The story of the Subud Association begins in 1924 with a man named Muhammad Subuh.

At that time he was a 23-year old clerk, who worked for the municipality of Semarang in central Java, Indonesia. During an evening walk he was suddenly surprised by an unusual bright light that appeared to fall on him causing his whole body to tremble. Assuming he was having a heart attack, he hurried home and lay down, not knowing what to expect.

After a while the light that filled his whole body went away, and Muhammad Subuh felt himself moved; not by his own will but by a different impulse from within himself. He was moved to get up and do prayers that were his usual habit prior to sleeping. He wondered what could be moving him so strongly, but since he felt calm and conscious, he just followed the motions as they developed. After a while he returned to bed and fell asleep.

From then on, for many years, every evening he received a similar spontaneous experience which continually expanded and deepened in its nature. Meanwhile he went about his daily life in a normal way.

In time, through many profound experiences, it became clear to Muhammad Subuh that what he was receiving was a gift from God; a gift of Divine Power which brings individuals into contact with their inner nature and the power of God. At first he was puzzled. He wondered why he should receive such an extraordinary blessing only for himself. Later he was led to understand that this receiving could be shared by those who sincerely asked for it, although he need make no effort by his own will to spread it. In fact, people began to seek him out, initially in Indonesia and later from other parts of the world.

Muhammad Subuh was led to understand that this gift from God was needed by mankind at this time. In this day and age, it is important for individuals to feel a direct contact with the power of God for them- selves, not through a mediator, prophet, or teacher. Those who receive the contact may act as vehicles to pass it on to others who wish it. In this way the Subud Association has spread.

Muhammad Subuh passed on in 1987. It is estimated that by that time well over half a million people of all races and religions from around the world had shared what he had received.

Back Home	The name: Subud

As the Association grew, a more formal structure was necessary to meet the needs of its membership.

The name, Subud, was selected for the organization because of the three Sanskrit words from which it is derived. The words are associated with surrender to the will of God, awareness of God's power to guide one's inner self, and acceptance of an inner growth with patience, sincerity, and trust towards God. The words imply a willingness to put what one has received into practice in one's daily life.

Subud is not a religion or a sect of any religion. Subud members belong to all the world's main religions, and many have found their respective beliefs strengthened and confirmed by the Subud experience. Subud has no dogma, teaching, or creed. It is a simple process of receiving, freely given to those who ask to receive it.

Back Home	The Subud Experience

Subud members meet regularly, usually twice a week for a half hour, and practice their receiving together in groups. Men receive with other men and women with other women. The group experience preserves integrity and provides support to those who may have difficulty. Members who are not able to meet in groups due to distances can practice their receiving on their own, usually at home.

An individual who wishes to partake of the Subud experience can receive it by standing quietly, with a feeling of patience and surrender, in the presence of a member or members who are at that moment experiencing it for themselves. This would be arranged by the nearest Subud group. One then gains this contact for oneself, without effort of will and entirely free from the influence of another person.

Experiences vary enormously. At the beginning, they usually take the form of spontaneous motions or sounds. As time advances, they progress inward, with a deeper understanding of what they mean in one's life on earth. The action becomes one of purification of faults and a process of inner growth and worship of God. Although the power of God is infinitely strong, the movement forces no one to do things against their will. Insofar as an individual submits his/her will to that of God, the process moves forward and at a different pace for each person.

Meeting together regularly to receive this movement forms the basis of Subud and its organization.

Back Home	Subud in the World

Subud groups and centers exist in over 70 countries. The World Subud Association is registered in Washington, D.C. as a non-profit foundation.

There are two aspects to the Subud Association:

Committee activities: Committee members are chosen by the group to look after the worldly needs of Subud such as arranging premises where groups can meet, facilitating communication between groups, keeping membership records, producing newsletters, conducting business meetings, keeping archives, and handling the finances.

Helper activities: Helpers are more experienced members who volunteer to answer questions from prospective members, assist new members with initial receiving (called the opening), and support members as required.

Committees chosen by the members work together with helpers on local, regional, national, and international levels.

On all these levels meetings and congresses are held regularly.

Many Subud members have been led to understand how their receiving, which comes as a result of their submission to the will of God, is meant to be put into practice in their daily lives. As a result, Subud members have established branches or "wings" that serve to coordinate worldwide activities in the fields of: education and welfare projects (SD), culture and arts (SICA), Subud youth activities (SYA), and Subud members involved in business and development OSES). Participation in these affiliated organizations is open to all.

Back Home	Joining Subud

Subud is a non-proselytizing, non-political organization. It is open to people of all religions and all nationalities. An individual over the age of 17 may join Subud. No prior beliefs or convictions are required. There is no fee for joining. The cost of maintaining the Subud Association (group premises, communication, records) is derived from voluntary donations from its members.

There is usually a three-month waiting period when individuals interested in joining meet with the group so they can get to know the members. During this time prospective members also meet regularly with the helpers to gain a clearer understanding of what they may expect in Subud. The waiting period provides time for prospective members to be certain of their wish to participate in Subud.

If you live in the Portland, Oregon area, you can use the Local Contacts list provided on this website. If you live elsewhere, check Other SUBUD Sites. This listing includes regional centers that can put you in touch with the Subud group closest to you. You may also find Subud in your local telephone directory. Some groups have telephone listings while others do not.