# Death us do part — see you in heaven

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Joke
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-joke-death-do-us-part-in-heaven
- Themes: humour, death, marriage, letting go
- Life situations: needing a laugh, aging

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

Devoted couple reunite in heaven; he refuses her — the ceremony said death us do part, and they are dead now.

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

two people that once they were married they lived a lovely life together. She was so devoted to him. He was devoted to her. And eventually they passed away and they met up in heaven. And as soon as they met up in heaven you know, she he came up to her. "Oh, darling, we meet again." He said, "No, no, I've got nothing to do with you now." "What do you mean?" "So, you know, we we were supposed to be loving each other." He said, "Don't you don't you remember the ceremony? It said death us do part. We're dead now

## Teaching point

Even vows have a use-by date if you read the small print.

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

A devoted couple meet again in heaven, and he backs away: the vows said till death us do part, and we're dead now. Everything has a use-by date, Ajahn Brahm laughs, even relationships and bodies. So make the best of your time with friends, and let ageing teach you how little you need.

## Source

- [Let's Talk About Old Age | Ajahn Brahm | 17 May 2019](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGwf48aokyE) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 26:32 to 27:02: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGwf48aokyE&t=1592s