# Pub arguments, then buy each other a drink

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Story
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-cambridge-pub-arguments-for-fun
- Themes: friendship, argument, university, respect
- Life situations: conflict with friends, learning to disagree

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

At university (and before), Ajahn Brahm and friends spent evenings in pubs arguing passionately about philosophy, religion, politics and sport — going at it excitedly, with emotional power. Argument as passion, not half-hearted chat.

## The story, as told by Ajahn Brahm (verbatim captions)

I remember many many evenings espe well you know before I even went to college but especially when I was at University many evenings going to a pub or a bar with your friends I we'd have great arguments arguments about everything you know philosophy you know religion politics sport we would argue and the arguments were passionate and they have to be passionate please put passion into your life especially compassion that's the best passion of all but don't just do things half-hearted so we' really go at it and we' be excited emotional that was important that gave it power

## Teaching point

Put real passion into disagreement; half-hearted argument teaches nothing.

## Reflection (in the spirit of Ajahn Brahm's talk)

As a student, Ajahn Brahm argued passionately in pubs about philosophy, religion and sport, and his friends were still friends afterwards. No one was out to win or put anyone down. Bring passion to what you care about. Wrap disagreement in kindness, and argument becomes a way to learn together.

## Source

- [Understanding Arguments | Ajahn Brahm | 15-04-2011](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDgBfvFv-54) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 29:14 to 29:57: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDgBfvFv-54&t=1754s