THE SPIRITUAL PRACTICE OF SUBUD
The spiritual practice of Subud, known as the
latihan kejiwaan,
is the result of a renewed contact with
the divine force of life. It is a natural process that arises within
any person who asks for it, taking place at his or her own pace and
according to his or her own nature. Sometimes, when we are still and
quiet, or in an unusual heightened state of awareness, we can be
suddenly aware of this deeper life going on. The process of the latihan
reconnects us with something greater than ourselves and keeps this special
awareness alive and active.
The latihan is a process, a receiving, and not a teaching. Nobody is expected to
believe anything, only to recognize and trust what he or she
experiences. People of different religions may find their faith
deepened, and practice the latihan in harmony with each other
and with those of no particular religious affinity.
The essence of the latihan is to
allow and follow the spontaneous inner movements from within. It
involves no instructions or rituals. It is different for each person.
Many people feel a sense of calm and a deepening of the natural
connection with wisdom, one's higher self, the divine, or God,
depending on one's preferred terminology. The latihan is a catalyst
that leads to the development of one's character and which can guide
one's everyday life. It can strengthen one's sense of intuition or
the teacher within. Normally, this process of transformation is
gradual and integrated with the practical requirements of one's life.
The name
'Subud'
is a contraction of three Sanskrit words:
Susila, Budhi
and
Dharma.
Susila Budhi Dharma (Subud)
represent the possibility to surrender to the divine power within,
allowing it to effect inner change that will lead to the qualities of a true human being.
The latihan is available free of charge, although the association relies on contributions.
Generally, there is a waiting period of up to three months before joining.
This period provides the opportunity to meet people experienced in the latihan
and to become informed about the process.
Subud was founded by an Indonesian, Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo. He is
usually referred to by Subud members as 'Bapak' which is
an Indonesian word for a respected older man. The latihan came to him
as a revelation, suddenly and unexpectedly. He was able to pass it on
to others, and it is now practiced by thousands of people in 83
countries.
The Subud organization is world-wide.
There are national and international officers and committees and
there are local groups where people meet to practice the latihan
together. The association was established in the East in 1947 and in
the West since 1957 and is working for positive benefit in the world.
The ultimate vision is to affect an open-minded, caring world-wide
culture.
The World Subud Association ("WSA") is a not-for-profit organization
with its headquarters in Washington, D.C.(USA). Subud members engage in a
non-denominational spiritual practice called the "latihan kejiwaan," a
practice originating in Indonesia that has now spread worldwide. We
welcome new members 18 years and older. Our organization does not
discriminate on any basis, including nationality, gender, color, age, or
sexual orientation. Subud is not a religion and is open to persons of
all faiths and those who do not follow religions. WSA and other Subud
organizations do not have a policy or practice to change the religious
beliefs or practices of Subud members (or nonmembers), their sexual
orientation, or their rights to state their views on such subjects,
consistent with their own religions and the laws of the countries in
which they reside.
To find out more write to
wsa@subud.org.
Or you may be interested in
A First Introduction to Subud
and
What is Subud?.
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