Subud is an international organization of men and women who have experienced a spiritual awakening and are dedicated to following the spiritual path that emanates from that experience.
Subud is not based on a teaching or theory. The Subud experience arises as a spontaneous inner receiving which is initiated, moved, and guided by direct contact with the Power of the One Almighty God. Each person experiences this receiving in accordance with his or her own unique inner nature, character, strength, and capacity.
Subud is not a new religion and it is not the aim or purpose of Subud to replace one’s religion or to change one’s religious affiliation. There is nothing in Subud that contradicts what exists in the great religions, and Subud members are strongly encouraged to continue to practice the religion of their choice. People from all religions, including clergy members, report that their Subud experience has helped to deepen their understanding of and commitment to their religious practice.
Subud has no charismatic leader or hierarchical authority structure. Members are encouraged to think critically, to trust only their own experience, to use their hearts and minds fully and to be actively engaged in the life of their families, work and communities. Subud activities are funded by strictly voluntary contributions and there is no compulsion to contribute.
Subud is not a New Age psychological self-help technique. In Subud our only intention is simply to surrender everything that is within us, and to submit ourselves completely to the Power of God, and then to wait, with true patience, submission, and sincerely, to receive whatever may be His guidance and direction for us.
Although Subud originated in Indonesia in 1932, it is not an "Eastern" spiritual movement. It has since spread to more than 90 countries around the world and people of all religious, national, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds come together in Subud to worship God in complete harmony and without reference to their origins. When we stand before God we are all the same.
Subud does not advertise or proselytize or make efforts to seek out new members. However, the Subud contact is a gift and Grace from Almighty God that is meant for all of mankind, and it is freely shared with all who sincerely desire it. All that is required to receive this contact, is a genuine willingness to surrender oneself to the Will of God with true patience, acceptance, sincerity and courage.
Membership in Subud is open to anyone over 17 years of age. People interested in joining Subud are asked to wait for a period of approximately three months after becoming applicants, before receiving the Subud contact for the first time. During this waiting period applicants are encouraged to regularly attend applicants meetings, to ask questions, and to get to know other Subud members. The decision to embark on the spiritual path which is Subud is not one that should be taken lightly. In order to avoid misunderstandings, confusion, or disappointment later on, it is important for applicants to acquire as clear an understanding as possible of what Subud is and what it is not before making a decision to join.
If you would like to know more, read the various articles published on this website, then try to get in touch with a Subud Center near you. If you live on the East Coast of the United States, check out the Centers section of this website to see where the closest group is. Alternately, check www.subudusa.org for a list of Centers in the USA, or www.subud.org for International listings.