Humor in Zen

From: Unsuì
Date: Apr 24, 2010 5:52 AM
Subject: Humor in Zen





One of the main functions of humor in Zen is
in trying to allow one to understand the absurdity
in attempting to classify reality into categories.
Thus, the boundaries formed between logical
issues are broken down, revealing the frustration
that Zen has with logic and reasoning.

An example of this can be seen in a Zen anecdote
about a Zen master who lay dying. His monks are
all gathered around his deathbed, and the senior
monk leans over and asks the master for any final
words of wisdom for his monks.

The old master weakly says, "Tell them Truth is like a river."
The senior monk relays this message on to the other monks.
The youngest monk in the group is confused, and asks,
"What does he mean that Truth is like a river?"
The senior monk relays this question to the master,
and the master replies, "O.K., Truth is not like a river."

you don't need a reason to laugh, just the opportunity
have an absurd weekend with no logic or reason
just laugh!

Posted by:
Unsuì