Lombok Unites for Animal Welfare: A Joint Effort by IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram and Dhyan Foundation
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Mataram (Atnews) – The Postgraduate Program of the State Hindu Institute (IAHN) Gde Pudja Mataram held an international community service (PKM) in collaboration with Dhyan Foundation India at the Dharma Laksana Foundation Hall, in Lombok, Indonesia last Sunday (30/11/2025). The program marked the successful implementation of one of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education: community service.
Carrying the theme “Strengthening Eco-Theological Awareness on the Protection and Welfare of Sacrificial Animals in Hindu Rituals,” the event was inaugurated by the Rector of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma., S.E., M.Si., M.Pd. The program was attended by students, faculty members, Hindu community representatives, and several animal welfare NGOs from Lombok.
In his opening remarks, the Rector highlighted the many animals are regarded as sacred in Hindu teachings—symbols meant to inspire compassion and care toward all living beings.
Director of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Ardhi Wirawan, initiated the session by introducing the respected Ida Padanda Gede Oka Keniten, who gave an insightful talk on customary animal sacrifice practices of Indonesian Hindus that are done to build human harmony with nature. He also shared that specific animals have specific purpose and rituals must be done in the correct manner by the designated high priests.
This was followed by a presentation titled ‘Sanatan Dharm and Animal Welfare’ by Dhyan Foundation. The speaker explained their use of the term Sanatan Dharma—the original Vedic concept of an eternal, universal way of life—rather than the more recent and geographically derived term “Hinduism.”
Dhyan Foundation is a thought to aid creation. Inspired by the teachings of Ashwini Guruji, a spiritual Guru, expert in ancient Vedic sciences, Dhyan Foundation is committed to spreading awareness about the authentic form of Yog. In fact, students of Ashwini Guru ji gave a live demonstration of science of clairvoyance: diagnosing patient ailments by looking at photographs alone and advanced yogic control of pulse rate after intense practice of strenuous asanas in front of a live audience of doctors at Indian Medical Association Mumbai and received a certificate for the same.
On the topic of animal welfare, Ashwini Guruji consistently emphasizes: “It is the Dharma of every human being to protect and provide for those weaker than them.” The speaker shared various examples from Vedic history that highlight deep traditions of animal care and protection.
The talk also highlighted the Vedas as a reservoir of knowledge—covering astronomy, physics, biology, mathematics etc., principles that modern science is only beginning to rediscover. These ancient advancements of Vedic culture are intricately linked to the law of Karma “The pain or pleasure which you give to anyone in Creation will come back to you many times. One seed gives ride to many seeds.” This philosophy guides Dhyan Foundation volunteers worldwide as they dedicate their time to serving humans, animals, and the environment (for more information visit www.dhyanfoundation.com).
The Dhyan Foundation representative further clarified that animal sacrifice is not part of Vedic or Sanatan Dharma traditions. The true meaning of bali, they explained, is the offering of something of one’s own—citing the example of Bhagwan Brahma, who sacrificed a part of himself to initiate creation. They shared that it is important to understand that animal sacrifice is a later cultural addition and does not align with original Vedic philosophy.
Following the talks, participants engaged in lively discussions on the topic. The event concluded with IAHN presenting donations of equipment and machinery to local animal welfare NGOs, in appreciation of their ongoing work to protect and uplift animals in Lombok.
The Chancellor emphasized his commitment to continuing similar community service activities to improve the quality of higher education management at IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram. “The collaboration with Dhyan Foundation—an institution globally recognized for its commitment to animal protection and humanitarian service—provides new momentum for the development of Hindu communication, religious studies, and ecological awareness on our campus,” said Dr. Ni Luh Sinar Ayu Ratna Dewi, S.S., M.Ag., Chair of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) at IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram. (Z/002)
Carrying the theme “Strengthening Eco-Theological Awareness on the Protection and Welfare of Sacrificial Animals in Hindu Rituals,” the event was inaugurated by the Rector of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma., S.E., M.Si., M.Pd. The program was attended by students, faculty members, Hindu community representatives, and several animal welfare NGOs from Lombok.
In his opening remarks, the Rector highlighted the many animals are regarded as sacred in Hindu teachings—symbols meant to inspire compassion and care toward all living beings.
Director of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Ardhi Wirawan, initiated the session by introducing the respected Ida Padanda Gede Oka Keniten, who gave an insightful talk on customary animal sacrifice practices of Indonesian Hindus that are done to build human harmony with nature. He also shared that specific animals have specific purpose and rituals must be done in the correct manner by the designated high priests.
This was followed by a presentation titled ‘Sanatan Dharm and Animal Welfare’ by Dhyan Foundation. The speaker explained their use of the term Sanatan Dharma—the original Vedic concept of an eternal, universal way of life—rather than the more recent and geographically derived term “Hinduism.”
Dhyan Foundation is a thought to aid creation. Inspired by the teachings of Ashwini Guruji, a spiritual Guru, expert in ancient Vedic sciences, Dhyan Foundation is committed to spreading awareness about the authentic form of Yog. In fact, students of Ashwini Guru ji gave a live demonstration of science of clairvoyance: diagnosing patient ailments by looking at photographs alone and advanced yogic control of pulse rate after intense practice of strenuous asanas in front of a live audience of doctors at Indian Medical Association Mumbai and received a certificate for the same.
On the topic of animal welfare, Ashwini Guruji consistently emphasizes: “It is the Dharma of every human being to protect and provide for those weaker than them.” The speaker shared various examples from Vedic history that highlight deep traditions of animal care and protection.
The talk also highlighted the Vedas as a reservoir of knowledge—covering astronomy, physics, biology, mathematics etc., principles that modern science is only beginning to rediscover. These ancient advancements of Vedic culture are intricately linked to the law of Karma “The pain or pleasure which you give to anyone in Creation will come back to you many times. One seed gives ride to many seeds.” This philosophy guides Dhyan Foundation volunteers worldwide as they dedicate their time to serving humans, animals, and the environment (for more information visit www.dhyanfoundation.com).
The Dhyan Foundation representative further clarified that animal sacrifice is not part of Vedic or Sanatan Dharma traditions. The true meaning of bali, they explained, is the offering of something of one’s own—citing the example of Bhagwan Brahma, who sacrificed a part of himself to initiate creation. They shared that it is important to understand that animal sacrifice is a later cultural addition and does not align with original Vedic philosophy.
Following the talks, participants engaged in lively discussions on the topic. The event concluded with IAHN presenting donations of equipment and machinery to local animal welfare NGOs, in appreciation of their ongoing work to protect and uplift animals in Lombok.
The Chancellor emphasized his commitment to continuing similar community service activities to improve the quality of higher education management at IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram. “The collaboration with Dhyan Foundation—an institution globally recognized for its commitment to animal protection and humanitarian service—provides new momentum for the development of Hindu communication, religious studies, and ecological awareness on our campus,” said Dr. Ni Luh Sinar Ayu Ratna Dewi, S.S., M.Ag., Chair of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) at IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram. (Z/002)
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