Humbly Offers the 14th Dalai Lama a Buddha Statue Handcarved in Yogyakarta

January 1st, 2009

The Editor
Print & Electronic Media
India

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Renowned Spiritual Activist,
Author of More than 120 Books,
Founder of ANAND ASHRAM FOUNDATION Indonesia
(Affiliated with United Nations)

Anand Krishna

Humbly Offers the 14th Dalai Lama
a Buddha Statue Handcarved in Yogyakarta
(in the vicinity of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist Temple in the World)

In Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh), India

Anand Krishna, internationally recognised interfaith spiritualist from Indonesia along with six officials of Anand Ashram Foundation Indonesia (affiliated with United Nations) are scheduled to arrive in Sarnath on the 5th of January, 2009 and make an offering of a 2.5 meter high stone Buddha statue to His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso.

Upon consecration by His Holiness, the statue shall be permanently installed in the compound of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (Deemed University), Sarnath, (Uttar Pradesh), India. The Buddha statue is made from the same source materials used to build the 9th CE Borobudur Temple in Muntilan, Central Java, Indonesia.

Anand Krishna, founder of the Jakarta-based Anand Ashram Foundation, states that the statue is offered to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to:

1. Restrengthen the spiritual and cultural ties between the peoples of Indonesia and Tibet, also
2. Support His Holiness’ non-violent struggle to protect the cultural heritage of Tibet

“Representing the peace loving people of Indonesia, I salute His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for his untiring and relentless efforts in finding peaceful solutions to protect the historical and cultural heritage of Tibet based on tolerance and respect,” says Anand Krishna.

“In 1012 AD, Indian Buddhist monk/scholar Atisha traveled to the Indonesian archipelago, and went to Tibet to preach the ancient art of Tong-Len meditation which he learnt from an indigenous Indonesian Master, Dharmakirti Svarnadvipi, a name very close to the heart of His Holiness and the people of Tibet.

“By offering this statue from Indonesia to His Holiness, and to be placed on Indian soil – I hope, I pray that the peoples of Tibet, India and Indonesia are united in love, peace and harmony.” Further said Anand Krishna.

Anand Ashram Chairperson Ms. Maya Safira Muchtar regrets that not many Indonesians are aware of the historical bond between the Indonesian Archipelago and Tibet. “It truly is a shame that most modern Indonesians are unaware of the existence of grand masters Atisha and Dharmakirti-Svarnadvipi whose works had significant contribution towards the magnificent cultural and spiritual traditions of Tibe t. This humble offering is an attempt to correct this.” Added Ms. Muchtar.

Ms. Muchtar considers Mr. Anand Krishna’s visit to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama as the one of the most significant and historical moments in the histories of Tibet, India and Indonesia.

“We all belong to the one and same Indus Valley Civilization, together we can respond wisely and compassionately to the problems faced by our world. Together we can realize our common dream of ‘One Earth, One Sky, and One Humankind’” Ms. Muchtar continued.

Anand Krishna has written more than 120 books in the past 10 years, both in English and Indonesian, on varied subjects like spirituality, philosophy, humanity, and was decorated with an award by his publisher (the largest in Indonesia) as the most productive writer.

Anand Krishna is also recognised for his other social and humanitarian activities, especially related to promotion of interfaith understanding and appreciation.

Several organizations have been established by people sympathetic with his cause, such as National Integration Movement, Anand Krishna Education Foundation, Sufi Lodge, Anand Krishna Global Cooperation, Institute for Holistic Health, California-Bali Friendship Association, Brazil Indonesia Friendship Association, Educators, Forum of Medical Doctors, Psychologists and Educators for Motherland.

Anand Krishna has also been active in several important meetings both in Indonesia and outside Indonesia. He has been part of United Nations’ conferences on climate change and global warming. Within last one year alone, he has attended and spoken on subject in New York, Bali and Belo Horizonte in Brazil.

He has been acknowledged by Institute of South East Asian Studies in Singapore as one of the most reliable speakers/source person for a wide array of issues, including but not limited to spirituality, environment, interfaith harmony, world peace, etc.

Millions of people in Indonesia and overseas have benefited from his talks. Some Indonesian and international leaders even dub him “the Mahatma” from Indonesia.

Note: for further information on Mr. Anand Krishna and Anand Ashram Foundation in Indonesia, contact Maya Safira (62-818-891122) or visit the following sites: www.anandkrishna.org; and www.aumkar.org.