# First five-minute meditation, 1969

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Story
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-first-five-minute-meditation-1969
- Themes: meditation, beginnings, peace, joy, practice
- Life situations: practice, beginners

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

In 1969 — about fifty-five years before this talk — Ajahn Brahm sits for his first meditation, only five minutes. Even that tiny taste of peace and relaxation catches him; he hopes every listener can feel the same peaceful joy.

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

I sat down to do some meditation, which was in 1969. How many years ago is that? 55? 55 years ago. It was only for 5 minutes. And I remember that and it was just like, "That feels good. It's peaceful. It's relaxing." And it was a lot of only a tiny bit of happiness, but it really felt good. And it caught me the very first time I I did some meditation. And hopefully that every one of you can feel the same

## Teaching point

A little genuine peace is enough to catch you for life.

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

In 1969, student Ajahn Brahm meditated for the first time, just five minutes. It was only a tiny bit of peace, but it felt good, and it caught him for life. He hopes everyone can feel the same. Don't just watch the breath; look for the peace and joy. If it isn't joyful, something's being forced. Let the body and mind settle.

## Source

- [Guided Meditation | Ajahn Brahm | 16 March 2024](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOvIHS1hTSk) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 2:47 to 3:25: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOvIHS1hTSk&t=167s

Other tellings of this story:

- [Emboldening the Mind with Fizz & Sparkle (5/14) | Ajahn Brahm & Venerable Canda | 8 December 2021](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxK-FsOhmOE) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 1:20 to 2:04: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxK-FsOhmOE&t=80s
- [2023 April (1/19) | 9 day Retreat | Ajahn Brahm](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98nirVZgiG4) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 2:30 to 3:35: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98nirVZgiG4&t=150s