Report: Swamiji's Visit to Indonesia

Swami Ramakrishnanada on Success and Spirituality in Jakarta

Swami Ramakrishnanada visited Indonesia for the second time and Jakarta for the first time and held four programs in just three days in late February. The programs were a series of talks on “Success and Spirituality”, which delved in to the problem of why worldly success does not necessarily lead to true success, contentment and happiness.The talks also set out to redefine the concept of success in the tradition of Great Masters from various religious traditions around the world.

Straight from the airport Swamiji was welcomed to Indonesia by Department of Religion government officials who were eager to learn more about Amma and her world wide activities. The first program held at the Mangala Vinayak or Ganesh Temple in Cikini, Jakarta was on the topic of “How Masters See the World” and was attended by around 80 people. After the talk a lively Q and A session was held and bhajans sang. The second talk on “Developing Wisdom to Handle Day to Day Problems” was held at the Bikram Yoga Studio and gave the audience practical tips and practices for living life successfully day to day. Lastly a program was held at the Hotel Intercontinental Mid-Plaza on the topic of “Achieving True Success” for around 50 people. A traditional Indian dance was performed that brought extra color to Swamiji’s program.

Besides the program series, one of the highlights of his trip was an invitation to be a special guest speaker at a large Saraswati Puja at the main Hindu Temple Complex in Jakarta, Pura Aditya Rawa Mangun. Here he addressed hundreds of Indonesian Hindu youth on the topic of Sarawswati and the importance living by the principles of Sanatana Dharma. These Balinese Hindu’s were thrilled to have a Swamiji as a special guest from India. Swamiji also witnessed for the first time the strong devotion and faith of Indonesia’s Hindus who, while a minority, number over 10 million in population.

Thanks to the Jawaharlal Nehru Indian Cultural Centre for its support of the program.

Success and Spirituality

Wisdom For Life : Teachings of Amma

Program Schedule

Feb 26 (FRIDAY - Public Holiday) at Mangala Vinayak Temple, Menteng
Topic: “How Masters See the World”
With dinner served after program

Feb 27 (SATURDAY ) Bikram Yoga Studio, Kemang

Topic: “Developing Wisdom to Handle Day to Day Problems”

Feb 28 (SUNDAY ) Hotel Intercontinental MidPlaza
Topic: "Achieving True Success"
With classical Indian dance performance.

About Swamiji

Swami Ramakrishnananda is one of the first monastic disciples of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma) of India, and has been serving her for 3 decades. He has held public programs in many parts of the world, including U.S.A, U.K, Australia, the Middle East, China, Malaysia, and South America, imparting essential spiritual principles that are the very basis of happy and contented life. He has enchanted many audiences all over the world with his down-to-earth outlook, wit, lucid explanations and insights gleaned from his deep spiritual experiences. He is an author of 5 books: "Racing Along the Razor's Edge", "Ultimate Success" "The Blessed Life", "Eye of Wisdom", and "Timeless Path". It was his second tour of Indonesia after visiting Medan in 2008.

All programs were sponsored by Amma Indonesia.

Also view an animated photo video of Swamiji's visit HERE.

Swamiji's Meeting with officials from the Hindu Section of the Department of Religion and the Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia in Jakarta

Friday, February 26, 2010