Being Mindful Stories

Joke · Ajahn Brahm

“At least I haven't got cancer”

As told by Ajahn Brahm in Building a House of Peace | Ajahn Brahm | 13-04-2007

1 min read

Content note: illness humour

The story — as told by Ajahn Brahm (verbatim captions)

Guy goes to goes to the doctor and the doctor said, "Sorry, sir. You got terminal cancer." Oh, gee, that's bad news. But the doctor says, "But I found another disease you have as well. You've also got Alzheimer's disease." Alzheimer's? Oh, that's not so bad. At least I haven't got cancer.

▶ Watch Ajahn Brahm tell it from 50:33 (to 50:54)

A reflection (in the spirit of Ajahn Brahm's talk)

Told he has terminal cancer and Alzheimer's, a man brightens: at least I haven't got cancer. A dark joke that dawns slowly. Ajahn Brahm finds a rested, energised mind enjoys life more and sees deeper. Find out about life for yourself. And give yourself a break while you work hard.

In brief (our summary)

A doctor tells a man he has terminal cancer — and Alzheimer's. “Alzheimer's? Oh, that's not so bad. At least I haven't got cancer.”

Teaching point

(Told 'out of context'; a bright, energised mind remembers jokes and enjoys life.)

When this story may help

Themes

Source & credit

Told by Ajahn Brahm in Building a House of Peace | Ajahn Brahm | 13-04-2007 · 2007-04-17 · ▶ watch from 50:33 to 50:54 · Buddhist Society of Western Australia

The narrative is Ajahn Brahm's own telling, quoted from the talk captions. The summary and reflection are Being Mindful Stories's editorial notes. Please credit the teacher and link the original talk. Markdown version

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