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Post subject: Human Culture
 Posted: Sep 17, 2002 - 09:14 AM
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Jiwa Walker
Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Posts: 12
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Hello. What an interesting forum. In my opinion, yes, there is a "Universal Culture", an innner culture wich goes beyond particularisms. And it`s not against "cultural relativism", not at all. Cultural differences must be accepted, but they arenīt an escuse to go against universal laws, and human-universal- rights. Human Culture includes every kind of culture, as Subud includes every kind of spiritual practice. But nowadays, even Anthropologists have a critical vision about cultural relativism, and just accept different cultures if they accept others cultures as well as they are accepted, that means, if they are respectful and not try to opress or take others`s freedom. This cultural aspect must be considered in our organization, because sometimes we tend to accept other ways of understanding Subud aim, and say we are "tolerant" with other peopleīs customs or accept that some young members canīt fight against sex, alcohol, drugs, etc., because of the ambient of the countries where they live, etc, etc... mmm... interesting aspect to consider... what is "being Subud" in a world of differences??? In my opinion.... being Subud is being human.... somebody strong, inteligent, someone who can fight against those things wich are not according with religion.... and who tempts us all the time. Someone who has a clear mind and whose understanding doesnīt differs with the understanding of an ancient prophet.
so to be tolerant with those who know.... and still act like if they didnīt, or still act as if they were sleeping... mmm.. it makes me think about being tolerant.
for everyone can be difficult sometimes to survive in these days.... but if we arenīt creative beings... this Latihan wonīt be the seed for better human beings... |
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Post subject: Yes tolerant, but sure of oneself..........
Posted: Sep 17, 2002 - 09:53 AM
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........with a dose of cultural sensitivity too.
Its good to have strong morality, values, standards etc. I reckon in the end life is about very difficult absolutes, God works in such way I believe. Its just God gives us, free will, and infinite love with all our inadequacies and misdemenours. However, that won't change 'the day of judgment', it won't change the level of development we have made and the degree to which we have purified our souls.
What I am basically saying is, be sure of oneself, do not weaken under social or peer pressure. I guess if one can manage that in a quiet and loving way all the better.
Of course on the matter of universal culture its not so definite. Judeo-Christian morality is often very differnt from many Asian/Islamic/ and 'Eastern' value systems. Sure their is overlap, and sure we can all claim to know basic human values, but the room for difference is immense.
That is why when we talk about culture, and morality often posited upon a single culture we are on difficult ground. In the end. We have to be able to believe in the Latihan, in its power to confirm our inner cultures, but to be able to harmonise ourselves and behaviour with that of others in all their beautiful diversity and difference. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Sep 18, 2002 - 11:56 PM
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Jiwa Walker
Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Posts: 12
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hi "guest" -
yes, of course that the matter of an universal culture, with itīs universal values and rights its not something definite!!! of course.... but if we refer ti the "Subud context", itīs easieer to talk about it.
Letīs put an example, and be concrete.
Subud includes different nationalities, different religions, different cultures, different social status, etc., etc., etc. But there are many things in common among those who are in Subud: the will of worshiping God, the will to surrender and receive Godīs grace,
Bapak gave us in different ocassions, some explanations about this spiritual training. And although in Subud there arenīt rules.... teachers, or knowledge.... and although each one of us have itīs own process and nobody can supervise it, control it or take part in it, there are still guideliness in Bapakīs talks, and there are still lots of guideliness in the main religions.
Well... yeah... there arenīt rules in Subud, and thatīs one of the things which attracts more probationeers. But we arenīt free enaugh here on earth. There are invisible rules, Iīm sure. Which no vary.
And if we understand that Subud is for Humanity, not just for ourselves, we wonīt be selfish and act as if we were free... for example, doing the Latihan, doing enterprises, and "being normal". But the problem is that "being normal" nowadays vary among cultures. In my culture it may be normal to have sex with different persons before marriage. If I do that, Iīll have fun, and Iīll be normal among my friends- whom I respect and accept-.
But Iīm going against something very important. Have you read Bapakīs beautiful words about sexual union??īhe says that if itīs done in the right way, as an act of worship, and having passed trough a Ceremony, it can be an act which can bring to Earth a new being which is noble. He says that sex is the secret of life.
Well... if Subud is for Humanity, and we have notion about this secret of life, wonīt we deffend that noble law, and have the wish to be careful and contribute a little bit with a second human evolution, the spiritual one???
this is my point of view. I hope I wonīt offend anybody. Thanks.yours,
Moonlight.
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