# The parrot ordered whiskey

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Joke
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-joke-parrot-whiskey-on-plane
- Themes: humour, travel, animals
- Life situations: needing a laugh, flying

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

Passenger and parrot on a cut-price airline; attendant asks for drinks; parrot demands whiskey; attendant shocked; passenger only wants tea.

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

there was this guy sitting next to a parrot and then when the flight attendant came said can I get you something to drink the parrot said give me whiskey you who the flight attender was really shocked and really confused and the guy said no can I have a cup of tea please and the flight attendant still in shock you know went to the galley and brought a whiskey back for the parrot and the guy said no my cup of tea

## Teaching point

Even AirAsia seats can teach emptiness — and bad manners.

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

On a budget flight, a rude parrot gets whisky after whisky while its neighbour's tea never comes. When the man copies the parrot's rudeness, both are thrown out of the plane. As they tumble, the parrot says: you complain a lot for someone who can't fly. Ajahn Brahm laughs. Don't copy bad behaviour. It won't carry you.

## Source

- [13 Emptiness - Ajahn Brahm November 2013](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMXWcfZznDg) (BSWA Retreats 2011-15 & Media) — watch from 41:17 to 41:48: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMXWcfZznDg&t=2477s

Other tellings of this story:

- [12 Insight Into the Path](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO3bq37SIGY) (BSWA Retreats 2011-15 & Media) — watch from 50:01 to 51:52: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO3bq37SIGY&t=3001s