Ajahn Sona's Retreat: Update from Maechee Mon

[Birken Forest Monastery]

Dear Friends,

Having just passed the half-way point of Ajahn Sona's year of solitary retreat, Maechee Mon sends the following update to Birken's friends and supporters:

How it's going.          6 months update

Luang Por Chah :
   " Perhaps it's a good thing I'm not perfect,
otherwise you might be looking for the Buddha somewhere outside your own mind. "

Ajahn Sona :
    " Beware of the perfect monastery. "
What I learned from Ajahn Chah was this :
             "Is it good enough? "
Perfection is the enemy of the good.

"I really appreciate those who are helpful and support Sister Mon in her gift to me of managing the monastery. "

Maechee Mon   maybe ?  :
" It has been very rich learning experience both external and internal.
In the west the practical matter of building and running a monastery is a big part of the total practice, it is not separate.
It is a necessity.  I have needed some advice once in a while from Ajahn Sona.
It is an honour to contribute to the maintenance of the Dhamma.
I feel very grateful for this precious opportunity, to know more about and train the mind.
After 6 months I feel more confident that we have done a good job.
We are ready for the winter in Canada ("a God forsaken iceberg"). 
Anumodana!  for many help and hard work from all our kind stewards and good Dhamma friends. "


Much Metta,
Sister Mon