Spiritual Progressives

Information

Spiritual Progressives

The best way to heal the world is through a strategy of generosity, not domination and we have a plan. Connect, collaborate and explore ways in which you can make a difference to a world where compassion needs to be restored in policy & reform.

Website: http://www.spiritualprogressives.org
Members: 76
Latest Activity: Mar 25

Discussion Forum

gun control

Started by Dede. Last reply by Ron Krumpos Jan 18, 2011. 1 Reply

In the aftermath of the Arizona shootings, I would like to be a more vocal proponent of gun control, and perhaps involve the interfaith community in a dialogue about the best way to support the gun…Continue

Marshall Plan

Started by Sande Hart. Last reply by Jennifer Surdam Jan 24, 2010. 4 Replies

What are you going to do to educate and mobilize your community regarding the Marshall Plan?

Tags: Plan, Marshall

Comment Wall

Comment

You need to be a member of Spiritual Progressives to add comments!

Comment by Nugroho Angkasa on July 28, 2012 at 8:21pm

The Charter for Global Harmony


The Charter for Global Harmony This document is co-created by Peace-Loving Peoples of different nations, with different religious, ideological, and political affiliations and aspirations. They come from different professions, having different academic backgrounds.

Such differences, however, have not come in their way in creating this document, and working together for Global Harmony. Not merely a Declaration of the Noble Aspirations of its co-creators and all those who would, in future, be the signatories to this – this Charter actually suggests a Road Map to attain, reach, and realize Global Harmony.

It is recognized that all religions, belief systems, faiths (including atheism), spiritual traditions, and philosophies speak of harmony as the soul of all social systems. Any society or social system cannot endure for a long time without upholding this principle.

It is therefore necessary that a roadmap is drawn and agreed upon in order to realize this common goal of all humanity.

The signatories to this charter firmly believe that Global Harmony cannot be enforced. No rules, no regulations, no laws can ever result in Global Harmony, until and unless there is peace in human hearts, so it is the individual that must first be at peace with him/herself.

Such peace within individuals or “Inner Peace” shall automatically express itself as “Communal Love”, both in micro (among the peoples of one community or nation), and macro (among the peoples of the world community).

Finally, it is this Communal Love that can lead us to the attainment of “Global Harmony”.

Using this charter as a tool, we call upon peoples of all nations to spend at least 20 minutes each day in meditation, using any technique that they are familiar with, or which is in line with their tradition/belief system. For it is only through inward looking and meditation that Inner Peace can ever be achieved.

Parallel to this practice, we also call upon all peoples to physically engage themselves unconditionally in some kind of selfless social service for at least 2 hours each week or 8 hours every month.

Such social service undertaken must not be directed to the members of one community alone. Indeed, it would be much more beneficial, if the service is provided to peoples belonging to different communities, having different social, religious, and political affiliations.

Last, but not least, we appeal to one and all to actively socialize this charter and its content, using print, electronic, social media as well as other forms of broadcast in order to get others involved in this humane cause for the attainment of Global Harmony.

Source: http://www.charterforglobalharmony.org/

Comment by Udo Schiefer on January 20, 2012 at 1:28am

Please sign the new Petition for Mumia Abu Jamal !

http://www.change.org/petitions/transfer-and-assign-mumia-abu-jamal...

Comment by Udo Schiefer on January 20, 2012 at 1:28am
Comment by Richard Boothe on January 12, 2012 at 1:58am

Not to mention, attain enlightenment.

Comment by Richard Boothe on January 12, 2012 at 1:57am

I don't know why they are killing females.   Perhaps they think, by doing that, they will limit population growth . . .   Whatever their reasons, however, they're really limiting the number of females available to practice Tantra with - which is what they really need to learn how to do if they wish to limit population growth.

Comment by Mataji Gauribrata, Rev Eva on January 5, 2012 at 6:19pm
According to the UN, over 50 million girls in India are missing: having been aborted, killed, or neglected to death simply because they are female. In some regions, no baby girl has survived in years. Help us make a difference.
Save and Protect India's Girls
Comment by Nugroho Angkasa on November 4, 2011 at 4:52am

Anand Krishna, Humanist, Spiritual Activist, and Author of more than 140 Books CELEBRATING PLURALISM has been victimized, persecuted for HIS BELIEF IN THE ONENESS OF MANKIND. Please ACT NOW if you share the same vision of "ONE EARTH, ONE SKY, and ONE HUMANKIND."

SUPPORT NOW at http://www.gopetition.com/petition/43856.html if you believe in PEACE, LOVE and HARMONY.

 

Help OUR SHARED vision and cause by signing this petition NOW and broadcasting it among your friends immediately. We have to submit this petition at the same time when he is reading his testimony on the 7th of November.

 

Thank you so much dear friends...

Comment by Nugroho Angkasa on April 30, 2011 at 11:31pm

This article was written by Mr. Anand Krishna in Bahasa Indonesia. Then, Mrs. Sylvia from Belgium translated it into English. Source: http://www.kr.co.id/web/detail.php?sid=238248&actmenu=39

 

Published in Kedaulatan Rakyat Newspaper, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Saturday April 30, 2011


GANDHI and BUNG KARNO
By : Anand Krishna

 

Gandhi often said that his life was his message. And if we study his life we would find 3 main messages of his core teaching:

 

Satyagraha, Swadeshi, Ahimsa. Satyagraha consists of two words, ‘Satya means ‘the truth’ and ‘Agraha” means ‘request’. However, Agraha is not an ordinary request. It is 'a request by and for the truth, virtue, and justice’. It is 'a request without compromise’ because the truth does not need to compromise.

 

In the language of Bung Karno the Architect of the modern Indonesian Republic– it is “strong determination”. Strong determination as well as Satyagraha – emerges from a strong and unshakable conviction in something.


The slogan of Bung Karno ‘Once Independent - Independent Forever” is the manifestation of a Strong Determination – Resoluteness.

 

Gandhi’s Satyagraha is no other than and no different from the ‘Strong Determination’ of Sukarno. The languages are different, the expressions are different, the idioms are different but the essence is the same. The meaning is the same.


In the language of our forefathers, it is ‘Ichhaa Shakti’ Will Power: a Strong Will. Without ‘willpower’ we cannot do something extraordinary.

 

Bung Karno said that we can build small meaningless bridges – but we cannot build skyscrapers without determination, without willpower.

 

Satyagraha and strong determination derived from Swadeshi (Product) from one’s own country. It is the general meaning of swadeshi. More than that, swadeshi also means self-reliance.

 

In the language of Bung Karno it is self-sufficiency, or to be independent. What does it actually mean? It means to recognize one’s own potential – and to empower yourself (Self-empowerment). In the language of our ancestors it is called ‘Gyana Shakti” The Power of Knowledge, Intelligence, and Wisdom.

 

To know one’s self means to know one’s potential and also to empower yourself and to add to what one is lacking. So, it is not about knowing yourself passively “Oh, we are only common people anyway”. No.

 

To know yourself means to realize your own potential fully. Gandhi was an ordinary human being – Sukarno was also an ordinary human being. We can also reach what they have reached. Why not?

 

For that reason the means that Gandhi suggested and used was Ahimsa, which means Non-violence.

 

What has become the basis of this principle? Bung Karno explained to his son, Guntur, who was an adolescent, ‘Tat Tvam Asi’. The basis that I am You and You are Me.

 

Is there something that distinguishes one human being from another? We are all human beings who live on the same planet Earth, under the same sky as well. ‘One Earth, One Sky, One Humankind’


Not only the violence we committed against our fellow human beings, but also the violence we committed against all sentient beings has impacts on ourselves.

 

We hunt the innocent birds. They are dead – the caterpillars that become their food grow and multiply freely. And later they become a plague which attacks our fields and our bodies.

 

Ahimsa means Loving, Caring, and Sharing – love each other, care for each other and share with each other.
It is ‘Gotong Royong” (cooperation) in the terms of Bung Karno. Without the cooperation principles – one for all, all for one – we become petty human beings, narrow-minded, and selfish.

 

In the language of our ancestors, it is Kriya Shakti or The Power of Action. It means, it is not only a concept or philosophy but it is something applicable. It’s something that has to be practiced.

 

The three mantras, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, and Ahimsa, Strong Determination, Independence, and Cooperation are the amulets which can save our nation.

 

And not only can it save our nation but also other nations in the world. These three mantras are the World Savior. It is the Messiah; it is the Mahatma that is awaited by the world.

 

Therefore, we have to apply those mantras in our own life. Yes, to apply! These mantras are not to be uttered, repeated like a parrot. These mantras must be lived, done, practiced.

 

Be assured that you also can become Gandhi or Bung Karno if you have a strong determination, believe in your ability, and work together to help each other. Not only New Indonesia is in sight but also the New World. Be the connector, contributor to that new world. Be the citizen of that new world. Yes, you can! q - o. (2842-2011).


*) Anand Krishna, observer of social issues, humanist, and author of more than 140 books.

 

Comment by Nugroho Angkasa on April 24, 2011 at 1:20am

This is a translation of an article in Media indonesia

http://www.mediaindonesia.com/read/2011/04/17/218626/37/5/Penahanan...

 

The  detention of Anand Krishna, a spiritual leader accused of sexual  harassment was unfair. The reasons are, Anand has not been found guilty,  cooperative, and there is a guarantee that he will not run away.

 

The  assessment was raised by Frans Magnis Suseno, Ida Pedande Sebali  Tianyar Arimbawa the Chairman of Central Sabha Pandita Parisada  Indonesia and Djohan Effendi to reporters at the secretariat of the  Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP), Jakarta, Sunday (17 /  4).

 

"I do not understand why judges imprison Anand Krishna. I believe that Anand is not going to run away,"said Pater Frans Magnis Suseno S.J.

 

Frans Magnis added, he even got angry because during the trial process  judges questioned more about the teachings of Anand Krishna. Though the  accusations were sexual harassment.

 

I told the judges for not  insulting themselves in the conspiracy. Run the trial in the appropriate  rules of court which are fair and ethical," added Magnis. (OL-5

 

Reference:

http://freeanandkrishna.com

Comment by Nugroho Angkasa on April 16, 2011 at 7:44am

This note was written by Gerard Barrie on the 36th day of Anand Krishna's hunger strike. Today is the 39th day, his life is in danger in every walking hours. SOS Urgently need a quick respond to press Indonesian Goverement.

http://freeanandkrishna.com/en/ Thanks

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sign the petition and also pass it on: Today, Wednesday April 13rd, 2011 is the thirty sixth day of Anand Krishna's hunger strike and he is very close to death in an Indonesian Police Hospital as it seems he is being systematically starved to death rather than being offered the chance of a fair trial.

Sign the petition at www.gopetition.com -Free Anand Krishna - do not silence his voice of nationality, harmony mission, and his principal of unity in diversity

 

This is a totally bizarre case possibly involving false memory syndrome and what appears to be denying the accused anything remotely resembling a fair trial to such a degree that that he had no choice but to go on hunger strike from March 9th,2011 in a non-violent struggle for a just trial for him and justice for others in his home country of Indonesia.
Today, Wednesday April 13rd, 2011 is the thirty sixth day of Anand Krishna's hunger strike and he is very close to death in an Indonesian Police Hospital as it seems he is being systematically starved to death rather than being offered the chance of a fair trial.


He has lost 25 kg weight can hardly open his eyes or speak some words.

 

Although it appears quite obvious that there is something more sinister involved in this process other than an accusation of sexual harassment using as evidence what could well be false memory syndrome, I am contacting you in the hope that you can shed some light on the situation in order for Anand Krishna to get the fair trial that every human being deserves.

 

I must also point out that the Indonesian judicial system has a notorious reputation for corruption, so much so that in 2002 the UN inspector described it as one of the worst cases he had seen.

 

Anand Krishna has been detained in prison from March 9th 2011 after he had been attending court since August over an accusation of sexual harassment from one of his former students,a nineteen year old woman who had this realization after undergoing hypnotherapy.

 

Dewi Pratomo  admitted in the media that she had been practicing hypnotherapy for twenty years although the Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) said that she had just completed her distance learning education in February 2009. (email of the Director of Distance Education HMI, Elaine Perliss C.Ht. at elaine@hypnosis.edu dated Dec 15, 2010).

Another Hypnotherapist Wowiek Prasantyo Mardigu also claimed in the court that he had undertaken a 9 months long training with the Hypnotherapy Training Institute (HTI), but the director of the institution denied his claim (an Email from the director of the HTI -

 

Randal Churchill at churchill@hypnotheraphy.com dated on Dec 21, 2010 confirmed that this was not true).
In court, Mardigu, also said that he would do anything according to the order of the clients who had paid  him. 
Dewi Pratomo also claimed in the media that after isolating the accuser from the outside world for four  months and conducting forty five sessions of hypnotherapies, she had successfully recovered repressed memories of the accuser and there was sexual abuse.

 

However, according to many hypnotherapy experts, forty five sessions of hypnotherapy within four months was not only UNETHICAL, but also could lead to implanting false memories. ( no programe in AAF was designed or offered that isolated a person from the outside world)

 

Therefore on March 9th,2011 on this evidence and the evidence of the accuser, Anand Krishna was ordered to be detained despite his serious health condition and full cooperation in attending court proceedings since August and remains in detention on hunger strike today even though the trial has been going on close to eight months with no evidence and no substantial witness

 

His lawyer Darwin Aritonang SH has pointed out that this detention clearly violates the law and the human rights figure and lawyer Adnand Buyong Nasution has also expressed his doubts over this procedure saying "I have been practicing my occupation in the field of law for 50 years.This is the first time I saw something like this. There is a judge who already pronounced a defendant guilty before he delivers the official verdict of court."

Dewi Pratomo, Tara’s personal theraphist, was also allowed by court to become expert witness in the trial,thereby denying any chances of objectivety and conflict of interest.

Right now, the case is only relying on the expert witness, the two hypnotheraphists whose educational and proffessional credentials are in serious doubt and the prosecuting lawyer also Criminal Lawyer, Dr Satrio from Indonesian University, who is a known supporter of the Islamic Defender Front FPI.

 

The Islamic Defender Front (FPI) the notoriously violent and extreme Islamic Group also attended Anand Krishna's trial on Sept 16th, 2011 although they have never been known to attend such a trial before. (for more info on this group see http://en wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic Defenders Front) 

 

Through his actions, Anand Krishna has been an advocate of peace and understanding among the people's of his country Indonesia and it seems that these unfortunate events have come about at a time when it appears that a small but very powerful section of the religious community is striving for the implementation of religious-based law in Indonesia despite the heterogeneous nature of it's population. .

He has spoken to millions through television shows,radio talks,in-house trainings,books,newspaper interviews and articles,as well as daily meetings and workshops held at Anand Ashram (affiliated with the United Nations),One Earth Retreat Center, Anand Krishna Center and Graha Indonesia which he established.

Therefore only the most callous of people would not agree that Anand Krishna should be released from detention to avoid being systematically starved to death and allowed to face a fair trial.

 

Members (76)