To the Dalai Lama, With Love

Anand Krishna, an Indonesian inter-faith spiritualist leader and founder of the Bali and Jakarta based Anand Krishna Center flew with 6 members of his organization to Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh in India to present a statue of the Lord Buddha to His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama.

The 2.5 meter high statue was carved taken from the same stone quarry used in the original construction of the ninth-century Borobudur temple in Central Java. Carved by a Balinese sculptor, the statue will be consecrated by the Dalai Lama and installed in the compound of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (Deemed University), Sarnath, (Uttar Pradesh), India.

Anand Krishna the gift from Indonesia to the Dalai Lama is intended to re-strengthen the spiritual and cultural ties between the peoples of Indonesia and Tibet and extend support to the non-violent struggle to protect the cultural heritage of Tibet. According to Krishna: "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."

A Full Circle Historically

Explaining the deeper connections that exist between Indonesia and the people of Tibet, Krishna continued: "In 1012 A.D., Indian Buddhist monk and scholar Atisha traveled to the Indonesian archipelago and continued his journey to Tibet where he taught 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." Adding, "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, told the press she 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 Tibet. This humble offering is an attempt to correct this."

Ms. Muchtar considers Anand Krishna' 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, adding: "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.'"

Anand Krishna

Anand Krishna has written more than 120 books in the past 10 years, both in English and Indonesian, on various subjects including spirituality and philosophy, Originally from Solo in Central Java, Krishna is also recognized for his many social and humanitarian activities, and the promotion of interfaith understanding and appreciation.