Cape Town, South Africa – 6 July 2025
In a momentous event marking the first of its kind in Africa, the Cape Town Meditation Centre hosted a grand Sangha Dana and alms giving ceremony to celebrate the beginning of Buddhist Lent. The ceremony brought together over 20 Dhammaduta monks from more than 10 countries, united in peace, compassion, and spiritual purpose.
The event was presided over by Most Venerable Phra Rajavachirasasanawithet, President of the Union of Thai Dhammaduta in Europe and Abbot of Wat Thai Norway. Monks from Thailand, Europe, Asia, and beyond gathered at Wat Phuttha Cape Town for this significant spiritual occasion.
Despite the chilly 10°C winter morning, the atmosphere inside was warm, serene, and full of joy. The ceremony opened with a welcome address by Mr. Shelton Kartun, followed by the flower offering led by Mr. Chaiyot Techataveewat and Mr. Kartun. Participants then observed the Five Precepts and listened to the monks’ melodic chanting.
The session continued with a 20-minute group meditation, supported by the recorded voice of Luang Por Dhammajayo, inviting everyone to purify their minds and prepare their hearts for merit-making.
During the offering segment, members of the Thai and international community participated in offering dry goods, food, and donations to the Sangha. Dedicatory verses were delivered in Pali, English, and Thai by various lay representatives, emphasizing the multicultural unity of the gathering.
Offering Requisites:
• Pali: Mr. Chaiyot Techataveewat
• English: Ms. Jean Pool
• Thai: Ms. Wipaporn Udomchokpiti
Offering Food:
• Pali: Ms. Thitiporn Bodhikul
• English: Mr. Trevor Smallbone
• Thai: Ms. Suwanpa Khumkaew (Aiyara & Palapai)
Aspirational Blessings:
• English: Mr. Seth Gilbert
• Thai: Ms. Kotchakorn Smythe
The presiding monk shared words of encouragement, noting the significance of having so many Dhammaduta monks gathered in Africa:
“This is a special occasion where the monastic community and laypeople come together to perform acts of generosity, observe morality, and practice meditation. I rejoice in the merits of all who participated.”
The ceremony concluded with a Dhamma reflection in English by Phra Khru Bhavanakunwithets Wi., Abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya Johannesburg and Acting Abbot of Wat Phuttha Cape Town.
A deeply moving alms round followed, with monks walking in line to receive offerings — a powerful image of faith, unity, and grace.
This event was not merely a Buddhist ritual — it was a historic step in the journey of Dhamma across continents, affirming that no matter one’s background or nationality, we can all walk the path of merit, mindfulness, and peace.
