# “They're all Buddhists” — the expensive clinic

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Story
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-mayo-clinic-businessman
- Themes: mindfulness, psychology, wealth, humour
- Life situations: depression, anxiety, expensive therapy, addiction

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

A very wealthy Kuala Lumpur businessman tells Ajahn Brahm he paid a fortune for therapy at a famous US clinic, even meeting the founder of the mindfulness movement — and came back saying they were all teaching what Ajahn Brahm teaches, only less clearly. “Go to the source; it's really cheap.”

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

This incredibly wealthy businessman, you know, he came up to me and he said he'd just been to the Mayo Clinic in Cleveland where all the film stars and pop stars, you know, go. It cost fortune to go to that clinic for therapy. Had depression, anxiety, I forget what it was, some addiction. And he went to this place cost him an absolute fortune. He had actually because he had money he had a personal in interview with John Kabbertson the guy who founded the mindfulness movement. And when he came back he said ajan bra all these guys here they're all Buddhists every one of them. And he said they teach the same thing as you do only not as clear. And he said I'm crazy. I spent all this money going to United States and I can hear better from you. He said, "Yeah, I teach these guys. You go to the source and it's really cheap when you come here.

## Teaching point

Much of modern psychology's practical help comes from Buddhist practice; you don't need to pay a fortune for it.

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

A wealthy businessman paid a fortune at a famous American clinic and came home saying they all taught what he could hear at the Friday talk for free. Ajahn Brahm is teasing, but there's a point: kindness, letting go and a quiet mind don't need a big budget. Professional help has its place; so does the simple practice on your doorstep.

## Source

- [When to attach and when to let go? | by Ajahn Brahm | 17 March 2015](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_3coMDunIM) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 51:52 to 53:02: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_3coMDunIM&t=3112s