Immersive Self-Healing Opportunities at Amanjiwo
Renowned for its peaceful setting, abundant space and unrivalled privacy, Amanjiwo is a hidden jewel in Central Java for those seeking a restful retreat. The resort is an ideal sanctuary in which to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect with loved ones.
To honour the rich heritage of Javanese healing traditions and ceremonies, Amanjiwo is delighted to present A Celebration of Ancient Wisdom, three-nights of self-healing opportunities hosted by renowned wellness and cultural practitioners Reza Gunawan, Joko Triagung, Sugeng Karyanto and the resort’s Resident Anthropologist Patrick Vanhoebrouck.
Running from 19-22 October 2021, guests are invited to join a curated journey, immersing themselves in captivating cultural experiences, enjoying fascinating spiritual wellness sessions and inspiring lectures on the history of Shiva Buddha Tantra, as well as participating in a ‘Pradakshina’ ceremony led by a monk next to the world’s largest and most spiritually resonant Buddhist monument, Borobudur. Both guests staying at Amanjiwo and non-residents have the option to take part in one of the activities of the retreat or join the entire three-day itinerary.
NOURISHING LIFE AND WELLBEING
The celebration commences with the presence of monks from Veluvana Vihara in the main lobby of Amanjiwo who chant gracefully to show devotion to the Buddhist teachings. In the evening, guests are able to enjoy leisure time and relax in their own suites in order to prepare for the next day, the Purnama Day.
The second day begins in the morning with a walk around the Borobudur temple known as ‘Pradakshina.’ Exclusively for Amanjiwo , the walk is led by the monks from Veluvana Vihara followed by the releasing of white doves – a traditional Buddhist ritual.
The day continues with Part One of a self-healing HATI session with Reza Gunawan, where he guides guests through TAT (Tapas Acupressure Technique), a form of self-healing that uses acupressure points and meditation to release stress, clear the mind, heal any trauma and improve one’s health, relationships with others and productivity.
After lunch, guests can opt to join a meditation session Tapa Brata with Joko Triagung and Patrick Vanhoebrouck at Goa Kiskendo in the Menoreh Hills, comprising hermitage sites maintained by the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. Back at the resort in the evening, the journey continues with Purnama Siddhi meditation by the tranquil main pool led by Patrick Vanhoebrouck and Sugeng Karyanto.
On the third day, guests are invited to join Part Two of the self-healing HATI session with Reza Gunawan in the morning and a Javanese healing experience with Joko Triagung as well as Javanese astrology session with Sugeng Karyanto in the afternoon. To complete the day, guests can enjoy a ‘Dhiva Buddha Tantra’ lecture in the library led by Patrick Vanhoebrouck who has a deep understanding of Indonesian culture and is passionate about sharing his vast knowledge of Borobudur and Javanese spirituality.
On the final day, a guided ruwatan, a purification ritual, with Joko Triagung is available at the Progo River area for guests to complete the tranquil self-healing retreat at Amanjiwo.
REZA GUNAWAN
Reza Gunawan is a holistic health & self-healing teacher who has been at the forefront of the development of the natural health and wellbeing industry in Indonesia for many years. He provides guidance and seminars on holistic alternative medicine.
His signature workshops have proven to help empower individuals and enable them to achieve a healthier life, through the simple practices of breath, touch, movement, and silence. He is mostly known for his teaching of the TAT (Tapas Acupressure Technique) which has helped thousands recover from stress, difficult emotions and trauma.
JOKO TRIAGUNG
A renowned healer-shaman in Yogyakarta City and Province, Joko Triagung is a master of kebatinan (inner-directed, mystical spirituality) with a focus on tenaga dalam (inner power, prana, chi). He draws on a number of spiritual practices called Kejawen (outer-directed, esoteric practices or Javanism, which forms an intricate and inextricable part of contemporary Javanese), Hindu-Buddhist values and practices, including Tantrism, as well as occult sciences similar to Mystic Sufism.
His therapeutic approach depends on the needs of each individual guest and can incorporate herbal mixtures of plants (jamu), energy healing (prana) or invocations of forces via familiar spirits.
SUGENG KARYANTO
Sugeng Karyanto calls himself a Javanese spiritual practitioner of the ancient lineage of Jawadwipa – the supposed original spirituality of Java. His practices are derived from forms of Hindu and Buddhist Dharma and Tantrism.
He is often asked to guide sacred pilgrimages to the nearby Lawu Volcano and lead local purifications. Sugeng has access to some extremely sacred sites around the Lawu Volcano specifically, and Hindu Buddhist shrines across all of Java in general. He is believed to have an ability to heal from a distance, as well as a proficiency for clairvoyance and future predictions.
PATRICK VANHOEBROUCK
Patrick Vanhoebrouck is Amanjiwo’s Resident Anthropologist who has a BA in Anthropology from The University of Illinois at Chicago (USA) and a Masters in Cultural Anthropology from Leiden University (Netherlands).
He specializes in Javanese culture and spirituality. Having spent nearly 15 years in residence in Yogyakarta Province, Patrick has accumulated specialist knowledge in various aspects of the spirituality, culture, history and ancient literature of Java, immersing himself in ancient sources to help explain the contemporary manifestations of traditional and authentic Javanese culture and practices.
For more information please contact [email protected] or at +62361 846 8585.
Website aman.com/resorts/amanjiwo
