# Rubbing the monk's belly

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Story
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-chinese-new-year-belly-rub
- Themes: humour, superstition, joy, acceptance
- Life situations: awkward encounters, being touched without asking

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

Around Chinese New Year, standing by the reception door of the Perth centre, Ajahn Brahm is approached by an elderly Chinese woman who takes one look at the fat-tummied monk and rubs his belly for luck. He could have objected — no superstition here, it's offensive, it's assault — but instead he laughs, she laughs, and she has a really good rub.

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

I was here one day just sitting just now standing just by the the door of the reception area and it must have been I think Chinese New Year some around then and there's this woman came in you know quite elderly Chinese took one look at me a monk with a fat tummy rubbing it for luck and say what's the point of that we're not into Superstition in this place you know you don't get good luck by rubbing amongst my belly and it's offensive I could sue you for that it's assault but that's not how you learn to be and to train in Buddhism enjoy the moment so I laughed and she laughed and had a really good rub

## Teaching point

Not everything needs a point; meet odd moments with humour and warmth rather than correction.

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

An elderly woman rubbed the monk's ample belly for Chinese New Year luck. He could have lectured her on superstition; instead they both laughed, and she had a good rub. Not every moment needs correcting. Joy is rare enough. Meet odd moments with warmth, and bring some fun into your relationships.

## Source

- [How to React to Life | Ajahn Brahm | 30 June 2017](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhLQy4iMDl4) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 31:58 to 33:00: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhLQy4iMDl4&t=1918s

Other tellings of this story:

- [Living Without Blame | Ajahn Brahm | 05-12-2014](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR5c4h7Tmo0) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 14:47 to 15:18: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR5c4h7Tmo0&t=887s