# I'll explain patience tomorrow

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Joke
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-joke-patience-tomorrow
- Themes: patience, humour
- Life situations: needing a laugh, learning patience

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

At a China retreat someone asks him to explain the importance of patience. He says he will let them know tomorrow.

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

one of the questions that the retreat in China have a couple of days ago people can't one of the questions they asked can you please explain the importance of patience I said well well I'll let you know tomorrow

## Teaching point

(Joke that enacts the virtue it names.)

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

At a retreat in China someone asked Ajahn Brahm to explain the importance of patience. He promised to let them know tomorrow. The joke teaches the lesson better than a lecture could. Wisdom doesn't have to be solemn. Laughter can carry a point straight into the heart.

## Source

- [Just Do It | Ajahn Brahm | 12 July 2019](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SneCXz51CJw) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 32:32 to 32:50: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SneCXz51CJw&t=1952s