What is African Buddhism?
Engaged Buddhists discussion (2/21/08)
- What is African Buddhism?
- What is African Pureland?
- Is there, or should there be, such a thing as African Buddhism?
- What would it entail?
- Who decides what African Buddhism is?
It is important to keep ethical principles in mind. Buddhism should not be propagated as a power structure seeking converts. The Dharma is shared as a mutual means of guidance to help end suffering. Share your ideas and suggestions on the topic for the benefit of the African socio-spiritual-cultural Continent at:
South Africa (Wikipedia, WQ edit)
Buddhism has been gaining ground in South Africa. The country now comprises the largest Buddhist community in Africa. South Africa is also the base for organizations aiming to spread Buddhism in Africa, such as the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
History
Apart from various Buddhist groups brought to the Cape Colony from Southeast Asia during the 1680s, and the many indentured laborers brought to Natal from India during the latter part of the 19th Century (some of whom were Buddhist, and some of whom were Hindu who later converted to Buddhism once in South Africa), most Buddhists in South Africa are non-Asian converts.
Nan Hua Temple Complex, near Johannesburg, South Africa
A 2003 study estimated that in the late 1990s there were a total of 6,000 Buddhists in South Africa (3,000 of Asian ancestry) out of a total population of 42 million (or 0.01% of the total population). [Ref]
Notable South African Buddhists & Organizations
- Rob Nairn - Buddhist teacher, author, and popularizer
- Hout Bay Theravada Buddhist Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
- Emoyeni Retreat Centre, North West
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