What is Subud?

Subud is an international, spiritual association of men and women who share an experience known as the latihan. Thousands of people from all cultures and backgrounds are Subud members today: Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and even atheists and agnostics practise the latihan alongside one another. Subud provides an opportunity for people from all religions and spiritual backgrounds to follow a spiritual path together and in harmony. Read more about the latihan.

Subud is not a new religion and there is no doctrine or study involved. Instead, the mystical experience of the latihan teaches the person from within as to the right way to live life (without conflicting with widely accepted spiritual truths). Following the latihan can add a deeply meaningful and experiential dimension to existing religious and spiritual practice or may provide anew the connection with a Higher Power. It may strengthen existing belief or create new faith where previously none existed. Read more about Subud members' experiences.

The longer individuals are in Subud and practise the latihan, the more they may become connected with their humanity or purpose in life. Some find it increasingly difficult to do or say things that cause harm to others and others feel guided to become actively involved with projects that help other people. The Subud organisation has evolved to support projects set up by Subud members that outwardly reflect this evolution in their inner lives. Read more about the Subud organisation.

Where does Subud come from?
Subud originated in Indonesia in 1925 when a young man named Bapak Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo spontaneously received the contact now referred to as the latihan. Read more about the history of Subud.

The name 'Subud' is the abbreviation of the words Susila Budhi Dharma.
Susila means humane behaviour that is in accordance with God's will.
Budhi is the inner power within human beings.
Dharma means surrender in following God's will.

The name Subud is a symbol, indicating that people may truly become human beings who have the qualities of susila, budhi and dharma.

 

"Every person will find for himself or herself the right way towards God, and what might be the right way for one may be completely wrong for another. Therefore, you must discover your own self, and develop your inner self, if you want to find the way to God. You must not follow or imitate anyone else"

- Bapak Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo (the founder of Subud).