# What fun does a monk have? None

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Joke
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-joke-what-fun-does-a-monk-have
- Themes: humour, monastic life
- Life situations: needing a laugh

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

Father's old joke: What fun does a monk have? None. Brahm still laughs — and insists monks actually have lots of fun.

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

I remember him saying this, such an old joke. He said, "What fun does a monk have?" He said, "The answer is none. [laughter] [laughter] That's number one. It's not true. It's not my joke. My father told it and it still makes me laugh. [laughter] It's only a joke. That's all. So, number one, yeah, sometimes I tell that joke and some people say that joke, you shouldn't tell that joke

## Teaching point

A joke need not be true to open the door of the heart.

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

His father's joke: what fun does a monk have? None. Ajahn Brahm still laughs, and insists it isn't true. He tries to stay approachable, without bodyguards, and enjoys a cup of tea and jokes with everyone. You don't need alcohol or anything else to have fun. Just a kind heart.

## Source

- [Buddhism and Love | Ajahn Brahm | 12 February 2021](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtNwbOd4m9I) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 11:34 to 12:19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtNwbOd4m9I&t=694s

Other tellings of this story:

- [The Ten Ox-Herder's Pictures | Ajahn Brahm | 06-02-2009](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV4Rdpe7BVw) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 29:40 to 30:11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV4Rdpe7BVw&t=1780s
- [Guided Meditation | Ajahn Brahm | 12 June 2021](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI-BMC_eqwk) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 13:10 to 13:39: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI-BMC_eqwk&t=790s