Rinpoche’s Impressions of Africa

I have just spent two weeks in southern Africa with faith-inspired groups of people, teaching and practicing the Dharma. The events were organised by Samye Ling Harare and Tara Rokpa, which bloomed forth from the supreme vision of the sublime Akong Rinpoche, who recently passed on to the buddha-fields. I also gave refuge and lay Buddhist vows during this time and all of our Dharma activities went smoothly.

I had a very good impression of the people there, and many of them seem to have faith and devotion in the Dharma. On the last day before catching the flight to Europe, I took a detour to visit a rural community, and was able to taste the lifestyle and customs of the indigenous people of this part of Africa for a couple of hours. The village chiefs and people were very warm and welcoming.

I was told that twenty three years ago the sublime being Akong Rinpoche gave refuge vows to two hundred people in this region, at the foot of a tree, and was able to visit the site where this took place.

To see and hear of Akong Rinpoche’s excellent deeds in this outlying and remote area made me feel a mixture of happiness and sadness. An elderly spirit medium, Sekuru Shumba, who is highly regarded by the local people, showed me around and explained how they live and support themselves. Their standard of living is very basic. We ate lunch together in his family home, and I gave him a shirt and a little money.

One of the women there told Kunga, my interpreter, that seven years previously she’d had a dream in which I appeared and led her to a garden, and now on meeting me in person she felt a strong connection and a wish to follow me.

The Africans I met were good natured, and seemed to have a lot of faith and enthusiasm.

According to the local people, the first person to bring Tibetan Buddhism to Africa was Akong Rinpoche. He established temples, retreat centres, and general community and support centres of various sizes, such as Samye Ling Harare and the Tara Rokpa Centre. Whatever the case, Rinpoche’s dedication and activities were just wondrous, and a strong feeling of gratitude wells up in me when I think of all he did.

Another bit of surprising news I’d like to share with you, is that during my visit to Africa I became a multi-billionaire! It seems many lamas thus far have not known this would be possible in Africa… haha.

Warm wishes and see you soon.