# The framed man who couldn't face the public

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Story
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-framed-prisoner-released
- Themes: stigma, injustice, labels, prison
- Life situations: wrongful conviction, stigma, fear of being seen, life after prison

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

A Buddhist jailed for murder, who had read Ajahn Brahm's books inside, is freed after a journalist shows he was framed. He comes to a few talks but is so embarrassed at being recognised that he eventually returns to England where no one knows him.

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

i remember some years ago there was a he he was put in jail for about 40 50 years i think for murder and eventually that one of the journalists took up his case found out he was framed he was released he was also a buddhist he actually would ask for books from us and listen to the talk so after he was released he actually came here and listened to a few talks but he said that he was so embarrassed being out in public because he was like a famous person and because of that he eventually decided better to go to back to england where you know they wouldn't know him

## Teaching point

Stigma clings to people; you are much more than any label or past.

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

A man jailed for a murder he didn't commit read Ajahn Brahm's books inside and was freed when a journalist proved he'd been framed. But being recognised in public was so hard that he moved back to England. Labels stick. Whatever someone has been through, they are always much more than that.

## Source

- [Positive Perspective and Acceptance | Ajahn Brahm | 3 June 2022](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J5YVDTB1bE) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 55:23 to 56:07: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J5YVDTB1bE&t=3323s