The Faculty of Philosophy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a book discussion on Menghadirkan Tuhan di Dalam Diri (Bringing God Within Oneself) by Dr. Sri Teddy Rusdy on Friday, August 15, in the Persatuan Meeting Room, 3rd floor of the Faculty of Philosophy. The event, part of the 58th Anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Philosophy, was attended by philosophy students as well as the general public.
Chair of the 58th Anniversary Committee, Moch. Najib Yuliantoro, S.Fil., M.Phil., in his opening remarks, highlighted that the discussion invited participants to revisit the roots of Javanese civilization, which places the cultivation of inner feeling (olah rasa) and the cultivation of the soul (olah jiwa) as the highest virtues of life.
“Today we learn about Javanese civilization, which is rooted in the civilization of the soul, placing olah rasa and olah jiwa as the highest virtues in life. The concept of kawruh Jawa is highly original, rational, and modern. What is interesting in this discussion is the critique reflected in spiritual thought that resists irrational mysticism and superstition. Together, we will learn from the author’s spiritual dialogue on the subject of divinity. From this topic, we may open wider horizons in understanding humanity, justice, and even the values we know today as Pancasila,” he explained.