Being Mindful Stories

Story · Ajahn Brahm

Thank you, burglar

As told by Ajahn Brahm in Dealing with Tiredness | Ajahn Brahm | 19 Feb 2016

1 min read

The story — as told by Ajahn Brahm (verbatim captions)

Recently we had a break-in at Bodhinyana monastery. They pinched some chainsaws. Straightaway, I said they can pinch the chainsaws, they can steal that, but they're not going to steal our peace and compassion. We're not going to worry about that. In fact it turned out to be really good because those chainsaws were quite old and the insurance allowed us to get much better ones. [laughter] So if ever that thief is around, come up here and we'll say thankyou.

▶ Watch Ajahn Brahm tell it from 56:56 (to 57:28)

A reflection (in the spirit of Ajahn Brahm's talk)

Burglars took the monastery's old chainsaws and generators, the insurance paid for better ones, and Ajahn Brahm offered to thank the thief. A loss doesn't have to take your peace along with it. Things can be stolen; your happiness and hope are yours to keep. Sometimes a setback even turns out to be a favour.

In brief (our summary)

When burglars steal generators, chainsaws and expensive equipment from the Bodhinyana workshop, Ajahn Brahm thanks them: the gear was old, and insurance bought new — they came out ahead. Next time, he jokes, they'll book the burglar to clear out the workshop.

Teaching point

Instead of blaming those who wrong you, you can sometimes thank them.

When this story may help

  • burglary
  • theft
  • loss of property

Themes

Source & credit

Told by Ajahn Brahm in Dealing with Tiredness | Ajahn Brahm | 19 Feb 2016 · 2016-02-20 · ▶ watch from 56:56 to 57:28 · Buddhist Society of Western Australia

9 other tellings of this story

Caption notes: Manual (volunteer) captions; occasional misspellings kept as is.

The narrative is Ajahn Brahm's own telling, quoted from the talk captions. The summary and reflection are Being Mindful Stories's editorial notes. Please credit the teacher and link the original talk. Markdown version

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  • A thank-you letter to the Health Minister

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  • Economy class was paradise

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