Mikael & Candra Karlholm

Mikael is a natural coach, big hearted motivator, spiritual pioneer and networker with an amazing ability to see opportunities to collaborate and contribute for the benefit of all.

He studied Tibetan Buddhism with the Dalai Lama in the library in Dharamsala already at the age of 20, , and then immersed himself in vipassana training with S. N. Goenka. Mikael took vipassana (what we now called mindfulness) to Sweden and co-founded Vipassanagruppen. He also spent time with Osho, Papaji, Ramesh Balzekar, Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie and other teachers.

Since it has always been natural for Mikael to share what has been beneficial for himself with others,, he soon began inviting spiritual teachers to Sweden so more people could take part of their offerings, insights and experiences. During the last 45 decades he has organized events with hundreds of teachers, artists and workshop leaders. For example, he has worked closely with Byron Katie over the years 20 years 2013 he arranged and Candra an event with Eckhart Tolle in Stockholm with an audience of 2 000 people. They have also arranged two large retreats with Eckhart in Norway. Mikael, whose grandparents fled Russia in the early 20th century, has also been involved in organizing an event with Eckhart in Moscow - it was a great moment for him personally.

Mikael has always been passionate about gathering representatives of different spiritual traditions and co-create offerings, coming together in what unites us all. He was also a part of starting and running Ängsbacka Kursgård and the No Mind festival that has been held there annually for more than 25 years, and which is known all over the world.

Mikael and Candra are now divorced. They have two daughters together from their eighteen-year marriage.