HINTS: by Ines Somellera, Desiree Harahap, Felia Salim
A Note From Anies Baswedan
In the midst of a great divide amongst religions, it gives us a ray of hope that books like ‘Hints’ emerge. It seems timely and one that should be disseminated and discussed widely. It is with great pleasure that I share some thoughts about this important contribution because indeed it does provide a view, albeit indirect, what is sorely lacking in the world debate on the polarity of world religions. ‘Hints’ doesn’t explicitly take religion as a theme but indeed the overriding content is about the essence of religion-about Man’s spirituality.
The emergence of another kind of discourse, a much softer and gentler voice, dialogues on spirituality throughout the world is coming to the fore that seems to correct the imbalance. There is a yearning of this kind of voice, also in Indonesia, where moderate Islam, embraced by the majority, has been under perpetual scrutiny.
Whilst harsh political and religious debates serve their purpose, this gentler, kinder voice contributes as well if not more. It goes to the core of the debate, where differences converge but disappear.
Another point in fact, the authority on religion and spirituality has been the domain of great masters and scholars, yet today a liberating force is taking shape: we see this in films, arts and culture but also in the literary space. And these spaces are the domain of all-the common man. Man/woman today more and more is recognizing the spiritual freedom that lies before them.
This book is a manifestation of that space - to voice out the pursuit of that spiritual freedom through a unique collaboration of three individuals from different nationalities, professional backgrounds and religious faiths. This is proof of where differences converge and disappear into union.
Indeed, a unique approach to union where personal anecdotes, poetic verses, yoga aphorisms and photography convene into one holistic expression of today’s yearning for spirituality.
At this juncture, however, it seems to emerge irrespective of any world debates. Ultimately, this book reveals to us that what is needed to emerge will come to the fore. It suggests spirituality is making Itself known. The emergence is timely if not predestined. (Rector of Universitas Paramadina, Jakarta)
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