The Democratic Republic of Congo is the last corner on this planet where one dares dream one day peace will come true. The second largest city, Lubumbashi, is the hub of the southeastern part of the country. The copper-mining city serves as the capital of the relatively prosperous Haut-Katanga Province, lying near the Zambian border. Population estimates vary widely but average around 1.2 million. Lubumbashi is far away from the administration of the capital. It is a township where war is "possible" at any microsecond.
Despite being remote from material civilization, their spirituality is one of the richest among humankind. Amid the abundance of Christianity, this community has one special corner, where the Gem of Buddhism is illuminating. With the existence of the pure Dhamma, Lubumbashi is the real gem of Congo. This community does NOT involve with alcohol, tobacco and gambling.
Mined diamond never lasts. Triple Gem is the real refuge as it shines till the end of time. Here in Lubumbashi. We will witness a discovery of the cut of the gem within the spirit through Upasika Kaew women ordination & training course. This course elevates moral conscience of Congolese women to undergo a mission of strengthening Buddhism for the sustainable peace of their motherland. This is the strong friendship of the three peace organizations:
• The Sangha of the Buddhism, The Democratic Republic of Congo,
• The Johannesburg Meditation Centre, South Africa
• The Dhammakaya Foundation, Thailand
Congolese women are more than the followers. Not only men who are the bread-runners. At this small Buddhist community in Lubumbashi, Congolese women are more than being mothers, bear more responsibility than being housewives. They are very special persons because they are "Upasika" of the Buddhism. Under the Upasika Kaew Ordination from the Dhammakaya Foundation, Thailand. Congolese women have a chance to train themselves in 3 areas -- Precepts, Meditatiton & Wisdom according to the Buddhist practice. Training and cultivation of good habits enhances Congolese women to welcome the coming noble mission greatest in their lives.
With their mutual roles, men are to conquer the battle in their minds, taking saffron robes, inheriting the precious Dhamma. As their leader “Bodhiraja” comes back as a Buddhist monk, their real mission is about to begin -- to be the light of peace of the entire Congo. Hence, the Congolese women are decorated with white attire that creates calmness, humbleness and serenity. They seek refuge in Triple Gem, that decorates their pure and graceful minds.
Whilst men are away for Bhikkhu ordination in order to come back with great Dhamma teachings, women must be confident and strong enough to take care of their Buddhist community. As far back as the beginning of time, human race has been fighting wars for equality. Yet, real equality is on the fact that every born person has equal right to do good deeds to make this world a peaceful place.
From now on, the Congolese women walk side by side with Congolese men in spreading the teachings of peace of Lord Buddha to Lubumbashi and every other province of D.R. Congo and the entire African continent via the Upasika Kaew Ordination Program of Venerable Luang Phor Dhammajayo
