# The Triads offered to sort out any trouble

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Story
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-triads-offer-protection
- Themes: kindness, crime, Chinese community, Perth
- Life situations: unexpected allies, community work

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

After a Friday talk a Chinese man says he is with the Perth Triads; Brahm is scared — then the man says the boss sent him because Brahm looks after the Chinese community: if you have any trouble, contact us, we'll sort it out.

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

I am a member of the Chinese Triads in Perth he said and I got very scared because these guys mean business and he said but don't get worried you know I know that you really look after the Chinese community in per so I've been told by the boss to come and see you if you have any trouble just contact us we'll sort it out

## Teaching point

Kindness can win protection from unexpected quarters — and still unsettle you.

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

After a talk, a man said he was from the Perth Triads, and Ajahn Brahm froze. Then the man explained that the boss appreciated his care for the Chinese community: any trouble, just call. A little kindness travels far. Ajahn Brahm turns it into a lesson on listening. When people speak harshly, assume a bad day and answer with compassion.

## Source

- [The Art of Listening | Ajahn Brahm | 11-04-2014](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sylr4u_stxY) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 38:03 to 38:28: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sylr4u_stxY&t=2283s