Subud is a spiritual movement that was founded in Indonesia in the 1940s. The spelling of the word "Subud" is somewhat unusual as it does not follow the usual rules of English spelling. The first syllable is pronounced "soo" with a long "oo" sound, represented by the IPA phonetic transcription /suː/. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "buh" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /bʌd/. The stress is on the first syllable, making it SOO-bud.
Subud is a spiritual and universalist movement founded by Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo, commonly referred to as Bapak Subuh, in the mid-20th century. According to its doctrine, Subud is not considered a religion but rather a way for individuals to experience a direct and personal connection with the divine. It emphasizes the belief that each person has the potential to connect with a higher power, which is often referred to as the "Great Life Force" or "Latihan Kejiwaan," through a process known as "opening."
The practice of Subud involves surrendering oneself to the will of the divine and allowing it to guide and inspire one's thoughts, actions, and decisions. It is predominantly characterized by a form of active meditation called the "latihan," which is performed in a group setting. During the latihan, practitioners aim to disconnect from their conscious thoughts and instead open themselves to the inner movements of the body, mind, and spirit, which are said to be initiated by the divine power.
Subud is known for its emphasis on the universality of spiritual experience, as it welcomes individuals from all walks of life and religious backgrounds. Its teachings advocate for harmony and tolerance, encouraging practitioners to live a moral and virtuous life based on the principles of love, humility, and selflessness. Subud centers, where group latihan sessions are held, can be found worldwide, forming a global community of individuals dedicated to exploring and experiencing the divine in their lives.