What is Subud?
The Subud “latihan” (spiritual exercise or meditation) is a direct contact with the power of God, the “Universe” or “Creative Force” or whatever one believes to be the sustaining source of the universe. It is not a religion. Nor is it a sect of any religion. This direct contact spontaneously “happens to” a person rather than being “done by” a person—it is a spontaneous form of “worship” (loosely defined) and spiritual and mental purification. The only requirement is a sincere desire to experience the Oneness of God or the Oneness of the universe. Agnositcs and even open minded atheists also may have this experience. It is a spontaneous, moving meditation which may be experienced by all people of any and all religions, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic or social backgrounds—all people worship and experience it together. Those who practice a religion, any religion, continue to practice their religion along with having this experience–there is no conflict. In fact, people find that this direct contact deepens their understanding and feeling of their particular religion. It provides insight into career, social relations, and into Life in general. Many people who do not practice a religion (even those who are “anti-religion”) also get the same benefits from this experience: guidance and direction for daily life directly from the Source.
This spontaneous meditation is A) Felt In The Body, B) Empirical, C) Radically Individualized, D) Internal Rather Than External, E) Available To Anyone, and F) Simple and Free (i.e., it costs nothing):
A) FELT IN THE BODY: During this meditative or spiritual experience, I experience something that I believe to be directly from the Source, via spontaneous feelings and movements in my body. It has provided me knowledge, insight, and help for my daily life. The received movements are felt by you, but you’re in complete control of your body nonetheless.
B) EMPIRICAL: When I say it It has “provided me knowledge, insight, and help for my daily life” I mean it’s empirical. It’s the “proof” (used loosely) for a spiritual life or Divinity. It’s felt, and it doesn’t originate with your own mind, but it clearly feels good and right.
C) RADICALLY INDIVIDUALIZED: How is Subud “more” than religion other spiritual systems? After all, various religions or philosophies may also provide this kind of life insight I’m saying we directly receive in Subud. But, while these various religions and systems are monumental in force and focus for humankind, nevertheless, those systems were received by human beings in a given context—they apply to various people and various historical contexts, while Subud is individualized. For example, Zoroastrianism doesn’t necessarily fit well in a 21st century context, and Judaism and Christianity probably won’t fit well in a 29th century context. However, this direct receiving in Subud is direct guidance and insight, which is entirely individual for each person within their given context and life situation. Religion may dictate you help an old lady across a street, but your connection with the Source can give you guidance now–about whether you should help the old lady across the street, or help an old man fix a flat tire, or continue hurrying onto your next appointment. Yes, sometimes it’s better NOT to help, and you can get individual guidance about it on a minute-to-minute basis!
D) INTERNAL RATHER THAN EXTERNAL: This guidance is felt internally. In Subud nothing is written down or studied—it is a personal and unique “receiving” from within (internally), rather than learning something or reading something from without (externally). Because it’s individual and direct–received by each person for their current life–this receiving should be valid for each person no matter when or where they live–even in the 29th, 39th, or 49th centuries. Think of it like a personalized roadmap to life, felt from within.
E) AVAILABLE TO ANYONE: Subud is done by people who are actively practicing various religions, and/or by those who have no religion. Subud even counts amongst its members many open-minded agnostics. Since little or no knowledge, little or no spiritual/religious belief is required, and Subud doesn’t conflict with any religion, just about anyone can experience this direct contact. Thus, direct receiving is now possible with no study and no prior training–it’s that simple!
F) SIMPLE AND FREE: Because it’s so simple and it’s free (no fees or costs are associated with joining Subud), many people believe it can’t be all that valuable! People erroneously conclude that since it’s free, it can’t be as good as Transcendental Meditation® and other systems that have huge fees. BUT, it’s true: The Best Things In Life Are Free!
How is Subud funded or supported? Do members or participants pay dues?
elaine schepps - December 10, 2009 at 2:43 pm |
Hello Elaine,
Sorry I didn’t get your comment on my blog because, I think, you posted it to an old blog of mine (and I never really check that blog).
Regarding funding for Subud, almost all the funds for charitable projects, admin costs, monthly printed newsletter costs, travel costs, building rental and other costs come from voluntary donations from members of Subud. And how much do they donate? Doing the math works out to about $8 per month per member. Positions in Subud are voluntary–people don’t get paid.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, there is little pressure to give money to Subud, and that’s why we’re perpetually poor, and thus have little budget other than to meet our immediate needs, so we don’t grow in membership, nor can we start and fund new charitable initiatives, etc.
Personally, when I was national vice-chairperson, I tried to get Subud on more of a normal foundation (by trying to push for a paid national executive director so operations could be more effective, etc., etc., etc., but alas people in Subud don’t seem to want to grow and advance the organization–they’re content with things the way they are.
I hope that answers your question.
Aloha, Aliman
Aliman - March 22, 2010 at 4:30 pm |