"Every person will find for himself or herself the right way towards God, and what may be the right way for one may be completely wrong for another. Therefore you must discover your own self, and develop your own inner self, if you want to find the way to God. You must not follow or imitate anyone else".
- M.S. Sumohadiwidjojo, Founder of Subud, Singapore 1960
Subud is an international organization of men and women who have experienced an inner 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 spontaneously, as an inner receiving that is initiated, moved, and guided by direct contact with the Power of 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 encouraged to continue to practice the religion of their choice. Many people of all religions, including clergy members, report that their Subud experience has helped to deepen their spiritual awareness and strengthen their commitment to their religious practice.
Subud has no charismatic leader or hierarchical authority structure. Subud members are encouraged to think critically, to trust and follow 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 social activities are funded by the voluntary contributions of its members.
Subud is not a New Age psychological self-help technique or self-improvement program. The aim and purpose of Subud is nothing more or less than to surrender and submit to the Power of God with patience and sincerity and then to receive and follow whatever may be His guidance and direction as it arises spontaneously from within.
Although Subud originated in Indonesia in 1932, it is not an "Eastern" spiritual movement. It has since spread to more than 95 countries around the world. People of all religious, national, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds have come together in Subud to worship God harmoniously. When we stand before God we are all the same.
Subud does not advertise or proselytize in order to seek out new members. The Subud contact is a gift and grace from 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 patience and sincerity and a commitment to follow and to put into practice what one receives.
Membership in Subud is open to anyone over 17 years of age. Applicants are asked to wait for a period of approximately three months 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 a spiritual path is not one that should be taken lightly. In order to avoid misunderstandings, confusion, or disappointment later on, applicants should try 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 are interested in learning more about Subud, a Committee member can send you literature or arrange for you to attend one of our applicants meetings.
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Subud Washington DC is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3)non-profit corporation. Your individual donations are tax-free. The name "Subud®" and the seven circles symbol are registered marks of the World Subud Association
