About Subud
Subud is an international association of people who all practise a spiritual exercise called the latihan. Subud is open to all, regardless of you religion or beliefs. It originated in Indonesia in the 1920’s and is currently in over 75 countries in the world.
The process of the latihan starts with an awakening of a vibration. Followed by a feeling of acceptance and surrender to a power beyond ourselves. This is deepened by a quietening or stilling of the thoughts and emotions. Out of that quietness comes a connection to a power, which can transform and develop the growth of your inner life. Because this spiritual practice does not come from our own thoughts, wishes, or from any other guide or person, we believe it to be from a universal spiritual source.
This latihan experience is very individual and each time you practice it is different. We practice regularly in groups but it can be practiced alone. Our aim when practicing it, is to be open and alive to the moment, receiving what the source reveals to us.
The word Subud is an abbreviation of the words Susila Budhi Dharma.
Susila means to be able to live according to the Will of God as really true human beings.
Budhi indicates that in every creation, in every creature of God, including human beings, there is divine power which works within.
Dharma means the possibility for every creature, including human beings, to surrender and submit completely to God’s Will.
Subud therefore contains “the possibility for human beings to follow the right way of living.”
The Founder of Subud
Bapak Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo was born in central Java, Indonesia in 1901. He died in 1987 on the morning after his 86th birthday. He is referred to affectionately by Subud members as “Bapak”, an Indonesian term of respect meaning “father” or “sir”.
Bapak was the first person to receive “latihan kejiwaan Subud”, and he subsequently toured the world giving explanations and answering questions about the path of Subud.
If you would like more information about Subud, please email office@lewessubudcentre.co.uk or visit the Subud Britain website www.subudbritain.org
Lewes Subud Centre
Latihan Times
North Building
Mondays: 7.00pm for 7.15pm
Tuesdays: 12.00pm for 12.15pm
Thursdays: 7.00pm for 7.15pm
North and South Buildings
Sundays: 10am for 10.15am and 11am for 11.15am
The Lounge
The Lounge, is a private room for use by Subud members only. It’s located next to the Kitchen and Assembly Hall and has an tea and coffee making facilities. The lounge also houses our library of books, where our committee meets, and where new members can meet Subud members to find out more.
Membership enquiry
If you are interested in joining Subud or would simply like to find out more, please contact us by sending an email to office@lewessubudcentre.co.uk
A Brief History of the Building
The Lewes Subud Centre is located in a historic Grade II Listed building on Talbot Terrace, designed by architect Richard Creed, originally built in 1896 as Pells County Primary School. The school provided free education to local children and became a cornerstone of the community.
In 1973, the building ceased to function as a primary school and, in 2000, became home to Lewes New School, an independent, non-profit co-educational school established by Subud members, founded by parents and teachers with the support of the charity Human Scale Education.
In 1973, the building ceased to function as a primary school and, in 2000, became home to Lewes New School, an independent, non-profit co-educational school established by Subud members, founded by parents and teachers with the support of the charity Human Scale Education.
In September 2023, the Lewes Subud community purchased the building from the Guerrand Hermes Foundation and moved into the building, which was lovingly restored and transformed into the Lewes Subud Centre by our many volunteers. Today, the Centre serves as a space for the Subud spiritual practice, community gatherings, and a wide range of activities, while honoring the building’s rich educational legacy.
Parking
The nearest car park is Brook Street/Spring Gardens Car Park, by North Street and the fee is £2.15 for 8 hours (Ringo app).