Join with us for daily practice on Zoom

Many have found themselves interested in Buddhism and start to research the practice, listen to dharma talks, read Buddhist books and so on. Some start to have questions on how to take themselves on the path. They may have been told that the simple 3 fold path is Dana(Giving) Sila(Precepts) and Samadhi(Meditation). But they still don’t know how they can commence to walk the path. To join a Buddhist group and visit a temple is a simple step to commence on the journey with likeminded friends and Dhamma teachers to walk with you so you do not feel so alone.

The Dhammakaya Buddhist temple in Albury offers a zoom room for people to meet and practice together from their own homes. This service started due to the lockdown in the early stages of the COVID pandemic. And it has proven to be a pleasant visual experience to be with the teaching monks and friends daily or whenever they have free time for themselves.

Since Zoom is a bit like a closed group, new people can be reluctant to join. This article presents you with testimonials from people from all walks of life who regularly participate with us every day.

If you like to join us you would be most welcome, we are here every day on

Wat Phra Dhammakaya Albury Zoom Meeting ID: 896 6345 4918

Passcode: 072

Or link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89663454918?pwd=Locb6uGQWT0OycbJuaC0cK2kw88IT6.1

7.30am -8.15am Morning Chanting + Parita Chanting

7.00pm-7.50pm Meditation (First 10 mins. is greeting time)

8.00pm-8.25pm Dhammachakkapawattana Sutta Chanting

Kanika

I’m a farmer in Northeast of Thailand, I own a substantial small piece of land. It is a source of food for our family and the excess is sold to gain some income. I am also involved in a village traditional handmade garment group. These things I do for my living and to help others. To fulfill my happiness in life, I have found that having good friends and guidance from Buddhist monks is a blessing. I have joined the group on zoom and practice chanting and meditation with them since the pandemic began. No matter where we are we can keep this connection to the practice alive. In return we are full of energy to make our days happy and fulfilled. Meditation has transformed me to live a happier life, it is a simple way to find happiness.

Graham…Cheshunt Vic, I followed Tibetan Buddhism for several years, but Covid, distance to Melbourne, and age made it difficult.I have now found Phra Satit at Wat Dharmakaya Albury. Both types of Buddhism teach the word of our Buddha, with minor differences. I am not a scholar so I just simply follow the five precepts and eight-fold noble path the best I can. You don’t need lots of books and theories to be a good person in your heart. Each night I go on zoom for meditation and chanting and spend some time talking to my dharma friends from around the world before our meditation session starts.

Anna: I’m a nanny, before the pandemic I was depressed after finding a cancer and having to have treatment. I have realised the uncertainty of life and I have felt fear, Since I already practiced Buddhism, I tried to do more to make myself feel more at ease. I went to the temple in Sydney more regularly. But since the pandemic I could not go to the temple. I wanted to be with a group to keep the daily practice. I found joining zoom had really helped me to keep myself happier every day. Once I found the daily practice it has helped me to get back to the stillness of the mind more easily when I have a chance to get back for the meditation weekend retreat. Additionally, I feel thankful for the friendship of this zoom room that helps me to feel I’m not alone. I also feel confident that whenever I need some advice, I can ask the monk. He always gives me a direct solution to get myself back on track.

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The Annual Robe Offering Ceremony 2025

The Annual Robe Offering Ceremony

The biggest merit event of the year

Every year, this significant offering is eagerly anticipated by lay Buddhists. The Kathina Robe was traditionally offered alone on this day, but it is now well recognised as an annual fundraising event to support financial obligations and fund projects for the temple.

On Sunday, 12 October 2025, we are holding the Annual Robe Offering Ceremony here to contribute to the remaining repayments of this beautiful centre. The centre hosts year-round gatherings both on-site and via Zoom to practise Dhamma. We began using Zoom during the pandemic and created various sessions to accommodate people from afar, allowing them to access our services. Countless rounds of Sutta chanting and uncountable hours of meditation practice have been completed, all of which continue to provide daily support to numerous people around the world.

Wat Phra Dhammakaya Albury uses its beautiful natural setting to help people feel relaxed and guide their minds onto the right path. The Dhammakaya meditation method was revived in Thailand around 100 years ago by the Great Master Phramongkolthepmuni, famously known as Luangpor Wat Paknam. It is one of the most popular meditation techniques practised by Buddhists and non-Buddhists around the world. The method is simple, easy, and effective.

We are grateful to all of our supporters, past and present, who have helped establish the centre and continue to serve the community. We hope that you will help us again this year in reducing our financial obligations. We are aware that we might not be able to reduce it to zero this year, but we hope to succeed in doing so within a few years.

Wat Phra Dhammakaya Albury will continue to bring happiness and wisdom to many people. People with brighter minds make the world a better place to live. We share the merits made here with you. May the merit you have accumulated bring you and your family a bright future. Be well, happy, healthy, live a long life, and make good progress in your Dhamma practice.

Program on the Day

  • 9:30 am – Welcoming speech and greetings
  • 9:45 am – Video presentation
  • 10:00 am – Paying homage to the Triple Gem
  • 10:05 am – Meditation session
  • 10:30 am – Dhamma Talk
  • 10:40 am – Requesting Five Precepts
  • 10:50 am – Robe Offering
  • 11:00 am – Receive blessings
  • 11:10 am – Alms Offering (Tak Bat) for 3 monks
  • 11:30 am – Lunch

How about the dressing? When coming to the temple, it’s best to remind ourselves that we come to practise. Dressing politely in white is suggested. However, if it’s your first time visiting, we understand you might not have had time to prepare—please don’t worry, you are most welcome.

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From Sunlight to Self-Sufficiency: Wat Phra Dhammakaya Albury’s Next Step in Clean Energy

Wat Phra Dhammakaya Albury has taken a bold step toward energy independence by installing enough solar panels to generate three times more electricity than we use. For a time, this meant that the excess energy exported to the grid not only supported the broader community but also covered our own electricity costs during cloudy days and nights.

However, since September 2024, the solar feed-in tariff has dropped to just 5c/kWh, making it no longer viable to rely on export earnings to offset the cost of imported electricity. This shift has prompted many solar communities like ours to rethink how we manage and store our energy.

Fortunately, a new opportunity has emerged. Beginning 1 July 2025, the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers a 30% rebate on the cost of installing home or community battery systems. This rebate makes it significantly more affordable to store our solar energy and use it when the sun isn’t shining—maximising our self-reliance and reducing our electricity bills.

By investing in battery storage now, Wat Phra Dhammakaya Albury can take the next step in our clean energy journey. We’re not just a solar-powered community—we’re building our own Mini Clean Energy Power Plant (with our existing 15 kW solar system and a newly installed 20 kWh battery). It’s a vision of sustainability and self-sufficiency.

This initiative will allow us to power essential needs at the lowest cost for many years to come—lighting, cooking, audiovisual, and climate control—so we can continue to practise the Dhamma in comfort and peace.

If you would like to make merit by supporting this project, donations can be made to:

The Good Friends Albury Inc.

BSB: 082406

Acc: 713485490

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Nearly a Thousand Gather in Canberra for the 25th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration

Canberra, Australia – Almost a thousand Buddhists from Sydney, Melbourne, and across Australia travelled to Canberra to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the United Nations Day of Vesak. Buses and private vehicles brought laypeople and Sangha members together for a landmark event, coordinated by the Australian Observance of the United Nations Day of Vesak’s Organising Committee, led by the Buddhist Federation of Australia in collaboration with other Buddhist organisations.

The celebration, marking a significant milestone, included a vibrant display of Buddhist cultural traditions. Held in the nation’s capital, the official ceremony took place in the iconic Great Hall of Parliament House.

Morning Activities: Alms Offering and Sangha Gathering

The day began with spiritual merit-making activities. Over 150 monks and nuns from more than 60 temples across New South Wales, Victoria, and the ACT participated in a traditional alms offering ceremony. The event offered attendees a rare opportunity to make merit and witness the unity of the monastic community across traditions.

Lunch was served at Albert Hall, graciously catered by the Bhutanese Buddhist and Cultural Centre in Canberra. The sight of so many monastics dining together in harmony made for a powerful and memorable image of Buddhist unity.

Mindfulness Walk and Historic Gathering

In the afternoon, participants gathered near the Old Parliament House for a mindfulness walk procession toward Parliament House. The peaceful walk concluded with a historic group photo in front of the national landmark — a powerful symbol of unity and diversity among the Buddhist community in Australia.

Spiritual Ceremony in the Great Hall

Doors to the Great Hall opened at 2:30 PM, quickly filling with attendees. The spiritual ceremony began promptly at 3:00 PM with an introduction by the event’s MC, who welcomed representatives from various Buddhist traditions.

Chanting began with the Theravāda tradition, led by Most Venerable Salee, abbot of Chaiyapoom Temple. This was followed by the Vajrayāna tradition, led by Lama Choedak Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of Sakya Losal Choe Dzong, Tibetan Buddhist Society of Canberra. Mahāyāna chants were offered in both Vietnamese, led by Most Venerable Thich Bao Lac, and in Chinese, led by Venerable Bhikkhuni Manko of Fo Guang Shan’s Nan Tien Temple.

The harmonious chants echoed through the hall, creating a sacred and meditative atmosphere. Venerable Phrakhru Bhavanayanwited then led a guided meditation, helping attendees cultivate peace and mindfulness.

A shared Buddhist chant concluded the spiritual segment, allowing participants to radiate loving-kindness and dedicate merit. A special video presentation followed, highlighting the history and global significance of the UN Day of Vesak.

Official Ceremony: Messages of Peace and Unity

The official ceremony commenced with the arrival of parliamentary patrons, spiritual patrons, and the United Nations representative. Welcoming speeches were delivered by the parliamentary patrons, The Hon. Chris Bowen MP Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator Maria Kovacic, Senator for NSW and Senator David Shoebridge, Senator for NSW followed by an opening speech from Senior Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan OAM. Then the Vesak message from the United Nations Secretary-General and the Vesak message from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which was delivered by Hon. Alicia Payne MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The keynote address, titled “ Creating a Murmuration-Peace Making Through Spiritual Friendship” was delivered by Dr. Diana Cousens. Using the graceful flight patterns of starling birds as a metaphor, Dr. Cousens illustrated how small-scale, intentional connections can lead to broader collective harmony — a message that deeply resonated with attendees.

Performances and Cultural Exchanges

Cultural performances added joy and colour to the proceedings. Highlights included a traditional dance, A Lotus Will Bloom Out, performed by Jongbapsa Sydney (Korean Buddhist Temple), and a Vesak Chorus, bringing a festive spirit to the sacred celebration.

Ambassadors from India, Thailand, and Bhutan — countries that originally supported the Vesak Day Resolution at the United Nations in 1999 — offered special Vesak remarks, underlining their commitment to global peace and spiritual values.

A symbolic gift — a Buddha image from Thailand — was presented by special guest Khun Phornsan Kamlang-ek, representing the strong ties between the Buddhist communities of Thailand and Australia.

Closing Reflections

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Ven. Phrasamu Atorn Dhammachandho, representing the Organising Committee. Gratitude filled the hall as participants reflected on the significance of this gathering — the first UN Day of Vesak held in the Great Hall in 15 years.

“It is a rare and unforgettable opportunity to come together in such a sacred and meaningful way,” one attendee shared. “This memory will be cherished for years to come.”

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Celebrate 25 Years of the United Nations Day of Vesak in 2025 in Canberra

Join us in commemorating a momentous milestone—the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Day of Vesak—on Wednesday, 14 May 2025. Hosted at the iconic Albert Hall in Canberra, this year’s celebration offers a profound and uplifting experience for all.

Event Highlights:

Morning Gatherings

  • 10:30 AM: Sangha Dana – Honoring the monastic community.
  • 12:00 PM: Friendship Lunch – Share a meal and connect with fellow attendees.
  • 1:30 PM: Mindfulness Walk – A serene journey from Old Parliament House to New Parliament House.

Spiritual Activities – 3:00 PM Immerse yourself in chanting from diverse traditions, guided meditation, merit dedication, and a special Vesak video presentation.

Official Ceremony – 3:30 PM Welcome distinguished guests and engage with a program featuring:

  • Speeches by prominent figures, including the Speaker of the House and the President of the Buddhist Federation of Australia.
  • A heartfelt Vesak message from the UN Secretary-General.
  • An inspiring keynote address and cultural performance.

Vesak Remarks Listen to messages from government representatives and ambassadors from countries that supported the original 1999 Vesak Day Resolution.

Closing Moments Witness the presentation of a special gift to Parliament, followed by a vote of thanks, concluding this sacred day at 5:00 PM.

Why Attend?

Celebrate Vesak’s teachings of peace, compassion, and wisdom while coming together in unity and joy. Let’s meditate and pray for sustainable peace, development, and well-being in Australia and worldwide.

Save the date and be part of this extraordinary gathering. Let’s honor the legacy of Buddha and the enduring values of Vesak. See you there!

Message of Support from The Hon Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister

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Albury’s Vesak Celebration: A Night of Multicultural Reflection and Unity

Albury, NSW – In an unprecedented display of multicultural harmony, the local Buddhist temple, Wat Phra Dhammakaya Albury hosted a Vesak celebration that brought together the Thai, Sri Lankan and local Australian communities for a night filled with meditation, reflection, and joy.

Under the soft glow of candlelight and lanterns, the temple’s meditation room was filled to capacity, with an outdoor setting that was transformed into a sacred space. Participants engaged in a traditional walk, chanting ‘Iti Pi So…’ , reflecting on the qualities of the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha.

The evening’s proceedings commenced with Venerable Phra Satit, the abbot of the temple, and Ms. Pitsamorn from the Thai Community extending a warm welcome to all. This was followed by chants that paid homage to the Triple Gem and a 30-minute meditation session to commemorate the enlightenment of the Buddha.

A talk on the significance of Vesak provided deeper insight into the day’s importance, after which the lay community requested the Five Precepts, reaffirming their commitment to ethical conduct. The highlight of the night was the procession led by the monks, with participants walking and chanting, culminating in the placement of candles around the Buddha image—a symbol of unity and peace.

The event concluded with a group photo that captured the essence of the celebration, leaving participants with memories of a night that was not only a first for many but also a testament to the enduring spirit of community and shared aspirations for peace across cultures.

The temple’s backyard, adorned with lanterns, shone brightly, mirroring the event’s inner beauty and transforming the natural setting into a picturesque scene.

This Vesak celebration was a simple yet meaningful program that resonated with joy, togetherness, and the wisdom of enlightenment.

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Celebrate Vesak Day with a Multicultural Twist at Albury’s Dhammakaya Meditation Centre

Albury, NSW – The Dhammakaya Meditation Centre, the heart of Theravada Buddhism in Albury, invites the community to a unique Vesak Day celebration on May 22, 2024. Recognized by the United Nations, Vesak Day is a revered time marking the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing of Gotama Buddha over 2,600 years ago.

This year, the Centre is proud to present a multicultural Vesak celebration, incorporating the vibrant tradition of Vesak Lanterns from Sri Lanka, symbolizing the light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance. The event promises to be a warm and welcoming occasion for both the local Buddhist community and those new to Buddhist practices.

Event Program:

  • 5:30 PM: Warm greetings and an opportunity to make new friends.
  • 6:00 PM: Paritta Chanting, invoking blessings and protection.
  • 6:30 PM: Guided Meditation, a serene experience led by resident monks.
  • 6:50 PM: Dhamma Talks, reflecting on the significance of Vesak.
  • 7:00 PM: Lantern and Candle Lighting Ceremony, illuminating the path of Dharma.
  • 7:10 PM: A picturesque moment for photos with the beautiful lanterns.
  • 7:30 PM: Conclusion of the celebration, carrying the light of Vesak into the night.

The Dhammakaya Meditation Centre has been a beacon of peace and spirituality since 2011, offering services in English to embrace all who are drawn to the teachings of Buddha. This Vesak, experience the unity of diverse Buddhist cultures and the shared journey towards enlightenment.

Join us at the Dhammakaya Meditation Centre, where warmth and wisdom meet under the full moon of May. Let’s light up the night with kind, harmony, and happy Vesak Day.

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Shepparton’s Queen’s Gardens Illuminate with Peace and Reflection on Vesak Day 2024

SHEPPARTON, VIC – The serene Queen’s Gardens in Shepparton transformed into a beacon of peace and spiritual reflection as the local and neighboring communities gathered to celebrate Vesak Day on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

From 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, the gardens echoed with the harmonious blend of chants and messages of wisdom as the event unfolded in the presence of venerable Buddhist monks, civic leaders, and the community. The event commenced with a warm welcome to all participants, including special guests such as Venerable Phra Satit Thitadhammo from the Dhammakaya temple, Albury, the Mayor, Councillors, local MPs Wendy Lovell and Kim O’Keeffe, the Ethnic Council Manager, Victoria Police, and other religious and community leaders.

In keeping with the Theravada tradition, the ceremony began with paying homage to the Buddha, reciting the Three Refuges, and observing the Pancca Sila (five precepts), signifying the start of this auspicious ceremony.

At 4:25 pm, the tranquil atmosphere of the gardens was further enhanced as Venerable Phra Satit Thitadhammo led the lighting of candles, followed by the VIPs and participants, symbolizing the light of the Buddha’s teachings spreading across the world.

The highlight of the evening was the Vesak message delivered by Venerable Phra Satit Thitadhammo at 4:40 pm, accompanied by a guided meditation session that allowed attendees to reflect deeply on the teachings of the Buddha and the essence of Vesak.

The Mayor of Shepparton took the stage at 4:50 pm, offering insights and celebrating the contributions of the Buddhist community to the cultural tapestry of the region.

As the evening progressed, further Vesak messages were shared by MPs Kim O’Keeffe and Wendy Lovell, along with representatives from the Buddhist Association of Goulburn Valley, enriching the gathering with diverse perspectives and communal harmony.

The event reached its zenith at 5:30 pm when VIPs were invited to light the Vesak lanterns, followed by the resonant chanting of ‘Chayanto’ by the monk, marking a victory of light over darkness. The Buddhist songs from the Sri Lankan Association of Goulburn Valley (SLAOGV) added a melodious backdrop to the spiritual ambiance.

The celebration concluded with the serving of food, tea, and coffee by the People Supporting People group, fostering a sense of community and shared joy among all those present.

Vesak Day in Shepparton’s Queen’s Gardens stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to embracing diversity, promoting peace, and fostering a sense of unity among all walks of life.

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October Robe Offering

Albury, NSW – On October 1st, 2023, Wat Phra Dhammakaya Albury commemorated a significant robe offering ceremony, led by Jamie Kowitjindachai on the occasion of his 14th birthday. The event was further distinguished by the support of Kalayanamitra Phung Srihong from Sydney, who, along with other benefactors, contributed to the ceremony’s success. 


The center extends its heartfelt appreciation to all supporters, whose generosity has been pivotal in its establishment and continued service to the community. Through their efforts, Wat Phra Dhammakaya Albury aspires to perpetuate joy and impart wisdom to many.

In the spirit of sharing and collective merit, the center conveys its gratitude to all participants. “May the good karma generated here enrich the lives of you and your families, bringing happiness, health, and longevity. We wish everyone continued advancement in their Dhamma practice,” said a spokesperson for the center.

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Heading to UN Vesak Celebration 2023 in Sydney

A particular once a year grand merit making event with over 100 Buddhist Bhikkhu and Bhikkhuni from various traditions gathering together in one place to celebrate an important day, the Australian observance of the United Nations day of Vesak.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday 6th of May 2023 at Phuoc Hue Temple, 356 Victoria st Wetherill Park 2164 from 10am to 2 pm.

The organising committee would like to invite all laypeople to join this auspicious event with other Buddhist from various backgrounds.


The first program for the day is Alms giving ceremony to over 100 monks. The alms round will commence at 10am. Please prepare packaged food or items for offering from home and be at the temple by 9:30am to find a seating spot.


All Buddhist from all traditions, including representatives from the UN and the Australian government, will be jointly commemorating this year’s Australian Observance of the International VESAK Day at 1 pm.


The afternoon celebration program for international Vesak day includes candlelight offering, chanting, meditation for peace & well-being of all people and sentient beings.
All Sangha from all traditions will chant and meditate to celebrate the international Vesak day, also offer lanterns to pay homage to the Buddha.


Follow by the ceremony to offer sanghadana to the Sangha community which the organising committee have already prepared for anyone who wish to make the offering.
All donations towards the Sangha Dana could be made to:


The Buddhist Federation of Australia Inc.
BSB: 112-879
Account: 473 277 499
St. George Bank
Reference: UN Vesak2023

Let’s join in to celebrate and be part of an important day of the year, an auspicious event , an international UN Vesak day 2023, to make merit and to create beautiful memories for yourself to recall all the meritorious deeds that you have done to support Buddhism

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The Annual Robe Offering Ceremony 2022

The Annual Robe Offering Ceremony
The Biggest merit event of the year.

During the rain retreat this year, there are not enough monks at Wat Phra Dhammakaya Albury to obtain the Kathina Robe. However, we could still hold a robe offering ceremony.

Every year, this significant offering is eagerly anticipated by lay Buddhist. The Kathina Robe was traditionally offered alone on this day, but it is now well recognised as an annual fundraising event to support financial obligations or funding projects for the temples.

On Sunday 23rd October 2022, we are holding The Annual Robe Offering Ceremony here to contribute to the remaining repayments of this beautiful centre. The centre hosts year-round gatherings for both on-site and through Zoom to practice Dhamma. We began using Zoom during the pandemic and created various sessions to accommodate people from afar to access our service. Countless rounds of Sutta chanting and uncountable hours of meditation practice have been completed, all of which continue to provide daily support to numerous people around the world.

Wat Phra Dhammakaya Albury uses this beautiful natural setting to help people feel relax and get their mind on the right path. The Dhammakaya meditation method was revived in Thailand almost 100 years ago by the Great Master Phramongkolthepmuni, famously known as Luangpor Wat Paknam. It is one of the most popular meditation techniques practiced by Buddhists and non-Buddhists around the world. The method is simple, easy, and effective.

We are grateful to all of our supporters, past and present, who have helped the centre’s establishment and continue to serve the community. We hope that you will help us again this year in reducing this financial obligation during this period of rising interest rates. We are aware that we might not be able to reduce it to zero this year, but we hope we will succeed in doing so in a few years.

We also have good news: two additional monks from Thailand will be joining the Sangha here. Therefore, more days and hours of service as well as more variety of activities to accomplish various needs could be offered to the community.

Wat Phra Dhammakaya Albury will continue to bring happiness and wisdom to many people. People with brighter minds would make the world better place to live. We share the merits that we make here with you. May the merit you have accumulated bring you and your family a bright future, be well, happy, healthy, live a long life, and make good progress in your Dhamma practice.

Program on the Day

9.30 am Welcoming speech and greetings
9.45 am VDO presentation
10.00 am Paying homage to the Triple Gem
10.05 am Meditation session
10.30 am Dhamma Talk
10.40 am Requesting Five Precepts
10.50 am Robe Offering
11.00 am Receive blessings
11.10 am Alms Offering (Tak Bat) for 5 Monks
11.30 am Lunch

How about the dressing?
Coming to the temple, it is best to remind ourselves that we come to practice so dressing politely in white is suggested however for coming the first time we would not mind as we know you might not have time to prepare.

*Relevant reading that may help you to understand the Dhamma talks of the day.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anathapindika

https://aristeinhk.blogspot.com/2015/10/ten-bases-of-meritorious-actions-ten.html

https://84000.org/tipitaka/dic/d_item.php?i=261

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