Retreat 2008 Theme

I. Introduction

This gathering is an important opportunity for the global PGB community to deepen its understanding of PGB’s  origins as an institution. The event will be a conduit for information sharing and for creating closer relationships within the community.

II. Purpose of the Retreat

The main purpose of the retreat will be for all members of the PGB community to contemplate the existence of the school, who we are as a community, why we are a part of it, what we have achieved and what we have contributed to the greater communities, both human and natural, in which we live.

III. Theme of the Retreat

After serious and thoughtful consideration, we have determined the theme of this retreat:

Return

A Return to the Beginning has a broader meaning that urges us, as human beings, to contemplate our lives, as both a gift and a responsibility. We are an integral part of nature and should be conscious of our relationship with it. This includes understanding aspects of sharing; the balance of giving and receiving; and at the same time devoting ourselves to strive for unity with nature. Only by maintaining balance and unity will life’s potential be achieved, where love and caring is in abundance. The key to understanding this is found by referring to the origins of our community

IV. Goal

Through self-awareness and reconciliation with nature, we can begin to perceive our origins as human beings. All of us should engage in introspection by taking a step back, which will enable us to move forward in eight directions. These are the basic goals to be achieved by PGB Bangau Putih through the retreat.

V. Guidance

In its existence, nature undergoes a process to become what we experience around us now. There are no instant results: everything requires a process, everything requires practice. Process and practice are the ways to achieve satisfying results.

In silat, we not only learn how to punch and repell an attack but we also discover our humanity. The motions of silat are reflections of human consciousness and art through culture. An important part of this is self-control so that we can avoid abuse, and appreciate ourselves as parts of humanity. Through this  appreciation, we can contemplate the credo delivered by Suhu Subur Rahardja on 27 September 1977 with the following points:

1. AWARENESS OF SCIENCE.

Science occurs because of the existence of phenomena in nature and awareness in humanity. Because of this, awareness of science is only complete when it is reconciled with the reality of nature. This is the return of science to nature.

2. RESPONSIBILITY

Because we do not live alone, we are involved in society and culture; between nature and ourselves, there is always society and culture. Thus for that reason, the return of science to nature must pass through society and culture. This is the true way of humanity.

3. HUMANITY

It is impossible for good science to destroy society and become counter-Cultural, because in such cases it is impossible for science to return to nature. Thus, legitimate science must protect society and culture.

4. COMPASSION

Further, good science must strengthen the energy of good relations between people. This energy is compassion. Without compassion, human relations are dry and oppressive. Compassion brings humans closer to nature because compassion is the essence of the life force, the essence of growth, and the essence of healing. Without compassion, we will be unable to return science to nature

5. RETURN

We of Persatuan Gerak Badan silat will return our science to nature through will and action, to defend humankind, defend culture, and preserve the flame of compassion

VI. Closing

Last but not least, the retreat is an opportunity for us to develop ourselves to improve our existence as human beings. With this, we can look forward to a more unified existence with humanity and nature

Blessings to us all.