“The monsoon in Thailand is from July to October. During this 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 fin- ished. 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.”

Opening the Door of Your Heart: And other Buddhist tales of happiness

by Ajahn Brahm

In projects, there are many phases. For school, there are many stages, P1- p6 and secondary and more. Work is never finished. Just think of what’s done, we are finished. Take a break. A completion of the hall is a finished section. Human chases the next big thing. I often caught myself planning for the next thing and never get peace.

‘“The smart gardener considers, ‘I’ve worked long enough, now is the time to enjoy the fruit of my work, to listen for the peace. So even though the lawn needs mowing and the leaves need raking and blah! blah! blah! NOT NOW.’ This way, we find the wisdom to enjoy the garden even though it’s not perfect.” Ajahn Brahm