“When you come to zero, when you come to the nothingness, at that moment there is a vibration.”
The term latihan kejiwaan is an Indonesian term meaning ‘spiritual training’ or ‘spiritual exercise’.
The founder of Subud, Bapak Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwijojo (Bapak), explained that the latihan is a method of worshipping God that is open to all mankind and whose source is the power of God.
The practice of the latihan involves voluntary surrender to the power of God. After quietening one’s thoughts and desires, one makes the intention to worship only God, who has the power to reach and move a human being from within, without any external means. This power is the source of the latihan. Once in such a quiet state, one may feel spontaneous vibrations or movements that derive from divine grace. By willingly following these movements, one can experience a worship free of thought and desire.
Bapak explained that the movements and vibrations represented the awakening of the inner self or soul of the individual by way of the action of the latihan. Following this awakening, individuals start to become aware of their true selves and their connection with the divine grace, humanity and life in the universe. Over time, individuals may find that this enables them to live their worldly lives more in accordance with their true inner nature and in a way that benefits themselves, their families and their community.
Since the latihan is unique to each person, no two individuals’ latihans are the same. This is a matter solely between the individual and the power of God which is the active force guiding the latihan. Pak Subuh explained that what happens in the latihan is truly a receiving, and it can be received by each one, but differently between one and another, yet in accordance with the inner self of each one, so that the ultimate aim is ‘becoming more and more you’. Therefore in the latihan there is no ‘direction’ of anyone’s experience from a leader, although more experienced members are present as helpers. The initial contact is the beginning of the awakening process which takes time to evolve, and requires patience. Many members find their practice and understanding of the latihan changes considerably as their experience deepens.
Beginning and following the latihan is a completely voluntary act and should only be commenced following a conscious and sincere decision by the individual without any pressure from others. Individuals remain inwardly calm and conscious during the latihan and may choose to stop their exercise at any time.
It is acknowledged that the latihan may be difficult to understand or believe in simply by reading or listening to the accounts of those who follow it. The reality of the latihan can only be felt and its significance understood once it has been experienced by the individual.
Practising the latihan
In Subud, people meet to practise the latihan in a local venues, men and women separately, with each latihan lasting approximately 30 minutes. There is usually a preparation period of up to three months before a person comes to their first latihan, the latter being known as the ‘opening’, in which the contact with divine grace is spontaneously received by them. Most people find this applicant period important, as it is a time to ask questions and be sure that joining is something the person wants to do. It may also be a time of subtle change, creating an inner readiness for the experience of the latihan.
Meaning of the word latihan
The word latihan, short for latihan kejiwaan [Indonesian], translates literally as spiritual training. Since the experience of the latihan is unique for each person, people in Subud often have different ways of describing their own experience of the process and the impact it has on their individual lives.
What people say about the latihan
Since the experience of the latihan is unique for each person, people in Subud often have different ways of describing their own experience of the process and the impact it has on their lives.
Here are a few typical comments from people who practise the latihan in Subud, which serves to illustrate the variety of personal perspectives:
The latihan is the core of my life. It has led me by the hand and shown me who I really am.
Being someone with a well-trained critical mind, the latihan has helped me to know the forces behind my thoughts and emotions and has enabled me to live in greater harmony with this tough world we live in.
The latihan itself has been an incredible journey encompassing every experience in life – a very powerful feeling of space, depth and joy.
For me, what sets the latihan apart from any other spiritual practice is that it’s not about trying to leave a part of you behind in order to feel some kind of ‘out-of-this-world’ enlightenment. The beauty and intricacy of the experiences I’ve had during latihan come about because something (which I like to call ‘God’) is making every part of me – mind, body, heart and soul – come alive. In other words, I’m being trained to become my truest, fullest self, for both this world and whatever comes after.
The latihan helps me get closer to my true self, as it fine-tunes my intuition.
Over the years the latihan has become an invaluable life tool – the regular practice of tuning into my inner awareness provides an essential balance to my thinking, feeling and being. To sense inwardly, as well as outwardly, the dynamics of relationships, of my work, and my sense of self. The latihan broadens my awareness and deepens my understanding of the stuff of life.
After doing the latihan since July 1966, I have no doubts about it. I’ve learned to accept my faults, learned to laugh, have a clean calm feeling inside and my heart has been opened.
I hoped the latihan would enable me to become more ‘spiritual’ and wise. Oddly enough it did something different. I slowly became more practical, and also more connected with my body and emotions. I now see this as a sort of foundation level, which had been missing on my journey towards wholeness.
It’s like learning to dance a new dance with life. I used to live in a narrow field enclosed by walls and knock my head on the walls thinking: that’s it, that’s what life is about. Latihan has reopened a sense of discovery and unexplored possibilities in me. I now have discovered a door, and behind it a peaceful lake and some fields of joy. It’s not all sorted for sure – there are always new walls! But I have scope for action rather then just knocking my head on the next wall… and I know there are beautiful spots on the way.
It frees you up to live – and shine your colours in the world!
My practice of the latihan has been like having access to my own personal doorway to a world where the mystery of my deepest self lies, connected to God, to other people and other beings. I make the effort to go and open the door twice a week and get something different at every visit – sometimes nothing more useful that a little peace of mind, and at other times a pure feeling of grace or contrition or awe. I try to live up to the knowledge I have gained of who my deepest self is and can be like in my regular life, and am amazed that the door has never ever been shut when I reached for it.
When I attended my first latihan, at a time of depression, I was frightened that I was going to be taken over by something out of my control. Instead I experienced a sense of joy that I recognised as being my own true self. It was truly an unexpected gift and I went home happy for the first time in months. That was 34 years ago. When things are difficult and I feel doubts, I still remember that experience as a touchstone.
Find out more
If you wish to experience the latihan for yourself, send us a message to be put in touch with your local Subud group: enquiries@subudbritain.org, or send us an enquiry on the contact form.