“Laughter is a gift that appears when an attentive mind remains light-hearted. It is the response to a precious moment of a mini-awakening, when a mind recognizes its own distortions and blind spots.”
Many teachers, gurus and saints talk about this illusion that pretty much all of humanity is caught up in, which is particularly so in the current western culture. I hadn’t heard of using laughter and jokes to hone our awareness and mindfulness to see the illusion, so I’m very grateful for this essay. Light- heartedness is, unsurprisingly, missing all over in these grim times. Yet maybe this is exactly what is needed. Tyranny and control hates being ridiculed or laughed at; it much prefers fear and despair. Light- heartedness takes nothing too seriously, opens our hearts to the pain of others, improves our immune system, and makes others want to hang out with us. It sounds like a huge win all round.
I am rather astonished this morning by the relevance of your wise, insightful writing. I had just finished watching a video of Peter Santenello interviewing a Lakota medicine man who amazed me with his clear wisdom and knowledge, and understanding of what is going on around this planet. The two of you have filled me up this morning with your thoughts. I am truly grateful.
One of the things a friend of mine commented on about her 20 something son was that they could NOT in anyway make jokes about politics - it was 'serious' stuff. They couldn't laugh at things she said. She was a soul with fine sense of humor, and jokes were a regular thing for her. But she said, for the son and his friends - NOTHING was joke able, everything was 'serious'. I think about the Comedians that are no longer funny - social justice warriors cancel them when they do start a monologue that veers to critical of the 'current' viewpoints. I very much wonder now, if this Enlightened Comic has not hit the nail on the head. Part of the great lockdowns, the Great Re-set is to wipe out our ability to laugh at things and connect with our shared human soul. Because when we laugh at things - we are in that enlightened state, and it threatens the control over us they seek to exercise. I will be taking this gem of an idea and thinking long on it today.
Jun 17, 2023·edited Jun 17, 2023Liked by Madhava Setty
Remembering who I am is the reason I never even considered the jabs. Even as I lost all but three of my clients in the 35th year of my career, I remembered.
The deepest challenges, I’ve come to know, has its gifts, although not usually immediately clear, in my experience. This greater awakening is certainly among them, and for this, I am grateful.
Thank you for the story, Madhava. It’s reassuring.
The last time I actually cried--I’m a man, after all--was when my dog got hit by a car two years ago. Why did I cry reading this piece? It evoked some issues that have come up in my journal writing regarding my own role in society as a “court jester.” Research led me to the Native American heyoka character. Laughter... tears... it’s a fine difference!
"...laughing and crying, you know it's the same release" - Joni Mitchell
I think it is safe to say that many comics struggle with dark stuff in their experience. Perhaps it's the suffering that inspires them to throw light onto the situation using comedic insight.
I also think that we haven't given ourselves permission to be lighthearted often enough over the past three years. It's something the spirit needs just as the body requires rest and the mind sleep.
When the Europeans came to American, many of the “Indians” immediately recognized the clowns and jesters, without any need for cultural interpretation. The Sioux heyokas, for example played the same role in their cultures. How can laughter not be deeply spiritual?
Wow, Beautiful. Love the story, you’re telling of it and the wisdom you mine. Thanks for making me feel I was there. So many gems. What stayed with me in the second time through was the precious quality of attention, right before the punchline, ‘broad uncentered attention in anticipation of something wonderful’. What a great way to be in relationship to life. It’s nice to know there are people uniting to cultivate that. Glad you killed there too! Also, Thanks too brother for your bravery and intellect and diving into dark realities that are hard to face. You help me open my eyes. And thanks for not loosing sight of the humor and beauty in life. You don’t get lost in the dark.
I wonder what her response would have been it you replaced the office "IT guy" with accountant ...YES levity is surely needed today, when my patients are crying sometimes I hand them a tissue and ask How do you make tissue dance? Blow a little Boggie in it :)
Wow, great story writing -- grabs the attention and I couldn’t put it down until I reached the punchline.
Thanks for the lift
Many teachers, gurus and saints talk about this illusion that pretty much all of humanity is caught up in, which is particularly so in the current western culture. I hadn’t heard of using laughter and jokes to hone our awareness and mindfulness to see the illusion, so I’m very grateful for this essay. Light- heartedness is, unsurprisingly, missing all over in these grim times. Yet maybe this is exactly what is needed. Tyranny and control hates being ridiculed or laughed at; it much prefers fear and despair. Light- heartedness takes nothing too seriously, opens our hearts to the pain of others, improves our immune system, and makes others want to hang out with us. It sounds like a huge win all round.
This was deep and full of insights I needed to hear today, thank you.
PS my Mum is a follower of Sai Baba. I’m not so sure about him, or other “guru”-“saints” myself.
Such a delightful post.
thank you. thank you. thank you.
This is EXACTLY the reminder I needed today. Thank you for looking at the world through this lens and sharing it with us!
I am rather astonished this morning by the relevance of your wise, insightful writing. I had just finished watching a video of Peter Santenello interviewing a Lakota medicine man who amazed me with his clear wisdom and knowledge, and understanding of what is going on around this planet. The two of you have filled me up this morning with your thoughts. I am truly grateful.
So glad that it arrived at the right time ;-)
One of the things a friend of mine commented on about her 20 something son was that they could NOT in anyway make jokes about politics - it was 'serious' stuff. They couldn't laugh at things she said. She was a soul with fine sense of humor, and jokes were a regular thing for her. But she said, for the son and his friends - NOTHING was joke able, everything was 'serious'. I think about the Comedians that are no longer funny - social justice warriors cancel them when they do start a monologue that veers to critical of the 'current' viewpoints. I very much wonder now, if this Enlightened Comic has not hit the nail on the head. Part of the great lockdowns, the Great Re-set is to wipe out our ability to laugh at things and connect with our shared human soul. Because when we laugh at things - we are in that enlightened state, and it threatens the control over us they seek to exercise. I will be taking this gem of an idea and thinking long on it today.
Indeed. I believe her wisdom is needed now more than ever
Remembering who I am is the reason I never even considered the jabs. Even as I lost all but three of my clients in the 35th year of my career, I remembered.
The deepest challenges, I’ve come to know, has its gifts, although not usually immediately clear, in my experience. This greater awakening is certainly among them, and for this, I am grateful.
Thank you for the story, Madhava. It’s reassuring.
The last time I actually cried--I’m a man, after all--was when my dog got hit by a car two years ago. Why did I cry reading this piece? It evoked some issues that have come up in my journal writing regarding my own role in society as a “court jester.” Research led me to the Native American heyoka character. Laughter... tears... it’s a fine difference!
"...laughing and crying, you know it's the same release" - Joni Mitchell
I think it is safe to say that many comics struggle with dark stuff in their experience. Perhaps it's the suffering that inspires them to throw light onto the situation using comedic insight.
I also think that we haven't given ourselves permission to be lighthearted often enough over the past three years. It's something the spirit needs just as the body requires rest and the mind sleep.
When the Europeans came to American, many of the “Indians” immediately recognized the clowns and jesters, without any need for cultural interpretation. The Sioux heyokas, for example played the same role in their cultures. How can laughter not be deeply spiritual?
Robin Williams comes to mind...
Wow, Beautiful. Love the story, you’re telling of it and the wisdom you mine. Thanks for making me feel I was there. So many gems. What stayed with me in the second time through was the precious quality of attention, right before the punchline, ‘broad uncentered attention in anticipation of something wonderful’. What a great way to be in relationship to life. It’s nice to know there are people uniting to cultivate that. Glad you killed there too! Also, Thanks too brother for your bravery and intellect and diving into dark realities that are hard to face. You help me open my eyes. And thanks for not loosing sight of the humor and beauty in life. You don’t get lost in the dark.
It was easy to kill there. The crowd was already warmed up ;-)
Laughter could be our “weapon”. Use it everyday :D
I found your experience insightful too.
Truth and laughter is far more inspiring to the people listening, a great way to motivate the ripple effect.
Amazing post, Madhava. Thank you so much.
I wonder what her response would have been it you replaced the office "IT guy" with accountant ...YES levity is surely needed today, when my patients are crying sometimes I hand them a tissue and ask How do you make tissue dance? Blow a little Boggie in it :)
I love the part about you taking the ride from a complete stranger to an unknown destination. Only in India. Or maybe not...