Buddhism’s African odyssey – A generational journey
After two decades of focusing on caring for and educating orphans across Africa, ACC is poised to commence its true diffusion of Buddhism across the continent.
The establishment of a Buddhist practice center in Madagascar marks a new phase, distinct from the orphanages ACC has built in Namibia, Mozambique, and other countries.
This initiative aims to integrate Buddhism into African culture over the next few generations, making it a native religious tradition.
ACC founder Venerable Hui Li, who started his work in Malawi in 2004, envisions a future where African people relate directly to Buddhist philosophy.
The goal is to authentically enculturate the Buddhist sangha, particularly bhikkhus and bhikkhunis, into African norms.
This diffusion is comparable to Buddhism’s historical spread from India to China and from Asia to the West, adapting to local cultures.
The theological basis for this objective draws on Buddhism’s missionary tradition, exemplified by the Ashokan Edicts in the 3rd century BCE.
Buddhism’s unique quality lies in its peaceful, dialogue-oriented approach to new cultures, which has led to distinct forms such as Chinese Buddhism and Korean Buddhism.
The doctrine of skilful means (upaya) urges Buddhists to adapt their practices to diverse cultural contexts, resonating with Africa’s rich cultural tapestry.
ACC’s new initiative, the Ubuntu and Interconnection project, will be documented in a forthcoming film and YouTube shorts.
This project emphasizes the philosophical and inter-cultural aspects of Buddhism’s integration into African life.
It explores how African people value Dharma in their daily lives and envision localized Buddhist practices.
The project’s name, “Ubuntu and Interconnection,” reflects the profound similarity between the African concept of “ubuntu” (in Zulu, “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”) and the Buddhist notion of radical interconnectedness.
This project, including an interview with South Africa’s consul-general in Hong Kong, Mojalefa Mogono, highlights how “I am because you, and we, are” mirrors Buddhist ideas like Indra’s Net.
It underscores the shared human experience of suffering and the collective journey towards liberation.
“Ubuntu and Interconnection” will capture ACC’s pioneering efforts, revealing the challenges and progress in making Buddhism an integral part of African spiritual life.
