Kirksa, Aloka - I value your input. I think you have understood the intention behind this topic.
*sigh* as for the other replies, look - metta to you both, but - that wasn't the
intention of this topic...all that the monk says is quite true, but I wasn't really looking to
analyze humour as such...thanks anyway, though
Personally, I used to be too serious about life. Really. It did not make me easy to be around, by the way! Even if you are nice person, etc, if you are just too serious all of the time, it is draining. We do need to lighten up. I've heard that Ajahn Chah had quite a sense of humour. I can remember (then) Ajahn Jagaro saying that LP Chah's nickname for him was 'the snail'... Are people going to accuse LP Chah of harsh speech? Of course not, and I can tell you why -
cos he was only kidding! It was meant in fun and not in a mean way.
I hope everyone noticed that I prefaced my request with an appreciation of the importance of what we do, for ourselves and others. I'm aware of that. But if I'm going to walk this Path long-term, not just for one year, two years, but
for a lifetime...I will need to be relaxed, easy going, and comfortable in my own skin - much like Ajahn Chah seems to be in this YouTube vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exb-9vO1FF8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
That's more than just a beatific smile on LP Chah's face...he looks like he's quite bemused by the situation in that first scene. There are other places where he chuckles as well, even while discussing quite a profound subject (Conventional vs Ultimate reality).
NEWSFLASH: ENLIGHTENED THERAVADIN BUDDHIST MASTER DISPLAYS SENSE OF HUMOUR!!!
Ok, back on topic:
Q: How many Zen Masters does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Two. One to change the light bulb, and the other to not change the light bulb.
Q: How many Californians does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Six. One to turn the bulb, one for support, and four to relate to the experience.
Q: How many Psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Only one, but the bulb has got to really WANT to change.
Q: How many software people does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: None. That's a hardware problem.
Q: How many Roman Catholics does it take change a light bulb?
A: What do you mean, 'change'???
