Subud
Chicago
WHAT IS SUBUD AND LATIHAN?
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.
HISTORY OF SUBUD
JOINING SUBUD
Subud is open to anyone who truly wishes to experience the benefits of the spiritual practice of the latihan.
Anyone over 17 can apply to join. There is no joining fee or any charge for belonging.
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. If you are new to Subud and wish to find out more, please contact one of the people listed in the Contact Us page to arrange a visit!
The organization of Subud is almost 100 years old. It originally began in Indonesia and is now practiced around the world.
Like all organizations, Subud has an origin story: the founder of Subud, Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo from Indonesia, was born in 1901 and died in 1987. 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.
You can learn about Bapak from the global organization website: http://subud.org