People love stories. People love to hear other people's stories as if their stories are more interesting than our own life-stories. Now, let me tell you about this story from one of the Buddhist monks whom I currently admire, Ajahn Brahm. He is well-known with his capabilities of giving us, Buddhist lay people, the Dhamma teachings with simple yet deeply meaningful stories. These are real stories and I strongly believe that everyone, regardless of any religion, will be able to take the meaning of the story...
What's Done is Finished
The monsoon in Thailand is from July to October. During the period, the monks stop travelling, put aside all work projects and devote themselves to study and meditation. The period is called 'Vassa' or the 'Rains Retreat'.
In the south of Thailand some years ago, a famous abbot was building a new hall in his forest monastery. When the Rains Retreat came, he stopped all work and sent the builders home. This was the time for quiet in his monastery.
A few days later a visitor came, saw the half-constructed building and asked the abbot when his hall would be finished. Without hesitation, the old monk said, 'The hall is finished.'
'What do you mean, "The hall is finished"?' the visitor replied, taken aback. 'It hasn't got a roof. There are no doors or windows. There are pieces of wood and cement bags all over the place. Are you going to leave it like that? Are you mad? What do you mean,"The hall is finished"?'
The old abbot smiled and gently replied,'What's done is finished.' and then he went away to meditate.
That is the only way to have a retreat or to take a break. Otherwise our work is never finished.
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