Bapak Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo
If you’re curious about Subud and its spiritual practices, exploring Bapak’s life is a perfect starting point. While he never claimed to be a guru or displayed charismatic leadership, his influence is integral to Subud’s existence.
Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo, known as Bapak, was the founder of Subud, an international spiritual movement focused on achieving personal spiritual growth through the practice of Latihan. Born in 1901 in Central Java, Indonesia, Bapak’s life and teachings have been instrumental in the global spread of Subud.
Early Life and the Origin of the Spiritual Practice
Bapak grew up in the Dutch East Indies, a colonial territory of the Netherlands that later became Indonesia. It was a time of significant change, with the Dutch maintaining strict control over society. A religiously tolerant society formed the backdrop of his formative years, with Indonesia’s religious landscape being diverse, with Islam as the predominant faith, but Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and indigenous beliefs also having a presence.
In 1925, while working as a bookkeeper in Semarang, Bapak experienced a profound spiritual event that would lead to the formation of the Subud movement. Late one night, he saw a ball of light as bright as the sun falling from the sky and entering his body, causing him to convulse and fear for his life. Instead of dying, he felt his body move on its own, initially in the manner of Islamic prayer, but soon transitioning to various spontaneous movements. Over time, he surrendered to these involuntary actions, understanding they were driven by God’s will.
As Bapak continued experiencing these nightly manifestations, he gained deeper insights into the life forces that influence our existence, and the life that we may experience after death. As he began sharing his experience, he found he could pass it on to others. This led to the formation of a small groups of followers in Semarang and Yogyakarta, practicing Latihan together.
The Expansion of Subud
Initially, the practice of Latihan grew, attracting a few hundred followers in Central Java. A few years after the Second World War, they held a congress to formalize their spiritual association, choosing the name “Subud” derived from three Sanskrit words: susila, budhi, and dharma, symbolizing humane behavior in accordance with God’s will, the inner power within humans, and surrender to God’s will, respectively. Bapak emphasized that Subud was not a religion but a universal spiritual path. He encouraged people to maintain their religious beliefs and cultural norms while engaging in Latihan.
In 1951, Husein Rofé, an Englishman of Syrian descent, arrived in Yogyakarta, having been predicted by Bapak earlier. Driven by an interest in Islamic mystical movements, Rofé received the Subud contact and realized the importance of Latihan for humanity. He began travelling and spreading Subud, establishing groups in Sumatra, Hong Kong, and Japan. His efforts led to Bapak’s first international invitation in 1957, initiating Subud’s global expansion.
The International Spread of Subud
In the late 1950s, Bapak embarked on a series of international trips to spread Subud. He travelled to Europe and North America, giving talks, leading Latihan sessions, and meeting people interested in his explanations of the Latihan. His visits to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States were instrumental in establishing Subud as a global movement. Bapak’s talks were recorded and transcribed, providing a lasting resource for Subud practitioners worldwide.
Legacy and Continuing Impact of Subud
Bapak passed away in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of talks and a thriving global community. Subud is now active in over 70 countries, guided by Bapak’s principles. His emphasis on universal spirituality, ethical conduct, and community service has inspired generations of Subud members to live with integrity and compassion. Bapak encouraged Subud members to engage in ethical business practices and community service, supporting the establishment of Subud enterprises and social projects reflecting the movement’s values.
Next Steps
To find out more about Bapak’s initial experience of the Latihan, described above, take a look at Origins of the Training. You can also read Our Spiritual Practice to find out more about the practice of the Latihan.