# Singapore Airlines after the Friday talk

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Story
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-singapore-funeral-after-friday-talk
- Themes: friendship, funerals, gratitude, service
- Life situations: repaying kindness, sudden travel for a friend

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

A supporter who had bailed out Jhana Grove finances lost her husband; they asked him to do the Saturday funeral in Singapore. After the Friday talk he flew overnight, arrived exhausted, and did the funeral — energy from kindness, he says.

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

I got a call from Singapore that the husband of one of our um supporters had really helped us so many times. Even just when we got John Cowell for our retreat center, we just didn't have enough money to pay the bills. And when I went to over to Thailand, she said, "How much?" And I said, "Here's a check." She did it. And a a little Well, maybe a little thing or big thing like that, I always remember that. People really helped me, got me out of difficult situations. I will never forget you. Her husband died. And they called up I think in the morning of Friday. And said, "Can you come, please, tomorrow for the funeral on Saturday?" I said, "That's impossible. I've got to give a talk on a Friday night. I've got so many things to do. It's a really stupid thing to try and probably won't be able to get a flight." So, I rang up Singapore Airlines and got a flight. Leaving right after the Friday night talk. That's so stupid. I just arrived in Singapore on Saturday morning, sort of really tired, half asleep, but did the funeral for her

## Teaching point

Serving someone who once helped you can outweigh sleep and 'sensible' plans.

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

When a generous supporter's husband died, Ajahn Brahm flew to Singapore straight after his Friday talk and led the funeral half asleep. Absolutely ridiculous, he admits, yet he felt full of energy. Giving for someone who needs you has its own power. Kindness can recharge you.

## Source

- [Investing in Inner Qualities | Ajahn Brahm | 19 June 2020](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44Ej95GN7tY) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 7:20 to 8:42: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44Ej95GN7tY&t=440s

Other tellings of this story:

- [Meditation, Kindness and Energy | Ajahn Brahm | 12 May 2023](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MgnroF0hQI) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 36:53 to 37:45: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MgnroF0hQI&t=2213s
- [Wisdom from Experience | Ajahn Brahm | 7 November 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjLBTlIobo4) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 55:22 to 56:08: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjLBTlIobo4&t=3322s
- [Spontaneous Acts of Kindness | Ajahn Brahm | 8 June 2012](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgMGTpIHwbs) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 33:02 to 33:46: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgMGTpIHwbs&t=1982s