ISSN 1076-9005
Volume 25, 2018
Language, Reality, Emptiness,
Laughs
Soraj Hongladarom
Chulalongkorn University
Laughter, especially in connection with philosophy, reality,
or language, is not much discussed in the vast literature of Buddhism. In
the few places where it is discussed, however, there are two strands. On
the one hand, laughter is frowned upon when it is seen as an attraction
that leads one astray from the path. This is evident in the Tālapuṭa Sūtra,
where the Buddha says that actors and comedians would find it very
difficult to enter the Path. It is also found in the Vinaya, where the
emphasis is on the proper behavior of monks. The Buddha often rebukes monks
who laugh out loud in the villages where householders can see them. The
other strand views laughter more positively. This strand is found more in
the Mahāyāna literature, where the Buddha laughs when he realizes
emptiness, that nothing is substantial. The attitude of Buddhism toward
laughter is conditional. Laughter and playfulness have a soteriological
role to play as a skillful means, and Buddhism is not always serious.
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