Training for the Soul

The Subud latihan* is a way for people to discover and develop their inner self. Thousands of people from different cultures and backgrounds practice the latihan today.

In the world’s troubled climate, the process provides a significant opportunity for people from all religions, and also those who do not conform to an established religion, to follow a spiritual path together and in harmony.

It is a simple practice, and there is advice and guidance, but no doctrine or study is involved.

 * Latihan is Indonesian for “training”. This word has been retained as a universal name for the spiritual training of Subud.

Members meet twice a week at their local Subud group to practise the latihan. To allow freedom of movement and expression, men and women do their latihan separately. They first sit quietly in order to let go of thoughts and desires, and get into a calm state. They then stand to begin the latihan. The process lasts for about half an hour. Afterwards many people feel more peaceful and more alive.

The latihan receiving continues to work outside the meeting times, and Subud members often experience it providing inner guidance in work, relationships, health and other areas of life. For many, the benefits can also include a deeper contact with the power of God and one’s highest self, a deeper connection with one’s spirituality and humanity, and a more meaningful and purposeful life.

Subud, the association, supports the latihan and preserves and disseminates Bapak’s advice and guidance. It exists in more than 70 countries of the world, with over 10,000 active members. There are 16 groups in Australia.

Local, regional, national and international events and gatherings are held throughout the year to meet the needs of the Subud membership, catering for children as well as adults and young people. The association also works to encourage enterprises in the fields of culture, business and health to help people express their talents in the world.

Subud started in Indonesia in the 1920s. The founder of Subud, Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo, first received the latihan kedjiwaan in 1924 at the age of 24 years. He was given the understanding that this experience was a receiving from Almighty God and should be shared with those who wished to receive it. Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo is more commonly referred to by the Indonesian honorific “Bapak”.

In the 1950s, Bapak travelled to the UK and subsequently Subud began to spread to countries including in Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. There are now hundreds of Subud groups around the world. Bapak travelled for over 30 years, helping to establish the Subud organisation and aid members’ understanding of Subud and the latihan kedjiwaan, until he passed away in 1987.

The international organisation of Subud is called the World Subud Association (WSA) which represents over 50 member countries around the world.

“If we try to give a picture of what is received in Subud, no one who has not themselves experienced it will have any means of judging whether it is right or wrong. They can only find proof of what Subud is when they participate in the experience.”

Bapak, England, 1959. Recording 59 CSP 12.

To help people make an informed and conscious decision about joining, they are asked to wait three months before their first latihan. This allows time to talk about Subud and the latihan and to ask questions. Many people find that this three-month period allows for a subtle inner process to take place that prepares them for their first latihan. It also provides an opportunity to decide if this is the right path for them.

The minimum age for joining Subud is 17. There is no fee for joining. Donations are voluntary and needed for maintaining the local latihan premises and supporting the work of Subud in the world. The amount is left to the individual.

If you are interested in joining Subud it is best to contact your local group. Click on this link to go to the "Local Group" page in order to find your nearest group.

Alternatively you can email [email protected]