The Fatima Experience

The IH dewan informs:

The full dewan of 18 International helpers took part in the World Subud Council meeting in Fatima, Portugal, in July. We arrived several days before to prepare for the meeting. This was the second time we had all met as a full dewan, and we felt the blessings of being together and working to create true harmony and a feeling of oneness among us. Through testing, we felt the focus for the meeting was the latihan kejiwaan and how it touches all aspects of Subud, including the Wings, MSF, WSA and ISC.

We held testing sessions with delegates, including Zone representatives, to understand more fully their roles, strengths and challenges. In the morning, there was Latihan and testing for all participants, including observers. Two video talks from Bapak and Ibu Rahayu were also played. We also took part in WSA/ISC sessions and supported any testing as needed. Alongside the WSC members, over 65 observers joined, creating a larger gathering dedicated to the future of Subud.

“It was strongly felt that the council truly represents all Subud members around the world. Guided and united by the kedjiwaan, the council showed a deep commitment to ensuring that all decisions within Subud are taken in a fully democratic way, guided by the latihan. This spirit of unity and shared responsibility was present in every session, with mutual respect, love, trust and a common vision for Subud’s future,” said Rusdi Bustillo, IH Area 1.

Getting to know one another during meals and walks to the pilgrimage sites was a wonderful way to feel closer to our brothers and sisters. We could imagine how amazing a World Congress would be here for all Subud members.

One of the highlights was a latihan with members from around the world. We first met via Zoom, then went offline and did latihan and testing about the WSC meeting, and returned to share and introduce the WSC team. From Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific, many members explained how they felt so connected with one another and how important this was.

The Fatima meeting not only addressed important work for today but also strengthened our collective understanding that moving Subud forward is a shared responsibility by every Subud member, wherever they may be.