When the Dharma Was Shared Beneath the Open Sky

"The meditation hall was not yet ready, yet the practice continued. We discovered once again that the true meditation hall is first built in our hearts."

Many years ago, when the Still Water Meditation Hall in Upper Hamlet was being renovated, Thay offered the Dharma Talk outdoors during the Day of Mindfulness. It was a beautiful day. The monastics gathered for chanting, and together we received the Dharma Rain beneath the shade of the six umbrella pine trees.

The meditation hall was not yet ready, yet the practice continued. We discovered once again that the true meditation hall is first built in our hearts, wherever mindfulness, peace, and community are present.

Today, those same pine trees continue to stand quietly, witnessing countless footsteps of practice. They have seen generations of practitioners come and go, and recently they witnessed the joyful celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Order of Interbeing and the 100th anniversary of the birth of our beloved teacher, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

Here in Thailand, we are walking a similar path.

Thanks to the kindness and generosity of friends around the world, the "Space Beyond Space" Meditation Hall is gradually taking shape. Every stone laid, every beam raised, and every act of support—whether through a financial contribution, offering skills, encouragement, or simply holding the project in your mindfulness—helps create a place where countless people will be able to cultivate peace and understanding for generations to come.

On behalf of the Construction Committee and the entire Sangha, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has already become part of this journey. Your generosity is helping transform a shared aspiration into a living reality. If you feel inspired to join us, we warmly invite you to visit our donation page here:((Link to the donation page))

If this project touches your heart, we would also be grateful if you could share it with your friends, family, or Sangha members who may wish to help cultivate this peaceful refuge together with us.

Below are a few recent photographs showing the progress of the construction. We look forward to sharing regular updates as the meditation hall slowly blossoms, step by mindful step.

May this meditation hall become a refuge where many generations can breathe, smile, and touch peace together.

With a lotus for all,

The Construction Committee

29th June 2026