Bhante Buddharakkhita’s participation in the 2026 “Walking with the Buddha” pilgrimage highlights Africa’s growing voice in global Buddhist practice.

In March 2026, Venerable Bhante Buddharakkhita, Founder of the Uganda Buddhist Centre, participated in the internationally recognized “Walking with the Buddha” pilgrimage organized in collaboration with Tricycle Magazine. The pilgrimage brought together a global community of practitioners to retrace the footsteps of the Buddha across key sacred sites in Nepal and India.

Beginning in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, Bhante reflected on the universal message of the Dhamma and its increasing relevance across continents. The journey continued to Bodh Gaya, where participants gathered at the Maha Bodhi Temple the site of enlightenment for meditation and teachings.

At the Mahakala Caves, Bhante emphasized the importance of discipline and deep meditation, while in Rajgir, at the historic Veluvana Bamboo Grove, he highlighted the enduring strength of the Sangha. The visit to the Nalanda University ruins further underscored the importance of education in preserving Buddhist teachings.

The pilgrimage also included stops at the Kesariya Stupa, symbolizing the Buddha’s final teachings, and Kushinagar, where reflections on impermanence and liberation were shared at the Cremation Stupa.

Bhante Buddharakkhita’s presence throughout the pilgrimage not only represented Uganda but also demonstrated the expanding influence of Buddhism in Africa. His teachings resonated with participants from around the world, reinforcing shared values of peace, mindfulness, and compassion.

This journey stands as a powerful testament to the role of pilgrimage in deepening spiritual understanding and strengthening global Buddhist connections.

For Uganda Buddhist Centre, this pilgrimage marks another milestone in bringing the light of the Dhamma from Africa to the world and from the world back to Africa.