Asset 20
Meditation Island
Meditation Island @Ko Phaluai
In August 2015, during the Buddhist Lent, the second generation of Upasika Jai Phra was in the process of ordination. At that time, the Upasikas were staying at Wat Wang Niang. On the morning of September 10, a deep inner calling arose—to find a remote, forested place far from people for solitude and retreat. While pondering where to go, a single word spontaneously surfaced in the mind: "Koh Phaluai."
Ko Phaluai is one of the islands in the Ang Thong Archipelago, not far from Suan Yindee Talay @ Sichon. Traveling by boat from Suan Yindee Talay @ Sichon, the distance is approximately 60 kilometers. Upon exploring the island, as we ventured deeper inland, an overwhelming sense of peace was felt. A thought then arose: “Why does this island feel as if time doesn’t exist here?” There was a stirring within—a feeling that was difficult to describe. This profound experience is reflected in the messages exchanged with the secretarial team at the time: Khun Nattsuda (Ae) and Khun Thirada (Beer).

Master:
It’s truly peaceful here. I feel so light the moment I arrived. It’s as if the world has turned back 30 years. This feels like another world—time moves so slowly here.
Khun Nattsuda (Ae):
Yes, Ajarn. It seems like a pollution-free island.
Khun Thirada (Beer):
Yes, Ajarn. I’ve already arranged the accommodation.

After that, we stayed overnight at the resort owned by Director Peerapol. During our conversation, I shared with him that I had come to the island in search of a place for solitude. He then kindly offered to take us to see a piece of land—which is now the current site of the center. I remember that day vividly. We hiked up to the land on foot, under the blazing sun, exhausted from the steep, red-earth trail and the overgrown forest. But the moment we reached the area, everyone felt the same sensation—the air suddenly turned cool, as if we had walked into an air-conditioned room. Director Peerapol, who was leading the way, turned to me and said, “Ajarn, could it be that this place is meant to be a meditation center? That’s why it feels so cool.” I smiled and immediately replied, “Absolutely!”
We then made the decision to purchase this piece of land—at 230,000 baht per rai, with a total area of 8 rai, 3 ngan, and 88 square wah.
Later, just before the second generation of Upasika Jai Phra completed their rains-retreat ordination, we returned to Koh Phaluai and brought the Upasikas to visit. Upon seeing the place, they all felt the peace and tranquility it offered. This inspired the group to raise the first round of funds to begin developing the site. What began as a personal search for solitude gradually transformed into what is now Dhutanga Center: Makkhanuka Viveka, Ko Phaluai—a sanctuary for everyone to come and practice meditation.
The Beginning of Construction
The construction began with Khun Mae Yindee calling a meeting of three construction teams and assigning tasks to each. On January 1, 2016, the project officially commenced. The process was extremely challenging—there was no water, no electricity, and the path from the base to the mountaintop was rugged and difficult to access. All construction materials had to be transported by hired boats, trip after trip, making the cost of building on the island several times higher than on the mainland. During the construction period, the team had to camp and sleep in the forest. Khun Link, the project’s architect, helped adjust and optimize the building plans to best suit the terrain and natural environment. This collaborative effort gave rise to the structures we now see today. At the same time, Dhamma retreats continued as usual, both in Thailand and abroad—they never paused, even while construction was underway.
Amazingly, the construction was completed within just eight months. Everyone involved gave their all, facing every challenge with wisdom and resilience. Throughout the entire process, no one was harmed, and the project was carried through to completion smoothly. From that one morning when the word “Ko Phaluai!” arose in the heart, a seed was planted—one that grew into a meditation retreat center dedicated to benefiting all who seek peace. It is a place of sappaya—a supportive environment—for practicing the Noble Eightfold Path and refining defilements through the 13 Dhutanga practices, continuing the teachings and path of the Lord Buddha and the great masters, ensuring that the way to liberation from suffering remains alive for generations to come.

We therefore rejoice in the merits of all those who contributed to the founding of this center—those who offered their resources, their physical efforts, and their wisdom. Together, these contributions became a powerful force that brought this vision into reality. Along with this, comes the great responsibility we all share: to carry forward and preserve the Dhamma for generations to come. It is through this united effort that Dhutanga Center: Makkhanuka Viveka, Koh Phaluai came to completion—a sanctuary for sincere practitioners. May all who helped build this sacred place, and all who come here to practice, receive the full blessings and merits of this wholesome endeavor. And may these merits be a supporting condition for everyone to walk the path to the ultimate liberation from suffering. Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu.

This reflection was recorded on August 20, 2016, at 4:04 AM.
Note: As of today, August 20, 2016, the land belonging to the center has expanded to a total of 14 rai.
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