# The only ones running for shelter

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Story
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-nz-soldier-ran-from-air-raid-siren
- Themes: fear, courage, war, resilience
- Life situations: fear of terrorism, anxiety

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

A New Zealander, a late member of the society — reportedly the first New Zealander to escape from a prisoner-of-war camp in Europe — reached London in uniform. The first time he heard the air-raid siren, he and his mate ran for an Underground station — and realised they were the only two. Everyone else went on as normal: reading newspapers at the bus stop, chatting, shopping. The two soldiers were embarrassed to be the only ones showing fear, and deeply impressed.

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

one of our members who was here you know during that time most of these people are dead now you know he a New Zealander you know he escaped from a prison of war camp in Europe apparently the first New Zealander to actually escape he came back over to UK he was in London the first time he heard an air raid siren and you know he was in uniform he was a soldier and as soon as he heard the air raid Simon, he ran for an underground station when he realized that him and his soldier mate were the only two running into the station. and everyone were going around their business as normal. And he felt so embarrassed that the two soldiers were the only ones showing any fear and everyone else and people at the bus stop reading their newspaper, people just walking, chatting to each other, women were doing their shopping and he thought, "Wow, these people are not afraid." And they were so impressed with that attitude.

## Teaching point

Don't be controlled by fear; you have the choice.

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

A soldier fresh from a prisoner-of-war camp heard his first London air-raid siren and ran for the Underground, then saw he was the only one running; everyone else carried on shopping and reading papers. Fear controls us only if we let it. Never let others, or threats, control your happiness.

## Source

- [Living Without Blame | Ajahn Brahm | 05-12-2014](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR5c4h7Tmo0) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 31:34 to 32:36: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR5c4h7Tmo0&t=1894s