Greetings from Osanna

September 4, 2009

Greetings from the northern reaches of Europe, where autumn is beginning to make itself known!

In just four months time many of us will be meeting in Christchurch, ready to share in what I trust will be a wonderful world congress; and, thanks to the boundless nature of the latihan and the wonders of modern technology, we'll also be sharing it far and wide with all our siblings around the world. The main latihan schedules will be announced, so that anyone wanting to join in simultaneously may do so, wherever they are; the Congress TV team is getting geared up to put daily news bulletins on line, in addition to all the big cultural presentations, documentaries covering different activities, creative work by film enthusiasts, and, last but not least, Ibu Rahayu's talks.

In addition, there's a buzz in the air that I'm witnessing from different areas of the world: a renewed remembrance or understanding that Subud is Susila, Budhi and Dharma. The timing is perfect to remind us that our congress is also about Susila, Budhi and Dharma. In my understanding, this is the full package. It is what we are about: surrender during the latihan, that puts us in touch with the power of God within each of us, and gradually guides us to forms of expression and activities in this world that are humane, respectful, compassionate, and in line with our true natures and talents. So, I invite you to no longer consider kejiwaan, official business, workshops and entertainment, as separate things, but to consider the whole congress as a holistic event where we aim to imbue everything we do with the qualities of Susila, Budhi and Dharma.

The end spurt before congress will be very intense: so many details to cover,  unexpected challenges arising, extremely busy days, and late nights. As before, I ask members all over the world to pray for those working so hard on preparing the venues, the logistics, the programmes, and so on, and to forgive us for the inevitable shortcomings and inconveniences which will occur. I also ask each and every one of you to open up an inner space for the congress, a space that allows for the unexpected to emerge within all the activities that are scheduled. While the organisers are preparing the space, it is very much up to all of us to fill it with content.

Looking very much forward to seeing you all.

Love,

Osanna