Wisdom: Humour and Humiliation

Knowledge Sheets

Humour and Humiliation

Humour is the buffer that saves you from humiliation. If you have a good sense of humour, you can never be humiliated. And if you refuse to be humiliated, you become invincible. Humour brings everyone together, while humiliation tears them apart. In a society torn with humiliation and insult, humour is like a breath of fresh air. A good sense of humour relieves you from fear and anxiety. Humour should be coupled with care and concern. Mere humour, without care and concern or appropriate action, often irritates those who come to you with serious problems. Humour can keep the spirit high, yet if overdone it leaves a bad taste. Humour without wisdom is shallow. Humour with wisdom creates an atmosphere of celebration. Humour without sensitivity is satire - it comes back to you with more problems. The wise use humour to bring wisdom and to lighten every situation. The intelligent uses humour as a shield against humiliation. The cruel uses humour as a sword to insult others. The irresponsible uses humour to escape from responsibility. And fools take humour too seriously! To make an effort to be humorous is nonsensical. Question: How does one cultivate a sense of humour?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:

1. Humour is not just words, it is the lightness of your Being. You do not have to read and repeat jokes -- just being cordial and light-hearted brings out authentic humour.

2. Taking life itself not too seriously (because you will never come out of it alive!) (Laughter)

3. Having a sense of belongingness with everybody, including those who are not friendly.

4. Practicing yoga and meditation

5. Having unshakable faith in the Divine, and in the laws of karma

6. Being in the company of those who live in knowledge and are humorous.

7. A willingness to be a clown