(The Oldest Buddhist Temple in Africa)

History

Buddhism is spreading on the world through clear understanding of followers. People are not converted or forced to follow it. They follow it after understanding. If one follows and practices it, one can eliminate suffering and attain full liberation. The Buddha also followed and practiced the same way and attained enlightenment about 2550 years ago

At that time there was one Buddhist who was the Buddha himself. But afterwards he preached his understanding to the five laymen. Then it spread many places in India. Under the principle of spreading the Dhamma without violence (Dhammawijaya), followed by Emperor Dhammasoka, many messengers were sent to nine countries in the world. One of them named Arahath Maha Mahinda Thero, the son of the Emperor Dhammasoka was sent to Sri Lanka in 247AD.

After Buddhism was established in Sri Lanka in 19th century, it started spreading to Europe, America, Australia and etc. Some monks from Sri Lankan, Myanmar, Tibet and Thailand, contributed their part of spreading the Dhamma in these continents.

In 19th century, in Africa especially in Tanzania, Sri Lankan people established Buddhist temple after they came to work in Dar es Salaam around 1920. This is the oldest Buddhist temple in Africa. They were about 400-450 people. First Buddhist person came to Tanzania is Mr H. G.Gunapala with Ven Lokanatha thero in 1920. he is the person established this temple in Tanznaia.