On 17 April 2026, Venerable Phrakhrusamu Sanitwong Wuttiwangso, director of Communication Department and assistant abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya stated that Venerable Phrakhrubhavanakhunvithes from Johannesburg Meditation Centre presented his work of Buddhism propagation in Africa for the Ninth World Buddhist Summit in Japan.
At Nenbutsushu Sampozan Muryojuji Temple in Hyogo, Japan, a conference of the global Buddhist leaders took place from 8-11 April 2026 in order to celebrate the day of International Buddhism. This event is the gathering of 10,000 international monks of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana denominations from 51 countries across 5 continents including the representatives from the UN. On the day of opening ceremony amid the waving national flags of 51 countries, there were the ceremonies of monastic blessing, bathing a Buddha image and food offering to international monks. Venerable Phrakhrubhavanakhunvithes, abbot of Johannesburg Meditation Center, acting abbot of Cape Town Meditation Centre and committee member of the Union of Thai Dhammaduta in Africa –The Middle East was honored to present his work of Buddhism propagation in Africa and the Middle East. He also presented a 5-minute video of his outstanding achievements, particularly the international ordination of over 50 monks, which gained admiration from most participants.
When asked about the major challenge of Buddhism propagation in Africa, he identified that it was the distorted information and misconception toward the monks and Buddhism in African society. Consequently, he focused on imparting knowledge on Dhamma, precept observation, meditation practice and discipline of daily life, which helped them realize the true value of Buddhism.
