# I think I'm enlightened — I don't feel myself

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Joke
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-joke-enlightened-dont-feel-myself
- Themes: humour, anatta, monastic life
- Life situations: needing a laugh

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

Monk wakes claiming enlightenment because he 'didn't feel himself' — Fennel Chan / anattā punchline.

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

this monk who woke up one morning and he told his fellow monk he said I think I'm enlightened. Said how do you know whether when I woke up in this morning I didn't feel myself. Okay I thought that was funny. But I blame Fennel Chan. I don't feel myself. No self. No self

## Teaching point

Even no-self can be a dad joke.

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

A monk woke up announcing he was enlightened: this morning I didn't feel myself. No self, Ajahn Brahm groans. Then he recalls a priest who believed everyone is searching for God. His first instinct was to argue. He chose to respect it and keep the conversation going. Look for common ground before 'us and them'.

## Source

- [Learning How to Live Together | Ajahn Brahm | 2 February 2018](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XcIDHLRCk8) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 31:00 to 31:33: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XcIDHLRCk8&t=1860s