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because all the soil in the area was highly acidic. To render the groundwater potable, they had to dose it with alum to precipitate out the toxins, boil it and carefully pour off the drinkable part leaving a thick scum at the bottom of the pot. However, such difficulties failed to discourage the pioneers who were more intent on the meritorious task of constructing the new temple. At that time there were three monks, four or five resident laymen [upāsaka] and seven or eight hired workers. The laymen at that time lived at the ‘Green House’ on the present day site of ‘Tāvatimsa’ and the ‘Thai House’ which at that time was on the present day site of ‘Catumahārājika’ Hall. There was also a small kitchen on the site of the present day Yāma kitchen, but like all the other buildings of that time, it was a temporary structure. Sometimes funds were short. Khun Phadet would ask Khun Yay, “Do we have a little money left?” “Yes. There’s about a thousand baht left ($25).” He looked concerned, but Khun Yay looked unruffled as always. “Go and sit for meditation,” she advised, “and I’ll do the necessary.” Khun Phadet followed her advice and Khun Yay too, sat for a long meditation from six until nine p.m.. After the meditation, Khun Phadet admitted to Khun Yay, “If I don’t have 10,000 to pay the workmen by tomorrow, we’re sure to have trouble on our hands.” Khun Yay looked back at him, unruffled as always and maintained, “The necessary funds ought to be arriving by nightfall.” Khun Yay looked confident, but Khun Phadet didn’t know what more to say – so he bade her goodnight, saying he’d be back early