It is not known precisely when Buddhism first came to Australia. It has argued that there may have been contact between the Aboriginal people of northern Australia and the early Hindu-Buddhist civilisations of Indonesia. It is also possible that the great fleets of the Chinese Ming emperors, which explored the south between 1405 and 1433, may have reached the mainland of Australia. The first certain contact with Buddhism can be dated to 1848, when Chinese labourers arrived to …showed first 75 words of 2555 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2555 total…and directs them to the appropriate Buddhist organisation for further help. The newly formed Buddhist Council of Victoria performs a similar function in Victoria. Provided that some problems can be overcome, Buddhism in Australia seems set for a period of growth which is steady but not as rapid as in the past 20 years. May we find support in the Triple Gem for our efforts, and may all beings be well and happy in the Dharma.