Features

Buddhism and Humor. Some Think It’s No Laughing Matter?

Published

3 years ago

2023/06/18

by Bhante S. Dhammika of Australia

Humour (Pali parihasa) is the characteristic of something that evokes laughter or at least a smile. Having a sense of humour is the ability to see the funny, the odd or the ridiculous side of things, and to be able to make others laugh. The Buddha had a poor opinion of the humour of his time, probably because most of it was rather coarse – slapstick or based on sexual innuendos. He also must have noticed, as many have since, that a lot of humour is derived from making fun of and ridiculing others, and thus contains an element of cruelty.

Interestingly, the Buddha made it an offence for his monks to mimic physical disabilities (yathavajjena kilanti), something that provokes hilarity in certain people. Ancient Indian actors and comedians believed that because they “use both truth and falsehood to entertain and amuse the crowd” that they would be reborn in the heaven of the laughing gods. The Buddha had a different idea. He said that they would be more likely to be reborn in the purgatory of laughter.

Nonetheless, the Buddha seems to have approved of humour that would raise a smile or lighten the mood, because the Tipitaka contains numerous examples of his urbane, subtle humour. His discourses are full of puns (silesa), a pun being the use of a word that has two different meanings or two words that sound the same, for humorous effect. For example, brahmans were also known as ‘reciters’ (ajjhayaka) because they chanted the Vedas, but the Buddha joked that they were really called this because they couldn’t meditate (ajhana).

Another way of evoking humor is by juxtaposing two connected but incongruous things, something the Buddha occasionally did in his similes. For example, he said that having good intentions but wrong practice will no more lead to Nirvana than pulling a cow’s horn will give milk. He said that a fool does not benefit from his association with a wise person any more than a spoon tastes the soup (Dhammapada 64).

Occasionally, the Buddha used parody (parihapajja) to critique certain persons or ideas, particularly the pretensions of the brahmans. Once, an arrogant young Brahman insisted to him that brahmans are superior to other castes because “they are born from the mouth of Brahma”, a belief found in the Vedas. The Buddha quipped: “But surely brahmans are born from their mothers’ vaginas just like everyone else” (Assalayana Sutta).

As is well-known, the first discourse in the Tipitaka, the Brahmajala Sutta, includes a story that makes a laughing stock of the idea of the idea that a deity created everything. And what of the Jataka stories? They are full of mockery, jokes, humorous sarcasm, irony, slapstick, and sometime downright ribaldry. If you don’t believe me, read the Kacchapa Jataka [No.273], but don’t read it to your kids.

Laughter is sometimes called ‘the best medicine’ and the Buddha would have agreed that humour can sometimes have a therapeutic value. On those occasions where a particular way of thinking has made a problem look unsolvable or a burden appear unbearable, making a joke of the situation can sometimes open up a different way of looking at it and suggest a solution. Humour can also trigger a catharsis, a therapeutic release from anxiety, tension or fear, or lift one out of depression. The Buddha occasionally used humor to this end.

At one time, King Ajatasattu went to visit the Buddha and asked him if he could tell him one advantage of the monastic life that could be seen in the present; i.e. not in heaven or a better rebirth, but right now. The king had only recently murdered his father and was starting to feel increasingly regretful and uneasy about this. The Buddha asked the king what he would do if one of his slaves ran away and became a monk and the king later came to know where the slave was staying. Would he, the Buddha inquired, have the monk arrested and returned to bondage?

“No” answered the king. “On the contrary, as a monk, I would stand up for him, bow to him and offer him alms.” The Buddha replied, “Well, there you are! There is one of the advantages of the monk’s life that could be seen in the present.” This unexpectedly whimsical answer to a serious question must have at first surprised the king, but then made him either smile or chuckle. Having lightened the king’s mood and put him at his ease, the Buddha then proceeded to answer his question more seriously.

In the centuries after the Buddha’s passing, Buddhist thinkers explored the psychology and even the physiology of humor. The Dhammsangani for example, identified several types and intensities of smiles and laughter – the gentle smile (sita), the beaming smile where the corners of the mouth turn up and the teeth can be seen (hasita), laughter that makes an audible sound (vihasita), laughter that causes the head, shoulders and arms to shake (upahasita), laughing until tears come to the eyes (apahasita), and roaring with laughter (atihasita).

Recently, a stand-up comedian found herself in trouble with the law for making a joke about the Buddha. When I heard of this I was a little puzzled. To make a joke about the Buddha might be in poor taste, it might be off-color, not to everyone’s liking, but should it be a criminal offence? And then there is the matter of free speech. To my mind, unless someone’s words advocate violence or, in the case of religious sensibilities, are extremely offensive, derogatory or denigrating, they should have the protection of free speech.

I thought this comedian’s jokes made light of some aspects of the Buddha’s life, that they were rather silly and that they should be simply brushed off and ignored, but not that they were offensive. There is a short dialogue in the Digha Nikaya which those who were “outraged”, “offended” and “angered” by this comedian’s jokes should perhaps re-read and think about.

“Monks, if anyone speaks disparagingly of me, the Dhamma or the Sangha, you should not be angry, annoyed or upset because of that. If you were angry or displeased, that would be a hindrance to you and you would not know if what they said was right or not. Therefore, monks, when others speak disparagingly of me, the Dhamma or the Sangha, you should explain to them what is incorrect, saying, ‘This is not correct, that is false, that is not what we do’.”

What is the best way we can “protect Buddhism”? By getting angry and calling upon the arm of the law when someone tells a joke about it, or by taking the Buddha’s words seriously and following his sage advice? In some countries, the slightest wrong word about religion, even if accidental, can lead to draconian consequences, even to death. For years we have read about such things and probably congratulated ourselves that Buddhist cultures and societies are generally more free, more tolerant, more live-and-let-live. The reactions to this comedian and similar ones to a pastor just recently, suggests that such admirable attitudes are changing – and not for the better. The Buddha has been respected and admired by millions over the centuries and continues to be even today. A few silly jokes won’t change that.

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Related Topics:Bhante S. Dhammika Buddha Buddhism Kacchapa Jataka

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New US sanctions on ICC, a fillip to worldwide political repression

Published

19 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

The International Criminal Court in session. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was stark: ‘Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.’ It followed US central administration accusations that the court was unfairly targeting Americans on the basis of trumped-up war crimes charges.

However, a new plethora of sanctions has been clamped on the ICC by the US, which in turn has spurred accusations by sections of the world that the latter has unleashed an ‘assault’ on the international legal order.

What some of the sanctions would mean for the ICC was outlined by Rubio: ‘We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us.’

The ICC has shown consistency of purpose over the years. Despite some operational constraints it has indicted a large number of political strongmen from around the world, accused of war crimes and other governance excesses that come under its purview. Two such recent figures are: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rather than enjoy a mere nominal presence in the world community, the ICC has proved its effectiveness by detaining and bringing to justice scores of VIP politicians and others of their ilk who have been found guilty of human rights abuses and kindred excesses that come within the terms of reference of the ICC.

Accordingly, the international justice system would be stymied considerably as a result of the ICC being dis-empowered, particularly financially. Needless to say, potential and real perpetrators of the species of crime coming under the jurisdiction of the ICC would stand to gain most from such anarchic tendencies. That is, political repression globally would be enabled to enjoy a new lease of life.

A detailing of the types of crime coming under the purview of the ICC provides an idea of what it would cost the international community if the ICC’s operations are gravely hampered. They are mainly: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

That is, the part of the world to be worst affected would be the global South, since the latter is awash with the mentioned crimes. Needless to say, a chronically-disaffected South will sooner rather than later undermine the well being of the world dangerously. The world is already being put through these paces.

At the time of writing, ‘illegal migrants’ from the South, for example, are aggravating many a Western economy’s woes, besides creating for them acute law and order issues. The fact that these migrants’ presence goes on to become a virtual test of the migrant receiving states’ ability to forge domestic social inclusion in the face of jingoistic protests by mainly white supremacist groups is evidence of the latter. As is known, the US, to take just one example, has been up against this crisis for quite a while.

Accordingly, it will be in the best interests of the West if ‘illegal’ migrant arrivals on their shores are stemmed. If the socio-political and economic problems assailing the South are effectively managed through North-South collaborative, ‘trouble-shooting’ efforts the causes leading to ‘illegal’ migration and connected issues could be resolved at source as it were. For, it is the aggravation of the South’s material questions that lays the basis for the emergence of repressive and anti-democratic regimes in the hemisphere.

Until such time that the aforementioned issues in North-South relations are visited afresh and addressed urgently, a vibrantly functioning ICC would be needed. For, the latter would prove a deterrent to Southern political and military strongmen, highly prone to power abuse and like excesses, from coming into being in the wake of the South’s chronic material woes and the wars and conflicts that result from them.

It stands to reason then that the US would be acting in its own interests by enabling the ICC to perpetuate its mandate without hindrance. For a crop of issues that impinges negatively on internal law and order would be defused.

Meanwhile, there needs to be a meeting of minds among the rest of the West to put back in place a North-South dialogue process aimed at reducing some of the economic pressures that are weighing on the South.

Since economics usually drives politics it will be in the interests of the world community to scrutinizingly re-visit North-South issues of the past and put in place economic relief packages for Southern publics that would enable them to tide over their material hardships rather than permit the latter to aggravate into social disaffection and eventually armed militancy. It is the latter juncture that paves the way for the emergence of authoritarian rulers in the South who then go on to be a blight on their publics.

Accordingly, the Southern-based global development thinking of the past that envisaged a more equitable world economic order needs to be seen as an urgent need. That is, NAM’s international development paradigms need to be resuscitated to the extent possible.

It is unlikely that rightist governments of the West, such as the current Republican administration in the US, would find these projects feasible, but democratic states of Europe, led by perhaps the UK, are likely to think otherwise. For it would not be beneficial for the democratic world to be having on their hands repressive governments in the South who would be gravitating towards the major military and economic actors of the South, such as Iran and North Korea, who tend to be in constant power struggles with the West.

However, until such time that the mentioned, pro-people initiatives are given serious thought the ICC would need to be enabled by the international community to be in place comfortably and carry on with its mandate of bringing repressive rulers to book. Besides the ICC should pave the way for the peoples of the developing world to enjoy some substantial respite from the political repression and even terror which tend to be their lot.

Meanwhile, the wars of West Asia are relentlessly aggravating the economic hardships of people everywhere, driving the point home to enlightened sections that there is no alternative to peacemaking. A challenge is to convert the US under President Trump to this line of thinking.

Features

Clear, soft and shine-free skin

Published

19 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

This week, I give you five simple, time-tested homemade remedies that help reduce the appearance of blemishes, control excess shine and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother.

The Honey and Lemon Brightening Dab:

For stubborn blemish marks, this is a classic. Mix one teaspoon of pure bee honey with three to four drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply gently, only on the affected spots, and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. While honey soothes and softens, lemon helps to brighten naturally. Use twice a week in the evening.

Besan and Rose Water Oil-Control Pack:

An ideal remedy to combat shine, especially on the T-zone. Take two teaspoons of besan (gram flour) and mix with sufficient rose water to form a smooth paste. Add a pinch of turmeric for its antiseptic goodness. Apply evenly, keep for 15 minutes and wash off. It absorbs excess oil without over-drying, leaving a beautiful matte finish.

Aloe Vera and Cucumber Ice Soother:

Blend fresh aloe vera gel with the juice of a grated cucumber and freeze the mixture in an ice tray. Each morning, wrap one cube in a soft muslin cloth and gently rub over a cleansed face for 30 seconds. It calms, tightens pores and imparts a baby-soft smoothness.

Oatmeal and Curd Gentle Polish:

Roughness and old blemish marks need gentle exfoliation. Combine one tablespoon of finely powdered oatmeal with one tablespoon of fresh curd (yoghurt). Massage very gently, in circular motions, for one minute, leave for five minutes and rinse. It removes dead cells and unveils softer, clearer skin.

Multani Mitti and Green Tea Magic Mask:

Brew some green tea and allow it to cool completely. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with the tea water to make a fine paste. Apply for 10 to 12 minutes – do not let it dry and crack completely – and wash off. It draws out impurities, fades blemishes and bestows a fresh, shine-free glow.

A Gentle Reminder:

As with any natural remedy, always do a patch test on your inner arm first. For those with oily or combination skin, avoid heavy coconut oil application and harsh scrubbing, as they tend to aggravate shine and blemishes.

Features

Compete, shine and be discovered at WCOPA 2027

Published

19 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

Dream of performing on a world stage? Well, here is your unique, golden opportunity!

The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) — the one and only official “Talent Olympics” — is the world’s premier global platform for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists, etc., to compete, shine and be discovered!

And, yes, this world stage is open to YOU, Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka and overseas!

Held annually in glittering Las Vegas, WCOPA brings together over 70 countries, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, just like the traditional Olympics.

Lakisha Bernard: Will represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027

Outstanding performers vie for the coveted titles of Junior and Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World, with winners and standout participants awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, cash awards and prizes to catapult their education and careers!

Sri Lanka is already making waves! At WCOPA 2026, Natharie Wickramasinghe, representing Team Sri Lanka, made the nation proud by winning a Bronze Medal in the Ethnic/Folklore Dance category!

Lakisha: Accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate

Recruitment for this prestigious competition is handled through a system of scouts and licensed National Directors — and this is where our very own Chris Rajendra, now based in Las Vegas, and National Director for Team Sri Lanka, comes into the scene.

If you are a singer, dancer, actor, model, instrumentalist — if you have talent burning inside you — contact Chris Rajendra today for registration and, who knows, you may find yourself in Las Vegas, and proudly draped in the Sri Lankan flag, at WCOPA 2027!

The contact address is: Chris Rajendra, wcopa.nationaldirector.sl@gmail.com

or chris.rajendra@gmail.com

Meanwhile, a star is born for 2027, in the form of Lakisha Bernard who is all set to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027.

Originally hailing from the sun-drenched coastal city of Colombo and now carving out her creative career in Canada, 22-year-old Lakisha is stepping into the international spotlight.

This accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate has officially been appointed as the Team Sri Lanka Promoter for Canada as she prepares to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA in Las Vegas.

Lakisha brings a unique blend of high-fashion sensibility, captivating camera presence and expert garment design to the Team.

Having built her career, from local college shoots to high-glamour concepts, Lakisha’s inspiring journey embodies the true spirit of cultural bridge-building and creative resilience, bringing immense pride and recognition to Sri Lanka on the global stage.

WCOPA 2027 will be held at the legendary Westgate Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, from 12th to 20th July – the very same iconic arena where the late, great Elvis Presley himself performed!

Your moment is now. Your stage is Las Vegas, so hurry and contact Chris Rajendra.