Joining Subud
Interested in joining?
In Subud you can be connected with the experience of the latihan in a process referred to as the 'opening.' This is usually initiated by two or more helpers (more experienced members) in your local group.
People wishing to join Subud are asked to undergo up to a three-month 'applicancy' period. During this time they meet and chat with helpers (and sometimes other members too) in order to prepare themselves for the practice of the latihan. This time provides an opportunity to ask questions about Subud and the latihan, and to become clear about the meaning and aim of Subud before being 'opened.'
Many people find that during this three-month period a subtle, inner process takes place, which prepares them for their opening. This preparation time can also be useful for reassuring oneself that this is a commitment one wants to make.
Anyone over the age of seventeen can become an 'applicant.'
Those exempt from the three-month 'applicancy period' are:
- People who have reached the age of sixty-three or over
- People from distant places who are on a short visit and in whose city there is no Subud group yet
- People who are ill who cannot move about
- Children (and sometimes spouses) of Subud members who have reached the age of seventeen
If you are interested in joining Subud you will need to contact helpers in your local group. To find your nearest group, please go to the groups section of the site. If you don't quite feel ready to contact a group, you might like to read more about Subud. If so, please go to the further information section of the site.
About the Opening
The first latihan you would experience is called your 'opening.' This is not usually done at the same time as the group latihan; instead it is carried out at a time convenient to you and the helpers who will be present with you. Before this opening latihan, the helpers read a few words out loud to help you to relax and to be in the right state. You then remain quiet and follow what comes from within you - not forcing anything, but simply letting go and surrendering. You may not feel anything in your first latihan - or even your second or third - but if you can be patient and trust that the process is working (even if it is on a level you cannot as yet feel consciously) you should be able to feel it after a while. If you are worried or disappointed that you are not feeling anything, you can ask the helpers to do extra latihan with you, which can often remove blocks to experiencing this reality for yourself.