A SUBUD REVOLUTION

During preparations for the 1998 National Congress in Mexico, there had been feelings of disappointment that the International Helpers could not attend. A couple of days before however, there was a strong sentiment among those doing the preparations that things were as they should be and that God's hand was in everything about to happen.

Mexico has three main groups: Mexico City, with 25 members and 10 helpers, rents a house that is convenient for most members. Puebla’s Subud House was built in only three months about 35 years ago. The story goes that Varindra had been visiting in preparation for one of Bapak's world tours. He told Puebla that Bapak wished Subud groups to have their own House. One of the more active members there, an attorney, Yara Gatica, urged members throughout Mexico to contribute and loan money. Within three months they had purchased land in the middle of the city, and built a house.

It had been widely felt for several years that the ‘problems’ of Subud Mexico - largely a severe lack of harmony - were largely caused by the helpers’ groups. Faustino, the new Mexican chairman, scheduled a helpers’ meeting for the entire second day of Congress, asking for specific proposals to alleviate the situation. While the helpers met, the members held a very harmonious and productive enterprise meeting.

The helpers' meeting

Daniel Cheifetz, a visitor at the Congress, and myself were invited to the helpers’ meeting so that we could share some of the events of the Bali WSC meeting as well as Ibu Rahaju's advice in her talks. Thus we were able to witness the incredible sincerity with which the majority of helpers admitted that they were indeed the cause of Mexico’s lack of harmony. In this spirit of concern for the membership as a whole, they agreed to become temporarily inactive, and to ask the members to decide if or not they should continue as active helpers.

There was some discussion and disagreement about the correctness of allowing the members to vote on this ‘problem’, but also a feeling that if helpers were to test on continuing to be active, they would get a YES that members would not accept; and if their fellow helpers received a NO, it was likely that they might not accept that receiving. There was also a declaration and understanding that the helpers were there to serve the members.

One of the amazing things was that 98% of Mexico’s helpers were present - active, inactive, honorary etc., There was a true feeling of consensus. It was agreed that each Centre would vote on their local helpers; it was also agreed that since the real ‘problem’ lay in Puebla, and since the Congress was held there, with just about every member of the group present, that the situation should be dealt with immediately.

Awe, relief and disbelief

When the Congress was informed there was a feeling of awe, relief and almost disbelief. The members had hoped for just such a situation, but now it was in front of them, in such a smooth and harmonious way, some people appeared overwhelmed.

Faustino, the Congress chair, asked that all except the Puebla members leave the room. The vote, as suggested, was to be secret. As we filed out into the yard of the Subud house in the lovely Mexican afternoon, feelings were light. We chatted and laughed; everyone felt that the correct things would happen.

The meeting lasted about 20 minutes. Several members related what had happened: the brothers and sisters of Puebla sat quietly for a while, feeling the importance of what was about to occur. They asked for guidance before voting. The results were that only Marianna, who had been made a helper just a few months earlier, was to remain active. The inactive status of the rest was accepted. It was clear that those who had been voted ‘down’ were stunned. Most of us were surprised also.

Early that morning at 2.0 a.m. a World Latihan had been scheduled. Most of us did latihan that night (though there had been two latihans daily throughout the Congress). Several told me they had asked for God's help in healing the bruised hearts of their brothers and sister who had been ‘voted out’ as helpers. One US visitor who had expressed disagreement and great discomfort with the proceedings (i.e. helpers are not normally voted on, it should be tested), told me he had tested during the World Latihan and received that indeed it had been the best solution, because considering the situation, this was the only way in which what was correct could have happened.

Sunday morning, the last day of the Congress, the feelings were disbelief that something so momentous had happened in relative harmony and with a feeling of consensus. All the NEWLY inactive helpers attended and it was clear that they were accepting what had happened quite well. It was truly a miracle to witness a Mexican Revolution, with no bloodshed, minimal bruises and nothing but sincere love, care and concern for everyone.

The other Centres, Mexico and Tlaxcala agreed to carry out the same process. Tlaxcala members present said they felt in complete harmony with the helpers in their group so they anticipated no changes.

A new day has dawned for Subud. May we all be able to accept God's guidance in our actions in the lovely gracious way in which this country did during their Congress.

God be Praised. - Rochanah Weissinger, Zone 7 Rep.

From Daniel Cheifetz. Extracts:

...Subud Mexico sets an example of how we can really address the issues facing groups everywhere: Lack of harmony, dissatisfied members, and a sense that Subud is stuck in a rut.

They could have done what it seems we often do: "Attitude testing," or testing to see if a helper or two should go "inactive" for a while. But they knew, as we have all known for years, that the problem is deeper than that. Helpers who "help" in the wrong way, or don't help at all. Helper groups whose lack of harmony poisons the group; whose lack of flexibility and sensitivity, energy and enthusiasm seem to shut the door on applicants and aspiring members alike. Helpers who without knowing it appear judgemental and authoritative. Who use Bapak quotes or their own "receiving" as hammers to enforce their points of view. Every helper I know feels the responsibility of being a helper deeply. Most helpers and members I know feel that the helpers are the biggest problem in Subud.

As an observer and local helper from Chicago, the milagro, or miracle in Subud Mexico, was manifested in many ways. The commitment to harmony and change on the part of the helpers was exemplary. The courage of the members to act truthfully and with careful consideration of everyone's feelings was inspiring.

The proof of the sincerity of the whole group came Sunday at the closing lunch, when every member and helper appeared carrying food and sat down together to begin creating a new, unknown future.