we were collected by the chair of Valentin Subud Congo, and taken to our hotel. Very fortunately our visit coincided with the visit of several representatives of SDIA, SD Canada, and SD Germany who were very familiar with the country from many previous visits, and their company was most welcome and informative. We are very grateful for their help with our transportation to the groups in Matadi and Kisantu, which was invaluable.

We began with the Group in Kinshasa city itself, where we shared latihan in the premises which had been part funded by the Muhammad Subud Foundation, but are as yet still not fully completed. Daily life is difficult there, but we could see and feel and commitment. Kinshasa is a very large urban area, and the group comprises 39 members – 24 men and 15 women. Travel within the city is not easy, and several members had made a considerable effort to be there to meet us. It was good to meet them all and, for Howard, to begin to understand the very difficult circumstances in which they live. With expert input from one of the SDIA representatives, the Group are working on plans to complete the remaining building. It can then be operated as an enterprise to support the Subud organization, which otherwise has no funds.

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In the following days we visited the groups in Matadi and Kisantu. Matadi is DRC’s only port, and in a beautiful location spread across many steep- sided hills. On the way, we visited the excellent SD and Subud DRC maternity unit in Kingantoko, and also the nearby Subud House, as yet still incomplete as it has not been possible to finance a supply of water. The Matadi Group has a Latihan Hall, again built with the help of a grant from the Muhammad Subuh Foundation, and rents out some adjoining small spaces but has problems since the tenants are Congo, Matadi Subud House frequently unable to pay the rent. The Group comprises 20 men, including one helper, and there are no women. We did latihan and tested with them, and then were taken to a nearby restaurant, together with some of the men, for a late dinner, lit only by the light of a large wall-mounted TV.

The following morning, we were taken to see the extraordinary enterprise developed by the group’s helper. A school for children from reception to upper grades, it is in a continual process of development. New buildings are currently being developed as funds permit. It is an example for all of us, and we were very impressed. Bravo!

Our return from Matadi took us via another excellent Susila Dharma project, the hospital at Kwilu Ngongo, and we were shown around by some of the many dedicated staff working there. The night Congo, Matadi- Daniel School was spent at the nearby cathedral city of Kisantu/Inkisi, and in the morning, we did latihan with the group and the visiting SDIA members in one of the hotel’s meeting rooms. The group has 11 members, eight men and three women, and had been experiencing problems with finding space for regular latihan, but after the latihan that morning one of the members decided to offer the use of his school for the group to use on a more regular basis after school hours.

But, above all, we did latihan with the groups, we grew close to them, we shared, and we could feel how important are our brothers and sisters from Africa. We became strongly aware of the need always to keep them in our thoughts and prayers and, when possible, to visit again, staying longer to support the experience of the latihan there.

We are very grateful for the wonderful hospitality and care given by all our brothers and sisters of Subud DRC: Bernard, Serafin, Sylvain, Angelique, Popoti, Papi, Daniel, and all the many others who joined us for latihan, and to SDIA for their truly invaluable assistance with transport.

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PORTUGAL - SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Visit to Portugal by Isti da Silva and Valentin Pizzi.

Six months after the last visit of the International Helpers Area2, the Portuguese National Congress held in Lisbon was an opportunity to travel again. Four IH Area2 had to go but unfortunately due to pandemic restrictions in some countries only the channel between Italy and Portugal was open and so only Valentín Pizzi was able to leave.

Fortunately, in Portugal there was Isti, IH Area 1, so we could share this experience and work together. Thanks to God Almighty for this opportunity. It was very nice to see each other and meet again as well as to be together with our Portuguese brothers and sisters. The welcome and hospitality was warm and magnificent as always, both in Lisbon and Porto. Strong feeling of Subud family!

LISBON Friday afternoon, 25th September, one day before the congress, we had a meeting with the Kejiwaan Councilor, National Helpers and group helpers, to talk about the KEJIWAAN program of the congress.

Initially there were plans to follow a list of tests that had been done in the last Zone 3 meeting, but that did not meet the real needs and current situation in Subud Portugal. By talking and giving space for us all to be guided to what was good and right to do, new simpler and more realistic tests emerged. Only few tests, (i) on the attitude we have towards others, and (ii) the feeling of closeness between us, (iii) on the contribution that everyone can make, and (iv) the love we have towards our Subud brothers and sisters.

The helpers were very satisfied with the choice of the tests, feeling that were in harmony with the current situation and needs of Subud Portugal.

The interaction among Isti and myself physically present and the Dewan of Area2 via zoom was very good and our brothers and sisters from Portugal appreciated that. There was a feeling of closeness and support.

The national congress, on Saturday, 26th September, was very well organized. A part of the participants physically present and another part connected by zoom. Hamid da Silva conducted the Congress as Congress President with the usual ability and simplicity contributing to the success of the Congress together with the committee and the participants themselves.

All the topics under discussion, only a few given the short duration of the Congress, were approved during the day to everyone's satisfaction.

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Portugal, Lisbon, National Congress – 25th September 2020 (We made a joke about Hamid and Sitting on the floor: Susana Villar – Secretary, Sitting, from left to right: Sara Pinto - Treasurer, Ana Ley Lopes - Chair, Haryanti Neves - National Helper/KC, Isti Da Silva- his management and leadership IH, Aimee Cruz skills, he could also be hired by Standing from left to right, Hamid da Silva - Congress Chair, Miguel Dinis - Lisbon Helper, Daniela Dinis - Auditor committee chair person, Roxsana - Lisbon other national congresses.) Helper, Laksar Botelho - Lisbon Helper, Richard Rogers - National Helper/ KC Masks were taken off before taking picture In the afternoon, there was a meeting of the IH with the helpers present at the Congress where we shared, not only aspects of the Congress which just finished, but also feelings in an atmosphere of unity and harmony. It was an important moment and we all felt so close.

Some comments The latihan was strong and deep. The tests made were received and shared with gratitude and humility.Sitting Subud Portugal is a Subud country with a long history of project activities and involvement in many different initiatives.

PORTO Sunday, 27th September, the Congress moved to Porto with Hamid and Isti. The wonderful and familiar hospitality for which I am very grateful. We met and did Latihan with the Porto group. One day with the men.

We had an afternoon together sharing an excellent tea and personal information. They asked about the work of the international Helpers and I was able to share some anecdotes. The deep and strong Latihan and a sense of stability. Hamid is the group helper and a very important point of reference. A wonderful day ended with dinner all together and such a nice family feeling!

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The day after the meeting with the women's group. I was impressed by the feeling of joy, serenity and lightness. All of them very happy, cheerful, open with a great connection happy to be Subud. There was also an applicant already in a serene and positive atmosphere.

Some comments The Porto group is a fine example of the Subud Family. Hamid and Isti do an excellent job, and there was no doubt about it, and you can see and

Portugal-Porto, National Congress, Sept.2020, From left to feel the serene, stable and strong atmosphere right: Lucas da Silva, Aida- local Helper, Isti da Silva, Harjanti present in the group. It would have been nice to Neves - National Helper/ KC, Ana Moreira, Joana - Probationer, Dalila have an IH 18 meeting in Porto. Who knows in the At the back Valentin and Hamid da Silva future, it remains a very valid option always, Masks were taken off before taking picture obviously in accordance with the possibilities and times.

Thanks to God Almighty it was a beautiful and blessed visit to Portugal. Being able the two of us to work together was also a gift, always in serenity, harmony.

We would like to thank Subud Portugal and the groups in Lisbon and Porto who, even in a difficult situation due to the pandemic that did not allow us to meet everyone, welcomed us with sincere love and full support on every occasion

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International Helpers Area 3

Area 3, latihan and the pandemic

Situations have been different in various countries with some difference in groups’ access to latihan in person depending on local laws in relation to fluxuating numbers of Covid 19 cases. Mostly latihans are done simultaneously at home at the same times group latihans occur in normal times. Some Subud houses have been able to open but then had to close again as the virus caused a new wave of cases. We are grateful for the capacity Zoom has given us to at least see each and talk with each other. When we do latihans we turn off the audio and visual signals.

As a dewan we normally meet with a country in our zone on Wednesday evenings. We focus first on meeting with the national helpers, then include the committee and sometimes the whole membership where the numbers are smaller. It’s been beautiful to discover that doing latihans simultaneously across oceans, mountains and miles brings our inners close even if our bodies stay home. Tonight, Colombia’s national helpers told us the three of ten groups in Colombia have their houses open for latihans in person now.

We just have witnessed via zoom the Subud USA gathering and the Subud Canada Annual General Meeting. Latihans come first always at these meetings before the zoom and at the end a time for social conversation and connection. While some of us attended the Mohammed Subud zoom AGM two attended the Zone 9 (Peru, Argentina, Chile and Brazil) gathering last weekend.

With all the languages and cultures we still worship as one humanity and feel so grateful for this gift Bapak received from God and gave to us and shares still. We are so grateful that even with all the restrictions from the pandemic the kejiwaan touches and infuses our work with each country and each wing of Subud. Thank you God.

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Zone 3

National Congress - Subud Spain – 2020 (a report by Paloma de La Vińa)

Subud Spain held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 10th October, 2020.

An unprecedented event, for the first time in almost 65 years since Subud arrived in Spain, a congress was held not in person, but online via Zoom, which is an amazing tool to be able to see each other's faces while talking, laughing, singing, dancing. About 45 members from the seven groups in Spain were present, including some isolated members.

We only had one day to celebrate our congress, but because it was so well organized, we even had time to draw conclusions from the proposals presented.

The congress started at 9 a.m. with two subtitled videos by Bapak, one in Spanish and one in English, projected on two different screens. The chosen talk was given by Bapak in Oslo on July 17th, 1970; code 70 OSL 3. The Talk was so appropriate for that moment that it helped us a lot to have the right attitude during the whole congress. The latihan and the tests were felt like a great and deep surrender to God. We felt united, connected and happy, very happy. At 11am, the National Helpers reported on the situation of members and groups. After the break for lunch and a little rest, we listened to the reports on the topics on the Agenda: groups, finances, MSF, SDIA, SICA, SIHA, Publications and Mutual Aid (Almoners).

We all thanked the National Chairlady, Hanna Soto, for her work and dedication over the past two years. As she was unable to continue as chair due to her work and family, Carla Moreno Bock was left as Interim Chairlady and Paloma de la Viña as Committee Advisor. Raimundo Olivares, the current Secretary, and Andreu Clemente, the current Treasurer, will continue in the same position until we can hold an Extraordinary General Assembly in which the members can be present to witness the tests of the new chair and the formation of the final National Committee. We also thanked our Zone 3 Representative, Hanna de Roo, who shared with us the situation of the Zone and the WSC’s work.

Two important issues were reflected in the conclusions: To call bimonthly Kejiwaan Meetings through Zoom and to create some project that can provide benefits or an investment that generates profitability.

We thanked God for such a harmonious and peaceful congress, and we all remembered our dear Ibu Siti Rahayu for the way she always cares for all of us and the love she is offering us in these difficult times.

The Congress ended at 6.30pm. It was a very deep and spiritual day.

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Some words from the Chairlady, Hanna Soto Since I started as chair of Subud Spain two years ago I have seen Subud with new and renewed eyes.

These two years has allowed me to know a little bit more in depth what our brotherhood is and thanks to it my progress expressing itself in the day to day, facing its own growth. Through these words, I would like to express my most sincere gratitude for having been able to actively participate together with brothers and sisters who live Subud with a wonderful dedication, with that special connection and who have so kindly given me their support all the time. From here on we continue on this beautiful spiritual Hanna Soto path, open to new challenges to face together.

With all my love and gratitude. Hanna Soto

Subud Spain National Congress 2020 Participants

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ZONE 8

By: Helen Muñoz – Zone 8 Representative

Short News from Zone 8

In this difficult time when the pandemic is affecting the life of the whole world, the members in our countries continue to do their latihan at home. Very few groups have been able to meet to do it together in a face-to-face way. That is why the need has been felt to be in communication, strengthening or generating networks of fraternal support as true brothers and sisters.

Our international helpers from Area 3 have been accompanying us in the distance, and we are very grateful for that.

Since the month of Ramadan until the first week of December, groups of enthusiastic members have scheduled interesting virtual talks and presentations by Subud artists, on Fridays and Saturdays of each month. You can see them at the following links: They are in Spanish with English translation

1. Subud Latin America Virtual Talks Link to one of the many talks that have been given https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=charlas+subud

2- SES' Friday Interviews Benjamin Garzón & Afandi Fiscó May 8th/2020 Dana Todd & Nataniel Trujillo May 15th/2020 Magnus Cheifetz– May 22nd/20, link Mariamah Flores & Ismail Romero- May 29th/20, link Sebastian Martínez & Amanecer Urrutia- June 5th/20, link Luisa & Elías Urrejola– June/12th /20, link Raynard von Hahn – June/19th /20, link Jose Raul Moreno Cárdenas – Tierraviva Foundation– June/26th /20, link Marston Gregory– July/17th /20, link Andrés Paglayan – July/31st /20, link Rosario Gonzalez – August/14th/20, link Mauricio Castillo & Amanda Rivera -MSF– August/28th /20, link Mansur Geiger – August/28th /20, link Edgar Waniuk, Subud Toronto Centerprise, link

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Costa Rica It is a small Subud group that currently has five (5) men and six (6) women, who communicate and support each other. They join the world latihan and the latihan programmed by the IHs of Area 3, as well as the local latihan. Some members have had financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic, but they are facing it as best as they can, by trusting the Almighty.

Colombia It has about 495 members. Of the ten groups, only three opened their homes to do the latihan together. They follow health protocols, taking care that only a limited number of members go to each latihan. There is a good balance of attendance. The National Committee meets regularly with the Executive Council, composed of the Chairs of all the groups who together try to maintain the dynamic of the Organization in the country and to help some members who have been economically affected by the pandemic.

The National Helpers have also been paying constant attention, virtually, to the Local Committees, the Wings and the Regional and Local Helpers. There has been financial or in- kind support to some members who are in need because of the pandemic.

One of Subud Colombia's largest and most emblematic properties, the “Centro Internacional Amanecer”, is in urgent need of sewage disposal, for which they are managing to find resources to supplement those they already have in order to solve the problem.

Venezuela The pandemic increased the socio-economic crisis that the country has been experiencing for several years. But thank God, Subud members are bearing up with the situation, which is not easy for most. Fortunately, there have been no cases of Covid19 infection in the Subud community. They are still doing latihan at h ome. They communicate by phone and eventually join the local, world and Area latihan, making them feel that they are not alone and that we are one as a brotherhood. In recent years, the number of members has been reduced because many have left the country.

Ecuador Approximately 70 members. Subud houses have not been opened due to the pandemic and members are doing their latihan at home by joining national and international programs. There have been members affected by Covid19 but fortunately none of them are serious. There have been solidarity actions for those who required it.

Panamá Two members, a woman and a man, are the only members in the country. They develop social projects that benefit youth and are active in the practice of latihan.

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ZONE 9

Virtual Meeting of Zone-9

On Saturday, 21st November, the first virtual meeting of Zone 9 was held. This meeting began to take shape in September 2020 with an organizing team of 8 members: From Chile: Fatijah Becker, Valerie Martinez and Ali Sandoval. From Argentina: Oliver Young and Erico Cesar (Zone Representative for Subud Youth). From Peru: Honorata Herrera, Miguelita Mellarez and the Zone 8 Representative: Ana Sofia Mazzini.

The process of organizing this virtual meeting was very interesting. Through Zoom we were able to meet as Subud brothers in a multicultural and multigenerational work team which provided a fresh and structured environment at the same time. We wanted a Kedjiwaan meeting and many wing activities. However, little by little and as we were moving forward we were guided internally to do something simple and light, for the members and to remember the essence. So, we decided to start gently with an introductory event and continue in time with the other activities periodically. We proposed that this first meeting would be like the initial hug in a face-to-face meeting, to meet again with old friends and to know new members, to know how we are and how we have passed this difficult year 2020, to share some reflections as Subud brothers accompanied by extracts of BapaK talks and to be happy seeing the talent of our brothers in a cultural evening. The cultural evening was coordinated by our zone representative for Subud Youth.

The meeting started with simultaneous Latihan and then we entered the Zoom video room with approximately 50 members of the Zone and two International Helpers fluent in Spanish; i.e. Illene Pevec and Kohar Parra.

Members from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay attended. Everything flowed smoothly, everyone had space to introduce themselves and share. The presidents of the countries shared the particular situation of each group during the pandemic and how they have organized themselves to keep in touch. We gathered in sub rooms to reflect on some excerpts from Bapak's talks. We also shared the results of a survey in the area to identify issues of interest to be addressed in the future. We were sustained by a higher force that transcended physical distance and brought us together internally. At the end, we enjoyed the cultural evening together on Youtube which was the highlight of the meeting.

Later comments agree that a feeling of joy and warmth was present at all times.

I am grateful to all the members who responded to the call of the meeting, to the organizing team for taking care of every detail and above all to God Almighty for the gift of Subud.

As a sample of this meeting we share with you some photos and the video of the evening.

Ana Sofía Mazzini Zone 9 Representative

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Cultural video representing the member countries of Zone 9 that was prepared by the youth rep, Erico Cesar https://youtu.be/t-e2GlT7NsY

Pictures of Virtual Meeting Zone-9

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