The Miraculous Establishment of Dhammakaya Temple : หน้า 56/200

pinnacle of success as we know today. Chayaboon and Padej were the driving force behind many of Khun Yai's success. After the ordination of Luang Por Dhammajayo, Khun Yai felt the time was right for them to build a Buddhist temple where true monks could be developed and the Dhammakaya Knowledge could be propagated to benefit mankind. To fulfill this vision, a great deal of financial resources would be needed. Unfortunately, all that Khun Yai had was her own savings of a mere 3,200 Baht (US$160 in 1970). But Khun Yai was a perpetual optimist who believed in the power of merit. The day that Khun Yai's team met with Lady Prayad, owner of the vast piece of land that the team aimed at acquiring, happened to coincide with Lady Prayad's birthday. It was a lucky day for Khun Yai and the team. Not only was Lady Prayad willing to part with the land, but she was in fact willing to donate the entire 78.4 acres of her land to the future temple as her birthday merit-making. This was nothing less than a miracle—or, more appropriately, a 'merit power'. The Dhammakaya Temple was formally established on Magha Puja Day, February 20, 1970. The Main Chapel was completed in 1982. The property was later expanded to 1,000 acres in 1985. The Great Dhammakaya Cetiya, the world's largest Buddhist monument where 300,000 Buddha images are enshrined on the exterior dome, was completed in the year 2000. The Grand Opening Ceremony of the Cetiya took place