# The hole is too deep — or your arms too short?

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Analogy
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-hole-too-deep-arms-too-short
- Themes: complaining, problem-solving, humour
- Life situations: frustration, stuck

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

Man can't reach forest-hole treasure; complains the hole is too deep. Second man uses a stick: problem isn't depth — your arms are too short. Extend them.

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

it's not the hole is too deep, your arm is too short So when he extended his arm by picking up a stick and hooking the treasure out I always liked that simile It's not the hole is too deep your arm is too short so lengthen the arm problem solved

## Teaching point

Complaining names the wrong problem — extend your reach instead of cursing the hole.

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

A man couldn't reach treasure at the bottom of a hole and complained it was too deep. Another man said: your arm's too short. He picked up a stick and hooked the treasure out. Ajahn Brahm loves that simile. Complaining often names the wrong problem. Instead of cursing the obstacle, find a way to extend your reach.

## Source

- [Word of the Buddha (part 3) | Ajahn Brahm | 12 February 2017](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C77F1Ya4UM) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 3:02 to 3:19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C77F1Ya4UM&t=182s

Other tellings of this story:

- [No Complaints | Ajahn Brahm | 14-03-2008](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5wzoYA9k4k) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 21:20 to 22:40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5wzoYA9k4k&t=1280s
- [Holey Life | Ajahn Brahm | 27 April 2018](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abXj60Be2BI) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 14:51 to 15:57: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abXj60Be2BI&t=891s