1901-1959: The Origins of Subud

Bapak: The Man and His Mission tells the life story of Muhammad Subuh and the history of Subud, the spiritual movement he founded, from his birth on June 22nd 1901, to his Centenary Anniversary in 2001.

Part One: The Origins of Subud begins with Bapak’s birth in the remove central Javanese village of Kedungjati on June 22nd 1901. It follows his childhood, adolescence and young manhood to the moment in 1925 when he received the remarkable spiritual experience near the Semarang Hospital, that was to be the foundation of Subud. Other spiritual experiences from the “1000 nights” and Bapak’s ascension, are also illustrated.

The program tells of his marriages to his first wife, Rumindah, and after her death, to his second wife, Siti Sumari. It follows his life story to Jogjakarta and his meeting with Husein Rofé who was instrumental in the spread of Subud to the West. It concludes with his journeys to England in 1957 and 1959.

The story is told through archival film and video, “shadow puppet” animation sequences, and interviews with people close to Bapak including his daughter Siti Rahayu, his grand-daughter Isni Asuti, his secretary and translator Sharif Horthy, and Husein Rofé.

The program is a project of the Bapak’s 100th Anniversary Team.
Patrons – Siti Rahayu Wiryohudoyo, Haryono Sumohadiwidjojo and Siti Hardiyati, S.A. Sumohadiwidjojo.
Executive Producer: Rahman Connelly.
Written and Produced by Harris Smart.
Produced with the generous financial assistance of the Connelly Temple Trust.

Duration: 1 hour 16 minutes approx.

In English – Spanish subtitles available.