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meditation outside the temple. Chandra had intended from the start to practise meditation with the teacher and hearing the news that she would soon visit the household again, Chandra was filled with joy and expectation. She knew that Upāsika Thongsuk would be the one able to teach her the knowledge she needed, if anyone could. Chandra wanted to start meditating with the teacher immediately like the rest of Khun Nai Liap’s family. At the same time she knew that in her present status as a mere maidservant, she could not take such a privilege for granted. Thus she looked for ways to serve Upāsika Thongsuk to bring herself to the teacher’s notice as a worthy student. Only then might she be permitted to study meditation with the rest of the family. This meant that Chandra had to work even harder than before. Now she had to find time to make herself useful to the teacher. She made up the teacher’s bed, dusted the mosquito net and laundered the teacher’s clothes, ironing and folding them so neatly that they would be sure to capture the teacher’s attention. Several weeks later, as Upāsika Thongsuk was reflecting on her impeccable laundry, she asked Chandra “Do you want to try learning meditation sometime?” Hearing these words, Chandra felt exhilarated like a cat being offered the cream and replied to Upāsika Thongsuk, “There is nothing more in the world I would wish for — but I cannot just go upstairs and learn with the others in case my mistress objects.” Upāsika Thongsuk thus obtained Khun Nai Liap’s permission for Chandra to sit for meditation with the rest of the family. The room upstairs where they meditated with Up-