# Mahinda's mango-tree riddle

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Story
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-mahinda-mango-tree-riddle
- Themes: Sri Lanka, riddles, Buddhism history, humour
- Life situations: teaching, intercultural meeting

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

He says the first monk in Sri Lanka (Mahinda) tested the king with a riddle about a mango tree and other mangoes — answered correctly, so Buddhism stayed; Brahm jokes Australia already started so he's staying anyway.

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

What's this tree called?" It was like a mango tree. Are there any other mango trees in Sri Lanka? Yes, said the king. Are there any trees other than those mangoes and the other trees? Yes, sir. The tree in front of me. Ah, smart person. Correct. So, that's why Buddhism started in Sri Lanka because of riddles

## Teaching point

Wisdom testing can be playful.

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

Legend says the monk who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka first tested the king with a riddle about mango trees, and stayed because he answered well. Ajahn Brahm jokes he's staying in Australia regardless. Wisdom needn't be solemn. A playful question can open a mind faster than a lecture.

## Source

- [Relax the Mind | Ajahn Brahm | 13 June 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_HZAqnmAYM) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 1:07:01 to 1:07:31: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_HZAqnmAYM&t=4021s