61 Comments

Wonderful writing, David. You took me home. I once took a group of young San people to meet Desmond Tutu. The talk turned to Ubuntu, not a term used by them but one integral to their hunter- gatherer ethos. ‘The Arch’ instantly got it, along with several of their clicks. I think he would have loved reading about your teacher.

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Thank you so much, Candi! Yes, 'The Arch' occupied a unique place in public life and SA is a darker place since his passing. Thank you for all you do for the San people whose very existence is generally marginalised if not completely ignored, despite their deepest connection to the land, the animals and each other. Passages from Laurens v d Post's Lost World of the Kalahari still resonate deeply with me.

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Phrases to admire in V. D Pos’s ‘Lost World of the Kalahari’ but discovering later how dishonourable he was, spoiled it for me.

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Jul 9, 2023Liked by David Michie

Ahhhhh,

so happy to have another installment of African Buddha, I could almost smell the scents of Africa as I read it. So nostalgic.

I had forgotten the ubuntu.....w.hat a lovely reminder.

Thank you

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I am so very glad to hear this, thank you Sarah!

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Jul 8, 2023Liked by David Michie

Your stories are a place of calm, wisdom and hope in our troubled world. And they are a call to action, though how that looks will be different for each of us. Thank you, David, for your continued writings and the Buddhist perspective offered.

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Your generous words mean a lot to me, thank you Debra!

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Oooo. I am loving this story. At the first mention of Ubuntu, my heart was moved. I am because we are. Such a natural state and something humans unconsciously yearn for. I certainly do. I am not just an I. I am a we. And the teaching on mind. And the semchens. Thank you, David. Kathy

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I am really happy that this resonated with you Kathy! I am working on the next Africa Buddha installment!

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Jul 10, 2023Liked by David Michie

Oh what a beautiful story, beautifully written. It could only have been written by someone who knows and loves Africa intimately. Your eloquent writing reignited the love I have for Africa . Thank you.

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I am so very glad to hear this, Sheila! And looking forward to spending time with you in Zim next month!

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Jul 9, 2023Liked by David Michie

Open invitation for spaciousness, purpose and peace.

In deep gratitude for all beings.

Thank you.

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My heartfelt thanks, Shirin!

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Jul 9, 2023Liked by David Michie

I loved this. It brought back such wonderful memories of my visit to Africa almost a year ago. Such a magical,spiritual place to visit .

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I am so glad that you found it so, Polly!

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Really a good one! iLife all the characters. Bodhi is my favorite! So peaceful. Thank you.

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I am so very happy to hear this, Jeanne!

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Jul 9, 2023Liked by David Michie

Brilliant, you paint in words, I can almost see and smell the place....and not just a cheetah but also a Wolfhound! I love these dogs, my last dog Paddy died in March and a new pup will come to join me next spring if all goes well.

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Thor is a happy coincidence then, thank you Gill - and for your very generous message!

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Jul 9, 2023Liked by David Michie

A lovely way to teach a lesson. Thank you David. Any kopies to climb next month? I shall have to check what the Luna phase will be!

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Not a full moon, Chris, but bright enough, I hope to enjoy some beautiful moonscapes!

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How wonderful that Aunt Carrie's money was put to good use. Goodness begets goodness and some things are just meant to be.

I also truly believe that animals have consciousness and souls. And we are all one....

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My sincere thanks for sharing this, Trisha!

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Jul 8, 2023Liked by David Michie

Thank you for introducing me to ubuntu!

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My pleasure, Cathy! It's something we soon feel when arriving in Africa!

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My Saturday mornings are my favorite time of the week…

Because of you! Thank you !

Adrienne Gallant

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What a beautiful sentiment! My heartfelt thanks, Adrienne!

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Jul 8, 2023Liked by David Michie

Lovely story, I want to know more!

I was reading only yesterday about Ubuntu and interdependence in relation to Buddhism and quantum physics, I was therefore interested to find you talking about it too. The deeper I delve the more I begin to understand and want to know more! Thank you David.

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I am so glad you want more, Mary! I am intrigued to know where you were reading about ubuntu in relation to quantum physics. Very curious synchronicity!

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Jul 9, 2023Liked by David Michie

The book I am reading is 'Tibetan Buddhism & Modern Physics' by Vic Mansfield with a foreword by His Holiness The Dali Lama. I have also read 'The Tao of Physics' by Fritjof Capra. The reference to Ubuntu is comparing the buddhist principle of emptiness and interdependence to what they have found in quantum physics that particles need a relationship with other particles to exist. I am not physicist but, I think that's the jist of it!

I have been interested in this for a couple of years and have been reading many books then, up popped a notification on my facebook page about "Science and Wisdom live" where Buddhism and science come together. It is a Buddhist organisation with scientists. They are doing an on line course called "Buddhism and Quantum Physics" I have decided to do this course it starts in September, apart from anything else I will get to use my brain.

Synchronicity seems to play a big part in leading me down this path and I am never surprised by its appearance.

I hope I haven't rambled too much, I look forward to the next chapter of your story.

Love and peace, Mary.

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Thank you so much for replying, Mary, and also for letting us know about that book by Vic Mansfield. I will definitely look it up.

Quite the 'coincidence' that you mention the Buddhism and Quantum Science course I mentioned previously on Substack - in case anyone is interested, you can find it here: https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/science-and-wisdom-live-jamyang-london-buddhist-centre-plan-buddhism-and-quantum-physics-e-learning-course/

I am so glad you are looking forward to the next Africa Buddha instalment!

Warmest wishes, David

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Jul 8, 2023Liked by David Michie

Captivating story! I was completely drawn in to the scene, especially the animals, the moonlight and the idea to build a temple in Africa. Thank you for this. I look forward to Saturday mornings and reading your post. It is a special treat for the heart and mind.

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I am really happy to hear this, thank you so much Judith for your kind message!

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Aug 8, 2023Liked by David Michie

David, I love your writing and the way this story is unfolding. Mesmerizing…

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I am so glad to hear it, thank you Margaret!

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