# The 'scatty' monk emptied his wallet at the refugee camp

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Story
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-monk-wallet-refugee-camp
- Themes: generosity, humility, refugees, monastic life
- Life situations: judging others, charity

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

Proud young Brahm criticises a Thai monk for carrying money; the monk shares breakfast, takes him to a Lao refugee camp after the Vietnam War, and empties his wallet for the poor.

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

scatty wag monk he has money he shouldn't have money he should be strict like I was because I was a very proud monk in those days and sometimes Pride leads to arrogance and because you're arrogant you tend to criticize others not really understanding what they're doing or why they're doing but then he was just so kind to me he sort of shared his breakfast with me and then he said you want to come to the refugee camp cuz this was just after the time of the Vietnam War and there was many laian refugees just close to his Temple and so I went there to visit and sure he had a wallet and it was full of cash but he literally turned it upside down and emptied it and just gave it to the the poor refu

## Teaching point

The rule-breaking kindness can outrank the proud precept.

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

Young, proud Ajahn Brahm judged a Thai monk for carrying money. Then the monk took him to a Lao refugee camp and emptied his wallet, coins and all, into the refugees' hands. Possessions exist to share. Hold things loosely, and if you lose something, it's one less thing to carry.

## Source

- [Is Nibbana Guaranteed? | Ajahn Brahm | 02-03-2007](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpFwlHmG224) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 6:13 to 6:59: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpFwlHmG224&t=373s