36 Years of Anand Ashram: Inviting the Public to Reconnect with the Nation’s True Identity through the Cultural Dialogue on Siksa Kandang Karesian
Jakarta, 14 January 2026 — In commemoration of its 36th anniversary, Anand Ashram Foundation organized a Cultural Dialogue entitled “Glorious Indonesian Humanity: Charting the Path Back to the Nation’s True Identity through Siksa Kandang Karesian.” The event served as a shared space for reflection, inviting the public to rediscover the wisdom of the Indonesian archipelago’s ancestors as a foundation for building the future of the nation, rooted in enduring values of local wisdom.
Held at the Auditorium, 2nd Floor of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, the event on Wednesday (14/1) was attended by more than 300 participants from various regions—including Greater Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, Bali, and Lampung. Participants came from diverse backgrounds, including academics, cultural communities, social activists, and the general public. The discussion unfolded in a warm and vibrant atmosphere, interspersed with performances of traditional Nusantara songs that enhanced the sense of togetherness.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Anand Ashram Foundation, Joehanes Budiman, invited participants not merely to romanticize the past, but to actively learn from ancestral wisdom in order to respond to contemporary challenges. “The values contained in Siksa Kandang Karesian are not meant to be stored on historical shelves, but to be revived in our awareness and embodied in our actions today,” he stated.
Appreciation was also expressed by the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia. In a speech delivered by Yeri Nurita, S.S., Acting Head of the Center for Library Information Services and Management of Nusantara Manuscripts, on behalf of the Head of the National Library, it was emphasized that the National Library, as the “home of the nation’s memory,” is a fitting venue for such reflective activities. She noted that the Sanghyang Siksa Kandang Karesian manuscript has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Memory of the World, signifying that the universal values it contains are relevant to global humanity. “This manuscript teaches the concept of Dharma as a compass of life leading toward clarity and wisdom (karesian),” she remarked.
As the keynote speaker, Prof. Asvi Warman Adam, Ph.D., historian and Research Professor at BRIN, underscored the relevance of the teachings of Siksa Kandang Karesian in today’s Indonesian context. He highlighted the value of Asteya—not taking what belongs to others—as an ethical principle which, if consistently practiced, could serve as a foundation for national revival.
From the perspectives of social psychology and human rights, Niniek L. Karim together with Haris Azhar, S.H., M.A., invited participants to re-examine Mochtar Lubis’s critique of the Indonesian character. They encouraged that such characteristics should not remain as stigma, but rather be understood as cultural challenges—or in contemporary terms, a skill set—that must be developed to enable social transformation through the noble values living within the archipelago.
Meanwhile, Ayu Dyah Pasha highlighted the relationship between the development of human intellect (akal-buddhi) and patterns of diet, dress, and communication, as outlined in the Siksa Kandang Karesian manuscript transcreated by Anand Krishna. These values, she noted, remain relevant as a mirror for modern social interaction and contemporary life.
The discussion concluded with responses from participants, including Engkus Ruswana, Presidium Member of the Majelis Luhur Kepercayaan Indonesia (MLKI), who reflected on Anand Krishna’s dedication in exploring and transcreating the depth of the Siksa Kandang Karesian manuscript—an intellectual and spiritual endeavor requiring profound discernment and long-term perseverance.
Through the book Sanghyang Siksa Kandang Karesian, the public is invited to discern a path of personal transformation grounded in inner clarity, honesty, responsibility, and long-term vision. Established in 1991, the Anand Ashram Foundation—a Centre for Wellbeing and Self-Empowerment affiliated with the United Nations—has grown into a Center for Cultural Studies that actively promotes cross-sector collaboration to realize the vision of One Earth, One Sky, One Humankind, inspired by the spirit of Serving the Divine by Serving Humanity and Society.
Anand Ashram Indonesia, founded by Guruji Anand Krishna, is pleased to announce celebrations of World Meditation Day 2025 in Yogyakarta (20 Dec 2025, 16.00-17.30), Ciawi–Bogor (21 Dec 2025, 08:30–12:00 WIB) and Ubud–Bali (21 Dec 2025, 15:30–20:00 WITA). These events align with Indonesia’s participation in a global movement promoting well-being, holistic health, and global harmony through meditation.
UN World Meditation Day History
On 6 December 2024, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution designating 21 December as World Meditation Day. The resolution was tabled by a core group of sponsoring nations — Liechtenstein, Andorra, Mexico, Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka — and was co-sponsored by more than 70 Member States representing all regions of the world. This reflects a global recognition of meditation as a universal practice contributing to health, peace, and human flourishing.
World Meditation Day 2025 Program
AKC Joglosemar, Yogyakarta
Saturday, 20 December 2025, 16.00 – 17.30 WIB — Group meditation and Celebration
One Earth Yoga & Meditation Retreat Centre, Ciawi – Bogor
Sunday, 21 December 2025 | 08:30 – 12:00 WIB
Meditation & Natural Health Discussion
Theme: Meditation & Holistic Health.
Ubud, Bali
Sunday, 21 December 2025 | 15:30 – 20:00 WITA
Spiritual celebration with Fire Purification, Chanting, Music, and Dance.
Since 1991, Guruji Anand Krishna has pioneered meditation and yoga in Indonesia, rooted in his personal transformation following recovery from leukemia. As Guruji often states:
“Meditation is not an escape from life, but a way to face it with clarity, calmness, and compassion.”
He emphasizes meditation as an essential practice for holistic health, uniting body, mind, and spirit, and deepening awareness of our interconnected humanity and nature.
Anand Ashram Indonesia’s World Meditation Day 2025 celebrations invite the public to experience inner peace, strengthen holistic health, wellness, and participate in this worldwide movement toward global harmony and well-being.
Author and spiritualist guru Anand Krishna died in Bogor, West Java, on Thursday evening, 06 February 2025, at age 68.
The death of Krishna was confirmed by his first-born son, Prashant Gangtani, who said his Father died of exhaustion. In a written announcement, Gangtani said, “Father died of exhaustion and old age. Recently, he was busy writing books and performing other activities.”
Prashanti said his Father has written over 200 books, selling millions of copies in various languages on self-development, culture, education, and health.
Anand Krisha was celebrated for his prolific authorship and for being a leading spokesperson for pluralism in Indonesian society. Born in Solo, Central Java, on 1 September 1956 as Krishna Kumar Tolaram Gangtani of ethnic Indian – Sindhi heritage, Anand Krishna raised awareness of diversity, holistic well-being, and self-empowerment.
Krishna’s early education took place in Lucknow, North India, where he enhanced his knowledge of Sufi Poetry and the teachings of Shah Abdul Latief of Sindh.
Anand later pursued postgraduate degrees from several controversial institutions: Pacific Southern University, the World University – Benson, Arizona, and the University of Sedona.
Anand was a director and shareholder of a garment factory in 1991 when he fell ill from Leukemia at 35. Claiming that meetings with a Tibetan Lama in the Himalayas helped return him to good health, he then devoted his life to spirituality, adopting the mantra: “Be Joyful and Share your Joy to Others.”
Commenting on the passing of the spiritual leader, the chairman of the Anand Ashram Foundation, Joehanes Budiman, shared how strongly he felt the loss of his guru and mentor. Joehanes related how Kirsha, after recovering from Leukemia in 1991, had successfully inspired millions of people through television broadcasts, radio dialogues, meditation training, education, book publishing, and humanitarian movements.
Anand Krishna’s main focus in his later years was seeking ways to inspire the coming generations. Joehanes recalled how many associations and foundations were established based on the inspiration and teaching provided by Anand Krishna. Included among the foundations founded with the help and guidance of the spiritual leader were the Yayasan Anand Ashram, Anand Ashram Ubud, One Earth School Bali, Anand Krishna Centres, Anand Krishna Information Centre, Charter for Global Harmony, L’Ayurveda: Centre for Holistic Care and Inner Beauty, Rumah Sehat Holistik Satu Bumi, Museum Sindhu Samskriti, and The Tibet Indonesia Friendship Association.
Anand Krishna was known for his close friendship with Indonesia’s 4th President, Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur). Krishna had credited his close friendship with the late President to their shared embrace of peace and pluralism.
During his life’s journey and vigorous promotion of inter-faith harmony, Anand Krishna became a lightning road for attacks from some militant Muslim groups for his strong criticism of Islamic conservative’s desire to transform Indonesia into an Islamic state.
Anand Krishna was cremated on Friday, 01 February 2025, in Cilincan, North Jakarta.
Jakarta, February 6, 2025 – With deep respect, Anand Ashram Foundation (affiliated with United Nations) announces that Guruji Anand Krishna, a Spiritual Humanist and founder of Anand Ashram, has attained Maha- Samadhi, leaving his physical body on February 6, 2025, at 19:35 WIB. The cremation ceremony will take place on February 7, 2025, in Cilincing.
His passing coincides with World Interfaith Harmony Week (February 1–7, 2025), a moment profoundly aligned with his lifelong dedication to interfaith dialogue and cultural harmony. For over three decades, Anand Krishna dedicated his life to promoting diversity, holistic well-being, and self-empowerment. Since his miraculous recovery from leukemia in 1991, he has inspired millions through meditation, education, and humanitarian movements.
Legacy and Institutions Founded
Anand Krishna leaves behind numerous institutions and communities he founded or inspired, including:
Anand Ashram Foundation (affiliated with United Nations)
Anand Ashram Ubud
One Earth School, Bali
Anand Krishna Centre and Anand Krishna Information Centre in various cities
Charter for Global Harmony
L’Ayurveda: Centre for Holistic Care and Inner Beauty
One Earth Holistic Health Centre
Sindhu Samskriti Museum
Tibet Indonesia Friendship Association
Additionaly, Anand Krishna authored more than 200 books, with millions of copies distributed in multiple languages, serving as an inspiration to spiritual seekers in Indonesia and around the world.
“When we look at all the conflicts around us, we cannot help but appreciate Anand’s view that we must understand each other better. Whether we call it tolerance or appreciation, we indeed need to develop such an understanding. If we desire peace, we must listen to what Anand Krishna has to say.”
We invite friends to honor his memory in silence and to carry forward his universal message: “One Earth, One Sky, One Humankind.”
Anand Ashram Foundation, affiliated with the United Nations, to mark the first-ever World Meditation Day with meditation sessions across multiple centres worldwide.
Bogor, West Java, Indonesia – December 21, 2024 – The Anand Ashram Foundation, founded by spiritual humanist Anand Krishna, observe the first World Meditation Day on December 21, 2024, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution A/RES/79/137. The Foundation hosts weekend holistic healing retreat, meditation sessions and celebrations in conjunction with the World Meditation Day, at its various centres, including Anand Ashram in Ubud – Bali, Mother Centre in Sunter – Jakarta, One Earth Yoga & Meditation Retreat Centre in Ciawi – West Java, Anand Krishna Centre in Kuta – Bali, Anand Krishna Centre in Singaraja – Bali, One Earth School Kuta – Bali, Anand Krishna Centre Joglosemar in Jogjakarta, and Anand Krishna One Earth Yoga Meditation & Healing Centre, Czech Republic.
This marks a historic event as Anand Ashram Foundation becomes the first Indonesian meditation community to celebrate World Meditation Day in Indonesia, attended by hundreds of people of all faiths and walks of life joined the program offline and thousands joined it online. The theme of the day is closely aligned with the Foundation’s mission: Inner Peace, Communal Love, and Global Harmony.
Anand Krishna, a pioneer in meditation and yoga in Indonesia, shared his message for the day: “Meditation is not about sitting for long hours in a certain posture for your personal salvation. It is also about getting dirty and, if need be, forsaking heaven for hell, as long as there is even a single lowliest creature that you can serve.”
Anand Krishna founded the Anand Ashram Foundation in 1991 after recovering from leukaemia following a life-changing encounter with a monk in the foothills of the Himalayas. Since the 1980s, Anand Krishna has been a leading advocate for meditation and yoga in Indonesia, challenging the misconceptions surrounding meditation, which was often viewed as a form of supernatural practice or asceticism. Through more than 200 of his books, thousands of news articles, YouTube videos and public speeches both on and offline which include most of the major universities in Indonesia, Singapore and even United States, he has straightened out this issue.
The Anand Ashram Foundation’s vision is encapsulated in the phrase: “One Earth, One Sky, One Humankind”, emphasizing unity, peace, and collective human potential. The Foundation’s mission aligns with the core theme of World Meditation Day 2024—Inner Peace and Global Harmony—and continues to inspire individuals and communities around the world to embrace meditation as a transformative practice for personal and global well-being.
First of all, allow me to thank all of you – the distinguished speakers, participants and organizers of this symposium in commemoration of Anand Ashram’s 32nd Foundation Day. Gratitude, and God bless you all.
From the human point of view, this has been a long journey… from the existential point of view, however, 32 human years are negligible, so minute that they can be easily lost in infinity.
But this is not about the length of the journey. This is about the depth of the journey. Have we been on this journey fulfilling our worldly, family and social duties alone, or contributing for some larger cause?
I am reminded of J. Krishnamurti who once said that even animals take care of their families. Some of them have their societies too. We humans are destined to do something more. Have we fulfilled our destiny?
Anand Ashram provides those working for larger cause with opportunity to fulfil their destiny. We all have families and social responsibilities, let us fulfil them, but let us not stop at that. Let us do something more!
All the service activities undertaken by Anand Ashram have been commendable, and I must once again thank all of you for that. In the years to come, we have greater challenges, more complex social issues, especially related to mental and emotional health. God forbid, but I foresee a generation of less humane members of society, unless we fix such issues before they sprout and cause irreparable damage to the social fabric.
You may have heard of the expression FOMO, which is often taken very lightly. It is the Fear of Missing Out. We keep buying things, upgrading our gadgets etcetera because we do not want to miss out on something.
Unfortunately, even those who take FOMO seriously have no inkling of what causes it. FOMO is caused by False or Pseudo Identity, that most of us presently are already suffering from. We consider things we have, gadgets we acquire, the likes we get on our posts in the social media, the money we have in the bank and etcetera and etcetera as our identity. Without them, we feel worthless. There can be, my Friends, no greater insult to the Existence than such a feeling of worthlessness just because you do not have something that others may have.
Once again, very unfortunately however, most of us are already believing in such False or Pseudo Identity. As such we feel very insecure and left out, if we do not follow the trends fabricated by a bunch of rakshasas for their own profit.
Mind you, this is not just another conspiracy theory. Rakshasas have been there since time immemorial. They come in different forms. They may not have fangs as depicted in comic books. They could be well-dressed and seen as respectable members of society.
Who are the rakshasas? The word rakshasa comes from raksha or protection. They are supposed to be the protectors, to protect society and nations from evil. Doing so, unfortunately, some of them are carried away by their ego. Instead of protecting society, they turn to enslaving societies and nations. Beware of them!
Make yourself less and less dependent upon such rakshasas. Grow your own food. Barter your produce with others whose produce you may need. Do not, I repeat, do not get carried away by the glittery world of matter. You can hoard as much wealth as you can and in any currency, in any form – when you are hungry, you need food. You cannot eat the euros, dollars, silver and gold that you have been collecting. It is sheer stupidity to even think that with money you can buy anything. Learn from the mistakes made by the leaders of those countries which are now suffering on account of food scarcity.
Anand Ashram must become fully self-reliant, and in a position to provide for those who may not have means, the needy, the underprivileged. Do not waste water, do not waste energy in any form.
And, above all, reach out to those suffering from various mental issues affecting their health and wellbeing. Yoga must be lived, meditation must be translated as an active engagement with society, albeit in a detached at the same time loving manner. For, love and compassion can never ever grow as long as you have attachment, as long as you expect some kind of reciprocation. The time has come when all of us must rise above passion and work compassionately.
We were blessed with a foresight of things to come several months before the pandemic was officially known and declared. Such foresight, such vision is given for some reason and comes with a responsibility on our part to fulfill. Time to serve!
