The word "spirit" comes from the Latin "spiritus" related to the word "spirare" meaning "breath"...pretty light stuff as it goes...and yet so many of us carry our spirituality around like weapons and burdens that are so dense they drive us to the immobility of self-righteous anger. How sad...
As a Western Universal Sufi, I have found joy in my path which includes the lightness of laughter and even poking fun at times at the human condition in relationship to the One.
Sufi tradition looks toward Mullah Nasrudin, the wise fool who through his bumbling experiences relays wisdom through humor...for example:
Mulla Nasrudin had just bought a dog and was bragging about his good points to a friend. "He is not what you would call a pedigree dog," said the Mulla, "but no prowler could come near the house without him letting us know about it." "What does he do?" asked the friend. "Bark and arouse the neighbourhood?" "NO," said Nasrudin proudly,"HE CRAWLS UNDER THE BED."
In a lighthearted way, this story relates the wisdom of avoiding conflict at certain times. The concept is relayed without pontificating or philosophizing and is remembered because it is an enjoyable experience to tell and hear. I'm not denigrating philosophy or deep theological discussion. I come here often and am amazed at the wonderful bright minds that discuss and even debate matters...and I learn so much. But I'm wondering if there is a place here for that part of spirituality that lifts the soul and makes one joyful as spirits having an earthly experience.
If you have stories to share...personal or from your particular spiritual tradition, please post them here. I have a few more from several religious traditions and I will be back.
All Love,
Always!!!
Hakima
Originally posted by Rajk999To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Luke 6:25 ..... Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
Now thats funny ... 😀
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance
--Ecclesiastes 3
...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness
--Psalms 30
I think you are right Rajk999...the cycles of spiritual evolution ARE funny. I can't imagine a God without a sense of humor, especially those times when I look in the mirror.
Here's another story:
Mulla Nasrudin's family was upset because the girl he was planning to marry was an atheist. "We'll not have you marrying an atheist," his mother said. "What can I do? I love her," the young Nasrudin said. "Well," said his mother, "if she loves you, she will do anything you ask. You should talk religion to her. If you are persistent, you can win her over." Several weeks went by, then one morning at breakfast the young Mulla seemed absolutely brokenhearted. "What's the matter?" his mother asked. "I thought you were making such good progress in your talks about religion to your young girlfriend." "THAT'S THE TROUBLE," said Nasrudin. I OVER DID IT. LAST NIGHT SHE TOLD ME SHE WAS SO CONVINCED THAT SHE IS GOING TO STUDY TO BE A NUN."
Sometimes our best righteous intentions backfire.
Now THAT's funny!
ALA!!!
Hakima
Originally posted by hakimaMy friends tell me I'm a baaad man. In fact, I once saved a man just to watch him cry. 😛
If you have stories to share...personal or from your particular spiritual tradition, please post them here. I have a few more from several religious traditions and I will be back.
Originally posted by hakimaHumour is an essential part of Spirituality.
The word "spirit" comes from the Latin "spiritus" related to the word "spirare" meaning "breath"...pretty light stuff as it goes...and yet so many of us carry our spirituality around like weapons and burdens that are so dense they drive us to the immobility of self-righteous anger. How sad...
As a Western Universal Sufi, I have found joy in my path which ...[text shortened]... ligious traditions and I will be back.
All Love,
Always!!!
Hakima
I once saw a 'bum' stand in front of an outside eating area for a McDonalds restaurant. He started to bad-mouth the franchise, its questionable,harmful practices, and the people that consume food (there) who support it, etc,etc.
After a few minutes of this he turned to leave. Suffice to say that the crowd was silent and quite slowed in their eating, as they did not know how to deal with this guy.
Suddenly,in a high squealy voice, a young teenage girl yelled out, "F*** off you d***head!" .
The crowd cracked up with uproarious laughter .
At the time I thought how sad but on later reflection I realized that the bum had gotten his message across,(albeit partially), otherwise they would not have laughed!