What is the work of a master? Said a solemn - faced visitor. To teach people to laugh, said the master gravely

What is the work of a master? Said a solemn - faced visitor. To teach people to laugh, said the master gravely

Anthony de Mello was a Jesuit priest, psychotherapist, and spiritual teacher known for his teachings on awareness, mindfulness, and personal growth. His teachings often focused on the importance of self-awareness, inner freedom, and the ability to see beyond the illusions of the mind. In the context of the quote, "What is the work of a master? Said a solemn-faced visitor. To teach people to laugh, said the master gravely," de Mello's teachings can shed light on the deeper meaning behind this seemingly simple statement.

To de Mello, the work of a master is not just about imparting knowledge or wisdom, but about helping individuals to see the world in a new light, to break free from the limitations of their own minds, and to find joy and laughter in the midst of life's challenges. Laughter, in this context, is not just about humor or entertainment, but about a deeper sense of joy and freedom that comes from a place of inner peace and awareness.

In his teachings, de Mello often emphasized the importance of letting go of attachments, beliefs, and expectations that hold us back from experiencing true happiness and fulfillment. He encouraged his followers to cultivate a sense of detachment, to see through the illusions of the ego, and to embrace the present moment with a sense of openness and curiosity.

By teaching people to laugh, de Mello was not just talking about the act of laughing itself, but about the ability to find humor and lightness in the face of life's challenges. He believed that true wisdom and enlightenment come from a place of inner peace and joy, and that laughter is a powerful tool for breaking through the barriers of the mind and connecting with the deeper truths of existence.