In the quiet hills and bayside towns of Marin County, something unusual quietly thrives. Subud, an international spiritual movement, offers something rare in today’s organized faith landscape — no leaders, no set rules, and no prescribed doctrine.
Its members gather for a shared, deeply personal practice called the Latihan Kejiwaan, or “spiritual exercise.” This gathering, with devoted participants from Mill Valley to San Rafael and Fairfax, is about as far from formal religious services as you can get, yet it speaks to those who want connection without constraint.
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What is the Latihan Kejiwaan?
The Latihan Kejiwaan sits at the heart of Subud. It started in Indonesia, but it’s not about learning steps, reciting scriptures, or following a leader.
Instead, it’s a free-form, intuitive spiritual exercise. People who take part often describe wildly different experiences, yet they share the space in quiet solidarity.
Personalized Spiritual Connection
One Novato participant said the experience felt like a sudden, ecstatic eruption of divine presence — a moment when song, dance, or even tears just happen. Another longtime Marin member compared it to “washing off the dirt after working in the garden” — a kind of spiritual cleansing.
These stories highlight how personal the Latihan really is: no two sessions are alike, and everyone interprets them in their own way.
How a Latihan Session Works
Meldan Heaslip, a well-known Subud “helper” in Marin County, says each session starts simply. Participants begin with about 10 to 15 minutes of quiet meditation, letting the mind settle and the heart open.
Then, for the next half hour, the room becomes a tapestry of movement, stillness, and sound. Each person follows an inner impulse, not any external direction.
Authenticity at the Core
During the Latihan, some people might sing softly, others might sway, and a few could stay perfectly still. Heaslip emphasizes that authentic expression is key.
No one imitates others, and there’s no “right” way to participate. For many in Marin communities like Corte Madera and Larkspur, this freedom is exactly what draws them to Subud.
Why Marin Residents Are Drawn to Subud
Marin County residents know a thing or two about alternative spiritual practices. The area’s lush nature and progressive vibe have long attracted people looking for soulful living.
Subud fits right in, appealing to those drawn to meditation, movement, and connecting with the divine — however you define it. The inclusivity even stretches to beliefs about the source of the experience: God, the goddess, the universe, values, or maybe just the void.
Benefits Reported by Practitioners
Many Marin participants say the Latihan brings real emotional and spiritual benefits, like:
- Relief from the stresses of daily life
- A deeper sense of presence and mindfulness
- Moments of prayerful connection
- Occasional feelings of guidance or insight
- Renewed openness to life’s possibilities
No Leaders, No Dogma — Just Practice
Subud stands out for its lack of hierarchy. Helpers like Heaslip offer support, but no one tells you how the Latihan should look or feel.
This absence of structure appeals to spiritually curious folks from San Anselmo to Sausalito who’ve grown tired of rigid religious systems.
An Experience, Not a Belief System
Subud isn’t a faith you’re asked to “believe in” — it’s a practice you experience. In a way, it matches the diversity and openness of Marin itself: a place where individual expression and community connection can both thrive.
People who attend often say they return to daily life with more clarity, purpose, and peace. Whether they’re artists in Bolinas, teachers in Ross, or retirees in Tiburon, the effect seems to ripple outward.
Is Subud Right for You?
Subud isn’t for everyone. Its leaders will tell you that right away.
If you’re searching for a spiritual space without strict rules, Subud might catch your interest. Those willing to open up to an unpredictable, intimate encounter with something greater often find the Latihan transformative.
Here in Marin County, folks genuinely value diverse ideas and spiritual paths. It’s honestly not surprising that Subud has quietly carved out a place here.
Maybe you live along the busy streets of San Rafael. Or perhaps you’re tucked away in the quiet corners of West Marin.
Either way, Subud gives you a rare chance: come together, drop your expectations, and just see what happens. Sometimes that means stillness, sometimes movement, or even song—who knows?
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Here is the source article for this story: Subud Marin Member and ‘Helper,’ Meldan Heaslip
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