Three Laughing Monks

Once upon a time, in the ancient villages of China, a tale was told of the Three Laughing Monks. These monks were renowned and bold, and their unique art was laughter itself. They had a remarkable ability to spread joy to every heart they encountered.

Whenever they visited a village, they would appear in the bustling market square, their laughter echoing through the air. Their infectious mirth would quickly envelop the crowd, and soon, everyone would be sharing in the pure and unadulterated joy of their laughter.

Unlike other monks, they didn't deliver teachings or preach with words. Instead, they communicated through the dance of laughter, and the people were captivated by their beautiful laughs. It was a laughter revolution that brought about a profound change in the hearts of those who witnessed it.

Their laughter held no malice or scorn. It was a genuine, radiant expression of their souls.

They laughed at life itself, embracing its grand design as a source of eternal amusement. Their state of bliss was a testament to their love for the divine comedy of existence.China cherished these three laughing monks, and their fame spread far and wide, like rivers flowing across the land. They were respected and loved wherever they went, and their message was crystal clear: laughter was the key to happiness.

As time marched on, age began to take its toll on the trio. One day, one of the monks departed this world, leaving behind a grieving community. The village expected tears to flow, but to their astonishment, laughter echoed through the hall where his body lay.

"We laugh," said the two remaining monks beside the bier, "for he has won the race. It's now clear to us all. We often wondered which of us would bid adieu first, but he had the last laugh, a true victory."

Tears were indeed shed, but the hearts of the villagers felt light. Laughter had become the only appropriate rite. The departed monk had left behind a simple wish, "Don't change my dress; just let me be. My laughter has kept me pure and bright, free from dust and impurity. I have lived in the embrace of joy and laughter's grace, so let my clothes stay in their place."

As the funeral pyre blazed and the flames reached high into the sky, fireworks of laughter sparked across the heavens. The hidden treasures of the departed monk's humor revealed themselves one last time, bringing unity to the village.

The laughter of the deceased monk soared, and in that moment, it was as if he had not left this mortal shore at all. His laughter lived on forevermore, a testament to the power of joy and the enduring legacy of these three wise monks.

Discussion Points

The story of the Three Laughing Monks imparts several valuable lessons and insights:

1. The Power of Laughter: Laughter is a universal language that can bring joy and unity to people from all walks of life. It is a powerful force that can transcend language and cultural barriers, making it a valuable tool for spreading happiness and positivity.

2. Finding Joy in Simple Things: The monks didn't need elaborate teachings or possessions to bring happiness to others. They found joy in the simplicity of laughter and shared this gift with those around them. This underscores the idea that true happiness often lies in appreciating the simple and beautiful aspects of life.

3. Facing Life with a Light Heart: The monks laughed at life's challenges and imperfections, embracing them as part of the grand design of existence. This teaches us the importance of approaching life's ups and downs with a light heart and a sense of humor, as it can make the journey more enjoyable.

4. Unity Through Laughter: Laughter has the unique ability to bring people together. In the story, the villagers were united by the laughter of the monks, demonstrating how shared moments of mirth can create a sense of community and connection among people.

5. Letting Go of Fear of Death: The departed monk's request to not change his dress and to let his laughter remain symbolizes a fearless acceptance of mortality. It encourages us to embrace the idea that death is a natural part of life and that even in death, we can leave behind a legacy of joy and positivity.

6. Lasting Legacy: The laughter of the departed monk lived on, reminding us that the impact we have on others can outlast our physical presence. It encourages us to strive to leave behind a positive and lasting legacy through our actions and interactions with others.

Story Credit: The story appeared in Osho's “Vedanta : Seven Steps to Samadhi”, rendered in poem format

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