Testing

As well as the general latihan in which members simply surrender to God, there is also a special use of the latihan which is called testing. In testing a question is put and an answer received through the movements of the latihan. Sometimes the questions are related to practical matters in life. On other occasions the questions are of a more spiritual nature. Testing is also used to determine the person who is most suited to hold a particular office in Subud such as the chairman of the group. Typically, a number of candidates are nominated for the position then each one is tested with a statement such as: "Show by the movements of your latihan your willingness, ability and capacity to carry out this responsibility". Sometimes further questions are put to clarify the matter and usually testing produces a result eliciting general agreement.