The latihan is the reappearance of a primordial Power hidden within human beings and all creatures. This Power manifests itself in spontaneous bodily movements and utterances, a mood of tranquility and joy, clarity of awareness, and love for the Divine. It works progressively to cleanse and harmonize the conflicting elements of our being, to heal and to illuminate. Its essential nature is celebration and praise. It makes possible an increasingly profound realization of the Wisdom from which we ultimately spring and in which all things are embraced.
The term `latihan' literally
means exercise, and the latihan is in fact a spiritual exercise or practice but
because it is entirely spontaneous it follows no pre-existing plan, and so cannot
be either studied or taught. It cannot be directed or forced in any way, but is
simply received, as a life and movement arising from the very centre of our
being, in whatever forms are appropriate for the particular nature and
condition of each one of us. Since the action of the latihan is cathartic as
well as illuminating, its manifestations may occasionally be grotesque or
unpleasant; more usually they are enjoyable, and at times they are of an
extraordinary beauty but because these manifestations are simply the means by
which we are gradually transformed, they are all to be accepted with gratitude
and experienced with objectivity and detachment.
The latihan cannot be
learned, but it can be transmitted from one person to another. All that is
necessary is for the person who wishes to receive it to stand in the presence
of someone who is actually receiving it, and to be willing to receive healing
and illumination from the highest Source of our being. When a person has been
"opened" has begun to receive the action of the latihan, the
manifestations of the Power of the latihan will begin to emerge, often subtly
and even imperceptibly, but occasionally with striking vividness. The process
is in any case different in each person, and proceeds slowly or more rapidly
according to the nature and strength of the individual. It is usual to receive
the latihan for half an hour twice a week in the company of others (men with
men and women with women) and later, when it is well established, for an
additional half hour at home.
--Leonard
Priestley