About This Blog
Direct Spiritual Contact
Why is this blog called “Direct Spiritual Contact?” Because I like to think, as a philosopher & social worker & business person, I’m “receiving directly from the source” all the times. What does that mean? Well, it means feeling connected to a Source that one may receive guidance from, in a spiritual sense. And how does that happen? Normally a holy person or mystic receives insight and it is recorded in a book. People then study those teachings, and strive to learn how to be connected via this study. But what I’m talking about is “Direct Receiving–A Direct Spiritual Contact.” This contact doesn’t come from a book (or a computer!), nor does it come from the human mind. It’s like an experiment–standing in a room, letting go, and seeing what arises spontaneously. Direct Receiving is getting something directly from the Source, via direct experience, as opposed to via a book. One name for it is “Subud.”
What is Subud?
A direct contact with the power of God, the Holy Spirit, or whatever one believes to be the organizing and sustaining Source of the universe is the birthright of every person. This direct contact spontaneously “happens to” a person rather than being “done by” a person—it is a spontaneous form of psychological and spiritual purification, and enhancer of awareness and insight. The only requirement is a sincere desire to experience the Oneness of God or the universe or the creative force, either alone or in solidarity with others. It is a spontaneous, moving meditation which may be experienced by all people of any and all religions, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic or social backgrounds—all people experience this Oneness together. There are no beliefs or philosophy or rules to subscribe to, so those who practice a religion continue to practice their religion along with having this experience–there is no conflict. In fact, people find that this direct contact deepens their understanding and feeling of their particular religion. Open-minded agnostics–even atheists–or persons who do not practice a religion, also get the same benefits from this experience: guidance and direction for daily life directly from the Source.
GENERAL:
On this blog you’ll find general discussions and information on current events, spirituality (loosely defined), philosophy (academic & layperson), Subud (introductory & Helper/Committee), the Recovery Model & Supported Employment (social work). Also some cool stuff on philosophy of science, Process Philosophy (Alfred North Whitehead–20th century mathematician and logician), and Star Trek (various instantiations). Leave a comment on the blog, or email me at DirectSpirit@gmail.com.
DISCLAIMER:
The is entirely a personal blog. The content on this personal blog is intended only for personal use. The views and opinions on this blog represent my own and not those of Subud USA, the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, the Hawaii Adult Mental Health Division, or other people, institutions, or organizations I am or have been affiliated with.
Aliman
March 23, 2010 at 2:34 am
How is Subud funded or supported? Do members or participants pay dues?
elaine schepps – December 10, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Reply:
Hello Elaine,
Sorry I didn’t get your comment on my blog because, I think, you posted it to an old blog of mine (and I never really check that blog).
Regarding funding for Subud, almost all the funds for charitable projects, admin costs, monthly printed newsletter costs, travel costs, building rental and other costs come from voluntary donations from members of Subud. And how much do they donate? Doing the math works out to about $8 per month per member. Positions in Subud are voluntary–people don’t get paid.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, there is little pressure to give money to Subud, and that’s why we’re perpetually poor, and thus have little budget other than to meet our immediate needs, so we don’t grow in membership, nor can we start and fund new charitable initiatives, etc.
Personally, when I was national vice-chairperson, I tried to get Subud on more of a normal foundation (by trying to push for a paid national executive director so operations could be more effective, etc., etc., etc., but alas people in Subud don’t seem to want to grow and advance the organization–they’re content with things the way they are.
I hope that answers your question.
Aloha, Aliman
Aliman – March 22, 2010 at 4:30 pm
tom koch
May 9, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Great stamp image of Wittkenstein. Is it possible to apply to reproduce it in a work on medical ethics I’m preparing?
Who is the rights owner and, if you you fine folk, to whom would I write for permission?
Tom Koch
Aliman
May 9, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Dr. Koch,
Unfortunately the URL associated with it is dead. I don’t know where it came from. Maybe try a Bing or Google image search. Aloha
Aliman
May 9, 2010 at 6:44 pm
OK, I found one:
http://www.aeiou.at/aeiou.stamp.1989.890426a