What is Subud?
Adapted from an article by D (U.S.A), 13-Mar-2002
Is Subud a new religion?
Subud is not a set of rules or a religion, nor does it cause confusion to people who follow a religion. In Subud you do not imitate anybody.
Subud helps you to get to know your own personal life-plan. Once you have become familiar with it, once you've seen it, you come to know from your own inner guidance: 'This is what I have to do!' Subud is nothing more than the working of the power of the Creator when we surrender ourselves to it.
Subud is an international spiritual association
Subud and Subud members can be found in most countries around the globe, and through this diversity we have no common political views and no common religion.
Subud members follow their own religions, and many others do not consider themselves religious. In fact we agree about very little. What we do agree on is the benefit of a common practice called the latihan (an Indonesian word meaning "training"). In Subud it is understood to mean the spiritual training of the soul or training of one's inner self.
Some members call this a form of self-improvement; some, a worship of God; others, a purification.
Active members of Subud practice this exercise regularly, in groups and also alone after they become comfortable with the process.
There is no authority or teacher to lead this practice; it is entirely up to each individual. People who practice the latihan find that it deepens their understanding of who they are, and some say that it gives them peace, direction, and the courage to follow their authentic life path.
How does it work?
When practicing the latihan, we become quiet and open ourselves to the possibility of change and development as a human being. Then, spontaneously, a new life awakens within us. Some may talk of a "vibration", others of a "life that is within our life", others simply of an "energy".
During our practice, we may move around physically; we may not. We may be noisy; we may be quiet. What we do and what we experience is not planned and not taught by another person.
We try to follow that feeling or experience, in the growing understanding that it will guide us and show us how to live to our full capacity in this world. Members who believe in an afterlife believe this exercise is very valuable in the life after death, though there is no agreement in Subud as to what shape or form this life may take or whether it exists. Subud has no teaching or dogma.
How it started
The Subud experience started in Java, Indonesia in 1924, after the founder, whose name was Bapak Muhammad Sumohadiwidjojo, had a number of extraordinary experiences which he found himself able to pass on to those who asked. It became known simply as the latihan (training) of Subud.
Membership
One does not need to adhere to a particular faith or belief system to practice the latihan.
Members do not pay to practice the latihan, though most contribute towards the cost of maintaining their local meeting place.
Learning more about Subud
There is a period of time before a person interested in beginning the latihan can do so; a time to get acquainted with this practice before jumping into it.
Subud is a small global association, with about 13,000 active members in the world today.
To practice the latihan please contact a member of Subud. Contact information is available through the Home page. To join you need to be at least 17 years old.
Brochures for Inquirers
English:
"What is Subud?" - Talk by Bapak, Singapore, 1960
"Subud" - Subud Publications International
"What is Subud?" book, 88 pages - by Edward van Hien
"About Subud" - by Léonard Lassalle
"What Is Subud?" - Subud East Coast USA
"A Leaflet About Subud"- Subud Publications International
"A First Introduction to Subud" - by Roseanna Sawrey-Cookson
"What is the Subud Experience?" - by Aliman Sears
"My Personal introduction to a Spiritual Path" - by Sharif Horthy
"The Latihan: A Way to Deeper Spiritual Understanding"
"The Latihan of Subud" - by Leonard Priestley
Français:
«À propos de Subud» - par Léonard Lassalle
«Une brève introduction à Subud» - Roseanna Sawrey-Cookson
Deutsch:
"Subud" (Bapak, Singapore, 1960) - Translated by Subud Germany
Español:
"Que es Subud?" - Una breve charla del fundador de Subud para la gente interesada
"Una primera introduccion a Subud" - Roseanna Sawrey-Cookson
"Los fundamentos de Subud" - Subud Publications International
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.
F.A.Q.
Frequently asked questions about Subud
Q: Why do I need to wait 3 months to be opened?
Many people see this time as a period of preparation and reflection. They recognise that although they may feel 'ready', there is a value to being patient and taking the time to ask, 'Is this what I truly want?' It can also be invaluable to meet other Subud members – to hear their stories and ask questions. Spending time with people who already experience the latihan can be the best way to get a sense of what it is about and how the process unfolds and affects every aspect of life.
Q: What happens in the 'opening'?
You are asked to declare your willingness to believe in God. If you are unsure of the existence of God, or prefer a different expression, you may insert whichever word best suits you and your sense of the Divine. One of the helpers present will then say a few words to help you to surrender to your receiving. Accompanied by the others who will be receiving their own latihan, you will begin yours.
Q: What might happen in the latihan?
You would begin by sitting quietly to relax and settle your thoughts and then stand after about fifteen minutes to receive the latihan. You may feel a subtle vibration deep inside you, spontaneous movements in your body, or feelings of emotion during the process of the latihan. You may cry, laugh, sing, shout, scream, or perhaps just sit quietly or prayerfully. It is a conscious process which can be halted at any moment. The experience is different for each person and no two latihans are the same. The group latihan will last for about half an hour, though you may feel yours ending sooner or later than this. With time the latihan, which may begin with strong physical movements and sounds, can become a more subtle, deeper and wider process, which will penetrate every aspect of your life and understanding.
Q: How often do I need to do latihan for it to be effective?
Usually twice a week for half an hour with the group is the recommended amount. After about three months a third latihan practised on your own at home is considered beneficial. It is particularly important for you to try to keep this commitment if you are not feeling anything in the latihan. Many people leave Subud in the weeks after their opening because they do not feel it is working for them; yet this can be prevented by committing to the recommended minimum attendance.
Q: Why do men and women practice the latihan seperately?
In the latihan members wish to sincerely surrender to God and direct themselves solely towards this Higher Power. In order to do this it is necessary to relax the mind and let go of thoughts. It is easier to do this without the presence of the opposite sex which can hold an attraction for us and be an obstacle to letting go. People can also become very open in the latihan and thus unwillingly and unkowingly attract negative forces and feelings into themselves. Therefore, for their own protection, people are recommended to stay away from the opposite sex during and shortly after the latihan, particularly when newly opened. Many married couples and partners, however, do practise latihan near one another.
Q: Do I need to drop my religion or spiritual path to be in Subud?
Many people practise a religion at the same time as being in Subud. Others are moved to adopt a particular religion after being opened.
Q: What is testing?
Testing is a process in which Subud members ask a question and receive answers or guidance through the latihan. This will be experienced through feelings, intuitions, words, music or song, or any other feeling or experience which gives guidance to help solve the problem or answer the question. Testing is usually done with about three or four people. However, it is recommended that, for more reliable guidance, members should have at least three helpers present. This is because most issues become clearer when more aspects or 'pieces of the puzzle' become available. The more people present in the testing, the more 'pieces' can be received and shared.
Q: Do I need to make changes in my life if I join Subud?
Usually, after practising the latihan for a certain time, new members will be able to feel for themselves if there are things in their lives that conflict with the unfolding of the latihan. With this process of deepening awareness, these activities will naturally fall away without having to be forced.
Q: Am I old enough to join Subud?
People can be 'opened' from age seventeen. But those under seventeen who are friends of Subud members, or whose parents are in Subud are still very much part of the community and share in group gatherings, celebrations and annual get-togethers.
Q: What does it cost?
There is no charge because there can be no charge levied for the worship of God. However, the places where we meet to do latihan have to be bought or rented and maintained. Equally, the costs of running the Subud Association have to be met. Therefore, members are encouraged to give regularly whatever they feel is appropriate for them, in order to cover these costs. Read Bapak on giving.
Q: What is a Subud Group?
There are groups in more than 80 countries in the world and in Britain there are about 70 groups. They meet in rented premises if they do not yet own their own buildings. Each group ranges in size from 2 – 150 members; though most have approximately 10 – 30 members. You may not see this many people at any one time, however most groups arrange social events or kejiwaan (spiritual) days from time to time, where attendance is usually better.
Q: Will I need to change my name when I join Subud?
There is never any obligation to change your name in Subud. However, many people feel for themselves in their latihan that there name doesn't 'fit' them as well as it used to, or they may notice they don't feel good when someone calls them by this name. At these times Subud members may test (see above) how it is for them if they keep their name and how it would be if they were to change it. Most people will be able to make a decision at this point whether they wish to change or not. Most people in Subud have changed their names; some several times.
Q: How do I decide upon a new name?
If you are lucky you may be able to receive your own name for yourself in your latihan. In fact, some people say or feel their new name in latihan for a while without realising what this means. More and more people are receiving their names in this way. Most people in Subud, however, have been given their name either by Bapak or by his daughter Ibu Rahayu, through their receivings. You can email Ibu Rahayu asking for an initial letter rather than the full name if you wish. You will be asked to select five names of your choice beginning with this letter and to email them back to Ibu Rahayu, whereby she will receive which is best for you. If you ask for the full name, you can request a European name if you wish.
Q: How does the organisation work?
The world Subud organisation is split into three areas and nine zones for administrative purposes: Australasia/Asia (zones 1 and 2), Europe/Africa (zones 3, 4, 5 and 6) and the Americas (zones 7, 8 and 9). Zone representatives make up the World Subud Council and are responsible for ensuring the wishes of Subud members are carried out between world congresses (held every four years). At each level of the organisation (local, regional, national and international) there are chairs, treasurers, secretaries and other executive post holders (e.g. publicity or information officers, property officers etc) who are responsible for maintaining the day to day needs of the organisation, such as fund-raising, organising events, communications etc. The chairs at each level are usually selected through testing (see above). There is a also a spiritual aspect to the outer work of Subud, which is provided by helpers (see below).
Q: What does a helper do?
Helpers are Subud members more experienced in the latihan. They have usually been in Subud for at least seven years. Helpers are responsible for starting and stopping group latihans, supporting committee members, helping people to understand Subud and the latihan during the applicancy process, and helping members with issues in their latihan or daily lives through the processes of testing or extra latihan.
Source: Subud Britain