what's done is finished

 

 

 

 

The monsoon in Thailand is from July to October.

During this period, the monks stop traveling, put aside all work

projects, and devote themselves to study and meditation. The

period is called Vassa, 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.

 

 

 

 

 ~ Ajahn Brahm

from Who Ordered this Truckload of Dung?