Our Own Affair

Eventually, the teachings run out. When you know causes, you let go of causes. When you know results, you let go of results. So where will you stay? Above causes and beyond results. Above birth and beyond death. That’s where you stay. You stay where everything is ended and runs out. The mind is at peace, away from causes and results; at peace away from birth and death; at peace away from pleasure and pain. It stays in peace like that. There are no causes and effects right there.

Once you’re above causes and beyond results, that’s the end point of what we’re practicing. We aim right there. That’s why the Buddha taught only that far. After that, what we practice is our own affair. Where we continue to go is our own affair. He taught only this far. He has a boat and an oar, and he gives it to us: both the boat and the oar. If we paddle with it, the boat will go forward. If we don’t paddle with it, the boat stays where it is. It’s our own affair.

(The Teachings of Ajahn Chah)