25 The Unfinished Stūpa

A woman and her novice brother, having died before completing a stūpa, lingered anxiously. Ajahn Mun taught them to let go of past and future, explaining merit resides in the heart, not bricks and mortar. He taught the five precepts, and they took refuge, soon reborn in Tāvatiṃsa heaven. They returned as devas to thank him, having realized attachments delay favorable rebirth.