What is the significance of laughter in Zen meditation?
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outcome
"Laughter in Zen is the bridge that dissolves the ego and seriousness, bringing you into the immediacy of the present moment, where meditation flourishes."
According to Osho, laughter in Zen cuts through seriousness and the doctrinal mind; Zen people laugh twice: first spontaneously, then at their own laughter, so the ego and solemnity dissolve. This non-serious sincerity opens a gap of no-mind, bringing you here-now, like Buddha's wordless flower or 'Look at the cypress.' Laughter becomes meditation's flavor: immediacy, authenticity, and presence.
Why this matters practically
- Deflates ego and perfectionism so you can meditate without strain.
- Breaks mental chatter, returning attention to the present moment.
- Encourages sincerity and playfulness, making practice sustainable.
- Breaks mental chatter, returning attention to the present moment.
- Encourages sincerity and playfulness, making practice sustainable.
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