Mindfulness Academy of Asia

A beautiful testimony from Ms. Daniela Cono, a therapist from Italy, sharing how meditation helped her find clarity, calmness, and confidence before speaking at the AP Antimafia Pop Academy Festival in Rome.

"A few days ago, I took part as both a speaker and performer at the AP Antimafia Pop Academy Festival in Rome, in a panel about Mafia, organized crime, urban space, linked to Hip Hop culture.

The night before the conference, I was in bed with fever, body aches, anxiety, and a strong sense of inadequacy. I was about to speak after magistrates, journalists, politicians, and activists, and I honestly did not feel ready or worthy of being there. My mind was full of ideas, but everything felt confused and disconnected.
At a certain point, my best friend suggested to meditate together using one of Hartanto’s guided meditations — a recording I had actually sent her a few days before because I wanted to share his words and guidance with her.

After the meditation, something shifted deeply.
I started physically feeling better.
My body relaxed, my fever began to go down, and most importantly, my thoughts suddenly became clear. All the ideas I wanted to express during the conference started connecting naturally. During my talk, I spoke about Hip Hop, the Bronx gangs, and the reclaiming of urban spaces through art and community.

But inside all of this, I also spoke about the Law of cause and effect, and about something I had learned through Research Meditation: the idea that cause and effect is not linear, but works like a ripple effect.

A single action spreads outward, creating invisible connections and transformations.
I tried not to overthink while speaking.
I simply followed the flow.

And somehow, the audience deeply connected with it.

After the conference, several people came to talk to me, and one specifically about the concept of the ripple effect and how much it made him reflect. That was very meaningful for me, because I felt that what I had received during meditation had passed through me and reached others. This experience made me understand how deeply a meditative state can influence not only the mind, but also the body, clarity, presence, and the ability to connect authentically with people.

For me, it became a real testimony of the power of Research Meditation, so I'm so grateful to Ajarn Hartanto and his precious teachings."
Credit: Ms. Daniela Cono, a therapist from Italy

The Mindfulness Academy of Asia hosted a meaningful gathering featuring talks by Ajarn Hartanto Gunawan, Director of Community Learning Center, and William Villafranco, Trustee of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation—both keynote speakers at the World Mental Health Conference and Retreat 2025. Together, they have rescued more than 400 young girls who were at risk in human trafficking and domestic abuse and provided scholarships for nursing and assistant nursing degrees over twenty years.

The session brought together educators from international schools, representatives from leading organizations including Boon Rawd Brewery and the Thailand Coaching Institute, as well as interested students from The American School of Bangkok Green Valley. It was especially meaningful to welcome back several participants who had previously attended the conference and retreat, making this gathering a valuable opportunity to reconnect and continue the dialogue on research meditation and mental well-being.

During the session, Mr. Villafranco shared compelling reflections on navigating the high demands of Wall Street in New York, personal challenges he faced in life, and how he came to dedicate his life to philanthropy. He also reflected on how an understanding of Ajarn Hartanto’s teachings on the Laws of Nature—(1) the Law of Cause and Effect and (2) Impermanence—helped guide him through those experiences and overcome his challenges. Through reflections on resilience, compassion, and contemplative practice, the session fostered shared inspiration and reinforced a growing community committed to inner mental well-being and positive social change.

Honored to share this meaningful session at Bumrungrad International Hospital on “Research Meditation & Philanthropy: Promoting Mental Well-Being in Times of Uncertainties.”

Gratitude, respect, and tradition in practice. 🙏
A meaningful Rod Nam Dam Hua blessing from Siam University students, honoring Thai heritage and the spirit of mindful appreciation.

🌿 Research Meditation & Philanthropy

Join us for an inspiring session on building mental well-being and resilience in times of uncertainty, with insights from distinguished international speakers.

📅 April 28, 2026
⏰ 13:00 – 14:30
📍 ASBGV Grand Hall

📲 Scan the QR code to register
💬 DM us for more information

The Mindfulness Academy of Asia, together with the Community Learning Center led by Ajarn Hartanto Gunawan, recently conducted a Research Meditation training for medical students at Rangsit University. 🧘‍♂️📚✨

For many students, this was their first experience with Research Meditation. They enthusiastically engaged in discussion and Q&A with Ajarn Hartanto, gaining deeper insight into the two fundamental laws the Law of Cause and Effect and the Law of Impermanence and learning how to apply these principles to their studies, relationships, and future medical careers. 🌱🩺💡

Special thanks to Khun Thada Savetsila from True Corporation for his kind support and for helping make this meaningful event possible. 🙏💙

Find our more about Research Meditation:

🪷Research Meditation
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ResearchMeditation

Website : https://www.hartantofoundation.org/

Mindfulness Academy of Asia, together with Community Learning Center by Ajarn Hartanto Gunawan, recently conducted a Research Meditation training for aviation students at Suan Dusit University, Hua Hin Center.

The session focused on developing awareness, understanding cause and effect, and recognizing impermanence—essential foundations for mental clarity, personal growth, and professional conduct.