Under these conditions, everyone wonders at some time or other whether he is leading his life in the most fruitful manner. He finds some ingredient of happiness is lacking and, while he may lose himself in some pleasures, the ultimate happiness eludes him. His attention turns to traditional spiritual paths, but he finds them difficult to follow in the modern world, neither are competent teachers or guides available.

It is in catering to these conditions that SUBUD (SUSILA BUDHI DHARMA) is found to be the answer. Man cannot lift himself by the use of his mind and feelings as these exactly are the levels to be transcended to experience the inner life. Only a power greater than man working in him can elevate him to a level higher than the feelings and the mind, and this is exactly what happens in the practice of Subud.

Every religion recommends surrender to God as the best way to the divine, but man does not know how to surrender and his best is only a qualified and mental surrender: whereas true surrender is a state brought about by the action of the Divine Power working in man. It is the JIWA of the man, which alone can truly surrender, and action of the Subud Exercise (latihan) enables the JIWA to wake up and fulfill its true function of surrender to God.

The Subud exercise, called the latihan , is conducted by helpers- people who have been in Subud for a sufficiently long time to pass on the contact to newcomers- for half an hour, twice a week, generally in the evenings in a group. Once the contact is given, the latihan, with regular practice, grows by itself, and gradually increases the experience of the inner life. During the latihan the practitioners do not use their mind or feelings, but only relax and truly surrender. The Divine Power then acts in its own way and at its own pace, to suit the condition of the individual.

Bapak Muhammed Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo, an Indonesian Mystic, brought the latihan to the world. He received it as a gift from God, without his seeking, in 1932. After a few years, when his own purification was completed and he had had remarkable experiences and development, he was directed to transmit the latihan to all sincere seekers. Subud spread first in Indonesia, where a number of groups were formed and after 1957, progressively to many countries. Bapak continued to be the Spiritual Guide of Subud and guides Subud members in spiritual matters,till his passing away in June 1987. At present helpers are available in most countries to start or ?open? newcomers.

Practitioners of Subud after some time report a sense of better well being and a gradually increasing inner depth and experience of an inner life, which is a goal of life itself. Progress depends on the individual, as the Divine Power works at a pace and in a way to suit each individual. Patience, Sincerity, Submission and Surrender enable a person to progress to the best advantage.

Subud accepts the validity of all religions, as Subud incorporates the essence of every religion, viz., surrender to God and an inner spiritual life guided by the power of God.

Subud members lead a normal outer life while practicing the latihan twice a week. (After enough experience they may do the latihan more often). Full activity in the outer life, including a normal family life and working for one?s livelihood and the welfare of one?s family etc., continues, without renunciation or withdrawal from a normal life. In fact, a person thus working may receive inner intuitions or guidance as to what is best for him in the worldly and professional work.

Over the years, as the working of the latihan reaches various levels, including those in which he is normally not conscious, a deep, quiet state and experience of the Immanence of the Divine in him would be felt by him at all times. Then he would also be able to do all his outer work in this state, which sanctifies all such work, so that every act and work of his becomes an act of worship in the glow of his inner radiance. Life itself then become a continuous worship of God, with his actions originating in a level beyond his mind and feelings, leading him to the highest felicity. Hindus may readily see that this is karma yoga in action .

Subud is an International Brotherhood, and all practitioners are its members. National Organizations operate in most countries, that in India being Subud India. Members contribute what they can, in order that the work of the organization can be carried on.

Enterprises are also recommended to enable enough finance to be generated and to give an opportunity for members to work together, so that not only the feeling of brotherhood is reinforced but also to provide for their inner guidance to be reflected in the outer work. Such enterprises are operating in many countries.

It is also an important aim of Subud that SUSILA DHARMA organizations be developed for charitable work, such as running schools, hospitals, centres for the handicapped, mentally retarded children etc. Such institutions are already functioning in a few countries.

Subud is thus a way where the totality of one?s life, inner and outer, is progressively made richer and more meaningful; and a completeness of life's purpose is achieved by a harmonious synthesis of the outer active life and inner worship of God, leading to man?s highest welfare in this world and in the hereafter.