Existence loves laughter. You may have observed, or not, that man is the only animal in the whole of existence who is capable of laughing. Laughter is the only distinguishing mark that you are not a buffalo, you are not a donkey; you are a human being. Laughter defines your humanity and your evolution. And the greatest laugh is at your own ridiculous things.

For example, it is ridiculous to be frustrated and tense because more meditation is not happening. It is laughable to accept the advice of a man who knows nothing. And then that advice becomes a problem to you, creates new problems in you.

Unable to manage his rebellious girlfriend, Walter asked his dad how he has dealt with similar problems.

“Well son,” replied the father, “every time your mother began to act up, I would take down her pants and spank her.”

“I tried that,” said Walter, “but by the time I get my girl’s pants down, I’m not angry any more.”

Nobody’s advice is going to help you. You have to work out your way yourself. And learn to laugh at yourself. Learning to laugh at others is very easy; it is easy because it is ego fulfilling. But laughing at yourself is a great achievement. It means you are becoming humble; you don’t take your ego seriously.

Half way across the Atlantic ocean, the captain of the aircraft addressed the passengers, “I regret to say, ladies and gentleman, that one of our engines has failed. This puts us in no danger, since the aircraft can function perfectly well on the remaining three engines. But it does mean that our arrival in New York will be delayed by an hour.”

A few minutes later, a further announcement was made. “I regret to say, ladies and gentleman,” he explained calmly, “that another of our engines has failed. There is still no danger as this aircraft can function perfectly well on the remaining two engines, but it does mean that our arrival in New York will be delayed by two hours.”

Half an hour later, the passengers heard their captain yet again, “I regret to say, ladies and gentlemen, that yet another of our engines has failed. There is still no danger whatsoever, as this aircraft can function perfectly well on one engine alone. But it does mean that our arrival in New York will be delayed by three hours.”

“I hope,” said the Polack pope, who was aboard the aircraft, to another passenger, “that the fourth engine does not pack up as well or we will be up here forever.”