Famous Thai Buddha Monks

* 1376. Wat Tham Phab Long is the temple where Archarn Sin Buddhajaro resided. A protege of the highly venerated Phar Archarn Man Phuritatto, he made pilgrimage to several sites all around the country and undertook profound mediation practices. He also taught morality based on Buddhist tenets until his death. Tham Phab Long today remained a popular site for the devouts to mediate as the surroundings are pleasant and suitable for concentration. The temple is located in Mae Sai District of Chiang Rai.

* 1377. Wat Phra That Pha Ngao, Chiang Rai, is about 4 kilometers away from the district town of Chiang Saen. It is a meditation center located in an area of 143 Rai. The present Vihara has been built over the original one. From the hilltop where the Phra Borom Buddha Nimit Chedi is sited can be seen a panoramic view of the surroundings.

* 1378. Wat Pha Jom, Chiang Rai , is located on a hill and used to be the site where Phra Archarn Man Phuritatto mediated. Within the cave are fascinating stalagmites and stalactites. The atmosphere is highly suitable for meditation.

* 1379. Wat Phra Singh is a major temple in Chiang Mai where a Phra Buddha Sihing is enshrined. It is traditionally borne in procession around the city on Songkran Day. Originally built in 1345 to enshrine the remains of a royal ruler, today it organizes meditation classes during religious days.

* 1380. Wat Suan Dok of Chiang Mai was built by King Lue Na in 1371 as residence for a senior monk. The original site was the royal park of Lanna kings. With extensive grounds, it has the largest royal vihara in the North. The principal Buddha statue is Phra Chao Kao Tue weighing over half a ten. The surroundings are suitable to practice meditation.

* 1381. Wat Khiriwong is a centre of Buddhist propagation in Nakhon Sawan established by the Religious Affairs Department to promote the study and practice of monks and novices. It is another site suitable to undergo meditation.

* 1382. Wat Analyo , located on Busrakham Hill of Phayao Province is a temple devoted to meditation and named after a revered Northeastern monk. The site is adorned with applied ancient Northern architectural structures smoothly blending in with the natural surroundings.

* 1383. The Dhamma Practice facility at Susan Trailak on the outskirts of Lampang features the Mondop pavilion of the late and highly venerated Luang Poh Kasem Khemko where his figure is enshrined. It is a quiet, serene location suitable for the contemplation of the Dhamma.

* 1384. Wat Phra Bhuddha Baht Tak Pha , a little over 6 kilometers from the district town of Pasang in Lamphun, is said to have been visited by the Lord Buddha, who dried his robe over a stone cliff, hence the name Tak Pha, hanging of the laundry. Meditation followers can use the area for their pursuit.

* 1385. Wat Sang Krajai is a royal temple west of Issaraphab Road on the north bank of Bangkok Yai Canal in Bangkok. An old temple built in the late Ayutthaya Period, it was the residence of the late Luang Pu Toh until his death. There are facilities for Dharma practice.

* 1386. Wat Bovorn Nivetviharn on Phra Sumane Road, Bangkok, built in the reign of King Rama III, had been the residence of Rama IV, VI, VII and IX when their majesties enter the monkshood. The main feature of the temple in the Phra Buddha Chinasih statue. Other interesting features include the famed wall murals by Khrua In Khong. Meditation classes are today held regularly.

* 1387. Wat Benjamabophits , the Marble Temple, Bangkok, was once a deserted temple. King Rama V had it rebuilt with imported marble from Italy left over from the construction of the Ananta Smakhom Throne Hall. Buddha statues of various postures collected from the provinces are displayed along the corridor. The principal statue is a replica of the Phra Buddha Chinarat. Dhamma lessons are held on religious days.

* 1388. Wat Pak Nam , a class III royal temple, is located on the bank of Khlong Dan canal in Bangkok. An old temple built during the Ayutthaya Period, it was renovated and accepted into royal patronage by King Rama III. It used to be the residence of the famed Luang Poh Pak Nam. Daily meditation classes are held.

* 1389. Wat Mahathat , Bangkok, is another temple with its history reaching back to the Ayutthaya Period. Today it is the site of the Maha Chula Ecclesiastical College offering the equivalent of bachelor degree and runs a Buddhist Sunday School. Meditation classes are organized for both the laity and the clergy.

* 1390. Wat Suthat on Bamroongmuang Road, Bangkok, was built by King Rama I, in front of which is the Giant Swing. Its special features include the six pair of door panels artistically carved and the wall murals in the main hall and vihara. There are daily Dharma teaching classes for the public.

* 1391. The Buddhist Young Men Association on Phetkasem Road 54 in Phasi Chroen District of Bangkok holds meditation classes for both Thais and foreigners. It also organizes ordination for young men during summer school holiday and activities on important occasions.

* 1392. The Dhamma Study and Practice Facility of the Headquarters of the World Buddhist Organization in Bangkok provides lessons concerning Buddhism and meditation. Meditation classes are held every first Sunday of the month (in English as well), and Buddhism classes every third and last Sunday of the month, from 1.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. The school is located at 39 Sukhumwit Road, Bangkok, Tel: 2511188-90.

* 1393. Wat Dhamma Mongkhon , at Soi 101, Sukhumvit Road, Bangchak, Bangkok, features a 14-storey great Chedi with a total height of 94.78 meters inside of which are enshrined Holy Relics of Buddhha transferred from Chittagong in Bangladesh. There are accommodation and other facilities for students of Dharma study.

* 1394. Wat Sraprathum , in Pathumwan Sub-district of Bangkok, is a class III royal temple with a large Dhamma Practice Centre. Classes are open daily both in the morning and evening . The Ana Pansati discipline is taught.

* 1395. Wat Borom Nivet , on Rama I Road in Bangkok. Originally named Wat Boromsuk, it was renovated by the future King Rama IV when he was a monk and dedicated to Rama III. When he became king, he re-named it Wat Bromnivet. The principal statue is a replica of the Phra Buddha Chinarat and there are 52 other Buddha statues as well as Chinese- and Japanese-style statues. There are Dhamma and meditation classes given by experts.

* 1396. Wat Indraviharn , located on Wisuthikasat Road, Bangkok was built during the reign of Rama IV. It enshrines the Phra Buddha Sriarayametri, a huge standing statue 32 meters tall. The temple organizes meditation classes for the general public on Saturdays and Sundays. A special 7-day class is held once a year.

* 1397. The Dhamma Practice Centre Dan Mahamongkhon , located on Kwai Noi river in Kanchanaburi. The two islets are sites for male and female devotees to Dhamma practice, with necessary facilities. The surroundings are quiet and serene and shady with plants and trees. A stay can be as long as five days.

* 1398. Wat Wangwiwakaram , located at the base of a hill in Sangkhla Buri District about 200 kilometers from the provincial town of Kanchanaburi. The route to the temple is quite scenic with a great view of the lake where three rivers converge. It is the residence of the noted Luang Poh Uttama. The temple's marble Buddha statue is highly revered by the Mons, Karens and Burmese living nearby. It is also a convenient place to carry out meditation practice.

* 1399. The Thundongsathan Thavorn Nimit Dhamma Practice facility is an affiliate of Wat Pathumvanaram of Bangkok. Located in Nakhon Nayok, it has classes on Dhamma practice for the general public providing the necessary facilities. it is also where pilgrimage is made.

* 1400. Buddha Monthon is a major religious site for Buddhism. Covering a vast area of 2,500 Rai (just under 1,000 acres), it is located at Tambon Sala Ya, Nakhon Chaisi District and Tambon Ratuk, Sam Phran District of Nakhon Pathom. Many structures of great Buddhist religious significance have been erected and the site is dominated by a 13.75 meter high statue. There are facilities to carry out Dhamrna and meditation practices.

* 1401. Wat Cholprathan , a temple of the Dhammayut denomination, is located on Nonthaburi-Ha Yaek Pakkret road in Nonthaburi, is the residence of the highly respected Phra Panna Nantha Bhikku. A relatively new temple, it has quiet, cool surroundings suitable for the study of the Dhamma including meditation. There are facilities for those interested in such practice.

* 1402. Wat Sangkathan , Nonthaburi, was originally built during the late Ayutthaya Period. Although it became a deserted temple, the principal statue, Luang Poh To, remained highly revered. Today it hold meditation class for the general public.

* 1403. Wat Phra Dhammakai , located at Tambon Khlong San, Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani, is in a natural setting on a vast tract of forest. Its park-like environment is adorned with various plants and trees. On religious days, people flock to make merit and undertake meditation in the Dhammakai discipline as taught by the respected Luang Poh Pak Nam.

* 1404. Khao Wong Prachan , about 650 meters above sea level, is located in Tambon Huay Pong, Koke Samrong District of Lopburi, about 28 kms. from town. A 3,067-step stair leads up to the hilltop. The surrounding is shady and quiet, suitable for Dhamma study and practice.

* 1405. Wat Asokaram , on Sukhumvit Highway some 6 kms. from the provincial town of Samut Prakan, was built in 1962 by Phra Suthi Thamarangsi, a highly respected meditation teacher whose remains are interred at the temple. It is open to the public to undertake meditaiton.

* 1406. Wat Khao Kaew Voraviharn is located on the right bank of Pa Sak River in Saraburi. It was ordered renovated by King Rama IV who visited the area and taken under royal patronage. The environment is highly inducive to meditation practice.

* 1407. Wat Phraprankmuni situated at the 8th kilometre markstone on the highway no.33 which leads to Promburi District in Singburi Province. This temple is shady, quiet and peaceful. In the Bot, on the walls are paintings from B.E. 2462. Though they are not the works of any famous artist, they are very beautiful. The atmosphere of the temple is appropriate for meditation.

* 1408. Wat Amphawan in Promburi District, Singburi, is an old temple built in Ayutthaya period. It was later a residence of Phra Rajsuttiyanmongkhon or The Venerable Luang Po Charan Thitatammo who conducted Vipassana on concentration of the four foundations of rightmindfulness. He had restored the temple as well as had some buildings constructed to accommodate people coming to meditate. In summer, the ordination ceremony is organised for the young people to enter the novice life. Meditation classes are available for attendants, in group or individuals, with facilities provided.

* 1409. Meditation Centre at Wat Sai-Ngam Tammaram is in Tambon Donmasang, Muang District, Suphanburi. Meditation classes are directed by The Venerable Phra Kru Paowananusas, Phra Acharn Tammataro Bhikku, Headmaster for Vipassana affairs. The main Buddha image in the Bot of the Centre is Phra Pok Than in a posture of declaring principles of Dhamma, the teaching of Lord Buddha which emphasizes the insight concentration on the Four Foundations of Rightmindfulness namely seeing body in body, suffering in suffering, mind in mind and Dhamma in Dhamma. The Centre is opened for both for the natives and foreigners to practice Dhamma and mediate with facilities provided.

* 1410. Wat Maheyong in Tambon Hantra, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, had been deserted since the end of the Ayutthaya period. It was in B.E. 2527 when Phra Acharn Surasak Khemarangsi or Phra Kru Kasem Tammatat, realizing that the temple had always been residence of the Vipassana monks, established a meditation centre with facilities provided for the attendants.

* 1411. Wat Ta Sung or Wat Chantaram is about 5 kilometres from Uthai Thani. It was built in Ayutthaya period. The Bot is rather small inside which there are paintings. Phra Rajpromyamthera or the Venerable Luang Po Luesilingdam had later command the construction of many buildings surrounded by glass walls. In the corner of the front wall there are images of Luang Po Pan and Luang Po Yai. The images are triple bigger than the human size. On the temple premises there are Salas or public houses where laypersons of all sexes and ages meditate.

* 1412. Wat Khao Sukim is in Tambon Tebaisiri, Tha Mai District, Chanthaburi Province. The temple was built in the vast area up on the hill to be the meditation place for Buddhists. There are dining hall where food is given free 24 hours to the Dhamma practitioners and library to accommodate those practitioners who would like to stay overnight.

* 1413. Wat Bupparam or Wat Suandok , Chiang Mai, is on Suthep Road, Muang District. It was built in the former royal garden of the King of Lanna by Phra Chao Tuena in B.E. 1974 to be the residence of the Venerable Phra Sumanathera who introduced Lankawong Buddhism to Kingdom of Thai Lanna. The temple's surroundings are shady and peaceful, suitable for meditation and Dhamma practice.

* 1414. Wat Yarnsangwararam in Chonburi was built in B.E. 2519 in the area of 366 rais on the premises of the 2500-rai royal project. There are beautiful Chedis and other buildings in the temple. It can be accessed by Sukhumwit Road. Visitors turn left at 160th kilometre before Nongnuj Garden, and go straight about 5 kilometres.

* 1415. Wat Saranaththammaram in Rayong is at 265 kilometre markstone on Sukhumvit Road before Klaeng District. The main Buddha image in the Bot imitates Phra Buddhachinnaraj of Phitsanulok. In the four corners outside the Bot, there are replicas of the renowned constructions namely Phra Patom Chedi, Phra Tatpanom, Buddhakaya and Phra Baromtatchaiya. The temple is quiet and peaceful and shady. Facilities are provided for people to meditate.

* 1416. Wat Pa Pradoo of Rayong is in Soi Wat Pa Pradoo on Sukhumvit Road. In the Viharn of the temple there is a declining Buddha image which is different from other declining Buddha images that this one declined on the left side. The temple's surroundings are shady with various Botanic trees. Dhamma practitioners are provided with facilities.

* 1417. Weruwan Meditation Centre is at Ban Neon Tong, Muang District, Khon Kaen Province. It is a branch of Wat Amphawan in Singburi Province established to promulgate Dhamma or for the Youth. Good merits and ethics are emphasized in teaching the young people and the public. There are Dhamma training courses for groups of young people. This temple has vast and shady surrounding areas and provides facilities to the Dhamma practitioners.

* 1418. Wat Aranyawiwake in Tambon Ban Pa, Sri Songkran District, Nakhon Phanom Province, is the residence of the Venerable Luang Poo Tue Hualtammo, the supreme teacher of Vipassana who follows the guidelines of the Venerable Phra Aa-charn Man Pooritattoh. Through his monastic life he had conducted Vipassana or the insight concentration and made the pilgrimages. He always paid visits to members of family and finally came to reside at Wat Aranyawiwake. He taught Dhamma until the end of his life. His followers has built a museum to keep his personal monkhood-belongings. This temple's surroundings are left as a natural forest where shades of trees and peaceful atmosphere prevailed, though facilities are accommodated to the Dhamma practitioners.

* 1419. Wat Pa Salawan is behind the Nakhon Ratchasima Train Station. Many great Bhikkus who were renowned of their teaching of Vipassana used to stay at this temple. At present it is the residence of Then Venerable Phra Acharn Put Thaniyo. The temple is under the shade of trees, quiet and tranquil, suitable for meditating which people many attend on the Buddhist day of warship and other religious days.

* 1420. Wat Phra Narai Maharaj is on Prachak Road, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. It is historically very important temple in Nakhon Ratchasima (or Khorat as the natives called it). King Narai had graciously commanded the temple built together with the construction of Nakhon Ratchasima. It is a big temple and shady. The Bot was built in the middle of the big pond surrounded only by water. In the Bot there is a Buddha image in Subduing Mara (evil) posture from Ayutthaya period. The temple's atmosphere is very appropriate for people to meditate since it is calm and peaceful. The location of the temple is in the heart of the town that make it very convenient for visitors. Facilities are fully provided.

* 1421. Wat Banpotkhiri (Poo Cho Ko) Ban Waeng, Tambon Nongsoongtai, Mukdahan Province, is the residence of the Venerable Luang Poo La Khempatto, the great teacher of Vipassana who follows the guidelines of the Venerable Phra Acharn Man Pooritattoh. the Venerable Luang Poo La is a Dhammayutti Bhikku. He spent his time through practicing Dhamma with the Dhammayutti Bhikku. He spent his time through practicing Dhamma with The Venerable Phra Acharn Man. He made a pilgrimage from time to time in the Northeastern and also Southern regions of Thailand. He resided at last at Wat Banpotkhiri and taught Dhamma and meditation. Visitors may come to Nong Sung District in Mukdaharn to this temple where the environments is a natural forest, shady and tranquil.

* 1422. Wat Pa Summanusorn is at Ban Cokemon, Wangsapung District, Loei Province. It is about 19 kilometres form the District itself. In the temple, a big Chedi was built beautifully, as designed by Department of Arts, Ministry of Education, with iron structure and brick and tiles on the surface. Wat Pa Summanusorn is a Vipassana temple of Acharn Man's followers. It is peaceful place where people coming to meditate will be provided with facilities.

* 1423. Wat Pa Wisutthitam , Ban Coke, Khok Si Suphan District, Sakon Nakhon Province, is previously deserted and restored later by the Venerable Phra Acharn Kongma Chirapunyo. The Venerable Phra Acharn Man Pooritattoh used to stay here for some time. After the Venerable Phra Acharn Kongma passed away, his follower, the Venerable Phra Aa-charn Oun Kalayanatammo, became the next Head of the monastery. Phra Acharn Oun had also practiced Dhamma and Vipassana with the Venerable Phra Acharn Man. Nowadays meditation class is available for all walks of life.

* 1424. Wat Pa Suttawas was where the Venerable Phra Acharn Man Pooritattoh spent the last of his life. It is in the municipality of Sakon Nakhon. There here is a museum of Phra Acharn Man Pooritattoh built in the applied modern art of architecture with hardened clay. Inside there are on the display an image of the Venerable Phra Acharn Man in human size and a glass showcase contains his personal monkhood-belongings and also his relic. Here is where the story of the great teacher, the Venerable Phra Acharn Man, told. It is a nice place to practice Dhamma and meditate.

* 1425. Wat Pa Udomsomporn in Phanna Nikhom District of Sakon Nakhon Province, was the residence of the Venerable Phra Acharn Fun Ajaro, the well-known follower of the Venerable Phra Acharn Man Pooritattoh who was later the great teacher of Vipassana meditation. He himself had practiced Dhamma with the Venerable Phra Acharn Man. He had made pilgrimages until B.E. 2506, and then settled at Wat Pa Udomsompron through the end of his life. A museum was built in this temple in his memory where his imagine real size is displayed together with his personal monkhood-belongings and an exhibition of his life story. This Wat Pa is tranquil and suitable for meditation.

* 1426. Wat Pootok or Wat Chediya Khiriviharn is in Buenkal District in Nong Khai Province. The Venerable Phra Acharn Chuan Tulachettho is the first monk who made the land of 18,000 rais on the top of Pootok (name of a mountain) being a place of meditation. Starting by making steps up the hill, he spent 5 years to finish it. Along the way to the top of the mountain there are hills, trees, cliffs and caves which are naturally beautiful. Pootok is a place for meditation. Practitioners would be able to go separately onto the hill and choose to stay alone in any of the caves so that he could meditate in silence.

* 1427. Wat Hinmarkpeng is at Ban Buddhayarn, Si Chiang Mai District, Nongkhai Province. It is far from the Si Chiang Mai District about 30 kilometres. This temple is the residence of the Venerable Luang Poo Thet Tesrangsi and where monks and nuns and other pilgrims came to practice Dhamma, for it is a quiet place. Besides, the weather here is cool and comfortable which could keep one's mind calm down. Since the temple is located on the Mekong riverside, ones can have nice view on the beach and islands on the river.

* 1428. Wat Tham Erawan in Tambon Wang Tong, Na Klang District Nong Bua Lampoo Province, is a big cave on the top of a high mountain. There are 107 steps from the bottom of the mountain to the cave which is big enough to contain several hundreds people. Inside the cave is full of stalagmite and stalactite. From the mouth of the cave, beautiful view below can be seen. The Erawan cave's accession is through the road of Udon Thani-Wangsapung or highway no. 210 at the 31th kilometre markstone. It takes about 35 kilometres from Wangsapung to Wat Tum Erawan. The temple is a nice place for meditation.

* 1429. Wat Tham Klongpane in Nong Bua Lam Phu Province is at the foot of Poopaan mountain range. The temple is well-known as a Vipassana place. It was the residence of the Venerable Luang Poo Khao Analayo until the end of his life. His remain is still there where people come regularly to pay respect to the relic. The temple is quiet and calm which is appropriate to meditate. There is a cave where an ancient 2-face drum is placed and Phra Buddhabantomnimitre, a Buddha image, is seated. Accommodation and facilities are provided for visitors.

* 1430. Wat Burapa in the district of Trakampuetpol, Amnat Charoen Province is an old temple paired with Wat Singharn in Ban Sapue. There were only few houses before the Venerable Phra Acharn Luang Poo Tone Kantaseelo or Phra Poomsalsankhakij, appointed by His Holiness Somdej Phra Maha Veerawong as Head of Monastery, came to restore the premises. Now the temple is a very nice place, shady and tranquil and opened for Dhamma practitioners with all facilities provided.

* 1431. Wat Tham Sang Phet , Amnat Charoen Province, is considered a major meditation facility in the Northeast following the teachings of Luang Pu Cha Subhatto. The life history of Luang Pu is displayed at the temple. Buildings and structure smoothly blend in with the natural surroundings which are highly suitable for meditation.

* 1432. Wat Pa Ban Tard , Udon Thani, is set in the forest environment covering an area of 163 Rai (approx. 60 acres) and the residence of Acharn Maha Hua, a protege of Phra Acharn Man Bhuritatto, a highly respected mentor. There are quarters for undertaking meditation.

* 1433. Wat Pa Nanachart , Ubon Ratchathani, is an international community where several foreigners take up residence as Buddhist monks. The present abbot is also from overseas but all monks are able to speak Thai. There are facilities for Dharma and meditation classes.

* 1434. Wat Nong Pa Pon g, Ubon Ratchathani, features a prominent white Thai-architectural-style Ubosot. a wax figure of the late, highly respected Luang Pu Cha is enshrined here. The environment is inducive to the study of the Dhamma and meditation as there are available the necessary facilities including accommodation.

* 1435. The Tham Sua Khao Kaew Meditation Establishment , Krabi Province, is noted for its meditation classes held in various caves in the Au Luk Thanu valley. There are accommodation, practice and other facilities. Lessons are conducted by the well-known Acharn Vichai Khammiyo.

* 1436. Wat Chye Na , Muang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, is the centre of meditation monks of the country. Classes are conducted for both the clergy and the laity with all necessary facilities.

* 1437. Wat Khao Khun Phanom , Muang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, is the site of some interesting antiquities including the plaster wall in front of the cave to the east which features tablets similar to the sema usually found on city wall. There are also several Buddha statues. It is said that King Taksin entered the monkhood at the temple. The surrounding is quiet and serene suitable for meditation practices.

* 1438. Wat Cholthara Singha , Tak Bai District, Narathiwat, is an old temple believed to have been built in the early Rattanakosin Period as the last frontier of Thailand to the east of the province. there are several Buddhist structures built in Southern Thai style. Beautiful murals made by Songkhla monks adorn the Ubosot walls reflecting the interesting lifestyle of the locality. It is also a suitable place for meditation.

* 1439. Wat Cherng Khao , Ba Joh District, Narathiwat, is another site suitable for meditation practice. The body of Luang Pho Dang, who died some time ago, remains unchanged, is enshrined in a glass coffin.

* 1440. Wat Chang Hai at Tambon Hin rai, Koke Pho District, Pattani, is more than 300 years old was the residence of the late, respected Luang Pu Thuad until his passing away. Today it is regarded as a sacred site where Buddhist devouts goo to pay tribute and undergo Dharma practice.

* 1441. Wat Tham Sumno , Muang District, Pattalung, features caves with stalagmites and stalactites and airy chambers with ground and one underground levels. There are several Buddha statues in different postures. The surrounding is quiet and suitable for Dhamma followers and nature-lovers.

* 1442. Wat Han is located on Koh Han, a part of the Samui Islands, Surat Thani. Its main feature is the Phra Buddhakhodom, a large Buddha statue with a lap with of some 10 meters. There is a meditation center on Koh Han where Thai and foreign enthusiasts can undertake classes.

* 1443. Wat Khao Tham , on top of Khao Kao Hang hill in Tambon Hin Tai, Koh Pa-ngan, Surat Thani, is the site of a religious establishment with pleasant and cool environment. There are monks living quarters, pavilions and replica of the Holy Footprint and other statues. Meditation followers can make use of the available facilities which are adequate.

* 1444. Wat Suan Moke Plaram , at Khao Buddhathong in Chaiya District of Surat Thani, was built by the highly venerated Buddhathat Bhikkhu in 1959. Originally named Wat Than Nam Lai, it is now an establishment providing classes for Dhamma study in pleasant and serene surrounding for mental training. Meditation lessons are conducted for both Thais and foreigners. Training for foreigners is from 1st-10th and for Thais 20th-27th of each month.

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