Subud (pronounced ), acronym of Susila Budhi Dharma, is an international, interfaith spiritual movement that began in Indonesia in the 1920s, founded by Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo (1901–1987). The basis of Subud is a spiritual exercise called the latihan kejiwaan, which Muhammad Subuh said represents guidance from "the Power of God" or "the Great Life Force." He asserted that Subud was neither a new teaching nor a religion. Rather, Subuh remarked that as a result of following the inner guidance from the latihan, members could be guided towards a religion that was right for them, whether it is Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. While following a religion can provide discipline that can be valuable for a member's inner development, it is not necessary to follow a religion in order to be in Subud and do the latihan. There are Subud groups in about 83 countries, with a worldwide membership of about 10,000 in 2003. Etymology The name "Subud" is an acronym that stands for three Javanese words, Susila Budhi Dharma, which are derived from the Sanskrit terms suśīla (good-tempered), buddhi, and dharma. The meaning depends on the context in which they are being used. The original Sanskrit root words are defined differently than Pak Subuh indicates: Sanskrit Suśīla: "well-disposed", "having an amiable disposition", "good-tempered". Buddhi: "intelligence, mind, reason". Dharma: the Law that "upholds, supports or maintains the regulatory order of the universe". Pak Subuh Pak Subuh gives the following definitions: Susila: the good character of man in accordance with the Will of Almighty God. Budhi: the force of the inner self within man. Dharma: surrender, trust and sincerity towards Almighty God. History Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo explained in talks to Subud members, beginning in the 1940s, that during 1925 he was taking a late-night walk when he had an unexpected and unusual experience. He said he found himself enveloped in a brilliant light, and looked up to see what seemed like the sun falling directly onto his body, and he thought that he was having a heart attack. He said he went directly home, lay down on his bed, and prepared to die with the feeling that maybe it was his time, and that he could not fight it, so he surrendered himself to God. According to the story, however, instead of dying he was moved from within to stand up and perform movements similar to his normal Muslim prayer routine.