Day 10 – Buddhism Contemplates the Hole

Content from Mike

Tuesday - 20 November

Gotcha with the title, eh? Today we learn about what it means to be four feet deep in Thailand. This is not about three sheets to the wind, or two hairs past a freckle or a partridge in a pear tree. No, four feet down was the goal, and the goal was four feet down.

Force Habitat was tasked with digging out for a side-by-side septic tank set-up for the new house. The maestros gave us the position and the rough dimensions in the dirt just by the side of the old house. It was up us to make them proud.

Mama's Pretty Happy

 There are several approaches to contemplating hole-digging.  One is the “What did I do to deserve this?” query.  Then there is the “Does it have to be finished today?” inquiry.  And of course there is the question “What else could I be doing if this hole ain’t dug?”

But these are pointless points for achieving hole-ness.  No, the best way to begin is with a song in yer heart and a shovel in yer hand.  OK, maybe no song, but…

Stephanie Wangin' Away

The right tool for the right fool is imperative.  We had shovels, hoes, rebar as a pry bar, and a few whacks from a machete.  Pretty good start.  But most important is a good set of buddies to share the load.  And to take turns.  And to stand by to help you out of the hole when it overwhelms you.

The original dimensions of about one meter by two kept on expanding as various builders came by.  Our first rectangle was almost immediately enlarged due to the detritus of the top layer: bottles, a few cracked dishes, stones, tree roots – all the things to make you feel you picked the wrong task.  Slow goin’ at first, but many hands, you know…well, let’s say it was easier to dig than it was to type this up deep into the night after supper.

Sarah and Mike Hard at Work

Sarah and Joanne Taking a Photo-Break

 After a while, though, the mind can wander: Doesn’t this look like a grave plot?  I hope the dogs don’t fall in.  Why is it so hot today?  Thoughts like these need to be nipped in the bud and a rhythm established – a little loosening up, a few strokes of the hoe (technically know as ‘wanging with the hoe’ – loosely translated from the Thai - and then shovelling it all out.

Mai Supervising the Dig

Now you learn something about yer buddies by the way they shovel dirt.  There’s a plodding stroke, a dainty stroke, and the ever popular flinging stroke.  Different strokes, for, well, you know.  Hey, whatever gets you deeper.

After a while the hole takes shape.  It begins to get admirable.  Corners neat and square, different layers of soil exposed, a noticeable pile of dirt more out than in the hole.  The breaks become more frequent, the initial intensity gives way to a standard rotation of wangers, then flingers, then resters. 

People begin to notice – “right some good hole”; “I can’t believe how deep you’re getting”; “You got a little dirt on you”.

After lunch it’s a serious affair.  A tarp is erected to shield us from the sun.  It takes time to spell yer buddy because yer buddy has to find an undignified way out of the hole.  But it satisfies, it’s tangible, it makes the sore shoulders take a back seat.  And then comes the moment of dirt-digging ecstasy.

 

Rats - Struck Water, Not Oil

The shovel goes in and water bubbles up – we’ve reached the water table, bringing on a flurry of maestros with tape measures in hand, debating in rapid Thai about the depth of the hole compared to the height of the cement septic tubes.  The effort is judged good, and from the bottom of the hole, joy reigns – OK, we’re pretty happy, if a little delirious – and with a little levelling off, the hole is finished.

The Happy Dance

Several liters of drinks later, the task of shifting the cement hoops into the hole begins and a fair portion of the neighbourhood is on hand to watch.  Dogs, grandmas, chickens, passers-by: all have a fascination for the event if only to figure out who might slip on the lip and into the hole first.  But in expert fashion the structure is assembled in their places and the philosophical conundrum of the day takes place – we fill in the hole around the tubes!  Why?  It was such a proper hole, deeper than wide, corners neat and square, why?

Don't Drop It!

Placement of the Cement Cones

Buddhism as I have dabbled in does not specifically mention digging holes, but then again it may.  Perhaps this is the lesson:  no hole goes unfilled in life when many hands come together.

Or not.  If you were expecting some insight into Major Philosophy, let me assure you: sometimes a hole is just a hole.  Good night.

One Happy Couple....

... and One Big Happy Family