The benefits of the Subud spiritual practice
When Subud members talk about their spiritual practice, they often give a range of reasons why it holds deep meaning for them. Each person has their own unique perspective, but there are common experiences. Most of us find the practice brings an immediate sense of well-being, provides some inner guidance, and helps us feel a personal connection to a higher power. What follows is a look at each of these common experiences.
If you haven’t already done so, it might be helpful to read the page Our Spiritual Training first. It explains the Subud practice known as the Latihan.
An immediate sense of well being and inner peace
At the end of every Latihan session, there is a period of silence, allowing members to sit with the feeling of peace and well-being that follows . Most people notice a significant shift in how they feel compared to before. Any agitated feelings or thoughts may soften, often accompanied by a greater sense of connectedness. For this reason, we generally preface our meetings or social gatherings with a Latihan session. And should a meeting become heated or controversial, ending in a similar way can help restore calm and togetherness.
Putting our lower impulses in their place
It’s natural to experience ego-driven emotions — like greed, jealousy and desire. These feelings are part of being human. However, when they take over, they can harm the individual, others, and even the planet. In practicing the Latihan we are surrendering ourselves to a higher power that over time allows our higher qualities such as compassion and generosity to take precedence. Many experience this process as becoming the ‘true human’ that God intended. And by aligning our actions and intentions with our better nature, we benefit ourselves and our community..
The Latihan is a source of inner guidance
When we participate in Latihan, any spontaneous movements or singing that may arise, are not meant to stem from our heart or mind. These should be guided by our soul, connecting to a divine or higher power. In this way we are developing the ability to be led by our higher self. This concept shouldn’t be entirely unfamiliar, as many people have had special or miraculous experiences earlier in life. As we gain experience, we can learn to connect with this inner guidance in our daily lives, helping us intuitively sense when a situation might not be right or gaining insights into crucial life choices. The qualities needed to progress in the Latihan are patience, submission, sincerity and a willingness to let go of one’s thoughts, fears and desires.
Deepening faith and spiritual understanding
As noted earlier, the Latihan is a highly individual experience, providing a deep and personal connection to the divine or higher power. Each person receives what is right for them, and so there is no need of strict rules, holy books, or doctrine to follow. Subud welcomes people of all faiths, and those joining us can continue attending their religious communities—whether it’s a synagogue, mosque, church, or any other place of worship—without any issue. In fact, many of our members say that the inner guidance from Subud actually enhances their understanding of their religion, making it a more vibrant and meaningful part of their lives.
A next step
If you are interested in finding out more about our spiritual practice you might want to read about the Origins of the Training or read some Personal Experiences of Subud members.