Because of this monk’s kindly nature, he came to be regarded as an incarnation of the Bodhisattva who will be Maitreya (or, the Future Buddha, succeeding the Gautama Buddha). Although some claim Hotei is based on superstition, he is a genuine symbol of a Spiritual Activist who is an advocate for of the weak, poor and children, a wandering jovial monk who travels about transforming the sadness in the hearts of people of this world. A comedian on the road as it were. Hotei represents not a packaged Buddhist perspective, but a Universal belief that a life of Self-mastery over our ego, a happy and positive outlook, meaningful endeavors and right livelihood, a proactive commitment to the welfare of others and awakened awareness is definitely attainable in this world of form. If having a Laughing Buddha statue around can re-mind you of that, then regardless of whether Hotei is superstitious myth or not, who can argue that’s not a good thing to focus your attention on? Heck, we need all the positive re-minders we can get.

God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh. – Voltaire.

Popular modern-day teachers like Pema Chodron, Ram Dass and the Dalai Lama all comprehend the value of levity, and even being mischievous and playful with their students at times. When you are evaluating the merits of spiritual teachers, I suggest you pay attention to their sense of humor and how often they laugh, as it reflects how clearly they can see life as Divine comedy and how seriously they take themselves. A self-effacing and joyful sense of humor (as opposed to a mean-spirited one), along with other attributes such as compassion, self-honesty, fearlessness, high ethical standards and impeccable spiritual transparency are all hallmarks of a teacher worth paying attention to.

Any being that can shift people away from their own worries and sadness, even if it is for just a moment or two, is offering humanity a great and high vibratory service. I consider our most beloved comics, humorists and actors who joyfully see the value in and celebrate the funny and silly and absurd aspects of being human to be saints, actually. Smiling and laughter are contagious forms of energy that elevate the spirits of everyone they come into contact with. Those dealing with healing from a devastating physical illness are routinely “prescribed” a strong dose of whatever can make them laugh as much and often as possible.

What did the Yogi say when he walked into the Zen Pizza Parlor? “Make me one with everything.” When the Yogi got the pizza, he gave the proprietor a $20 bill. The proprietor pocketed the bill. The Yogi said “Don’t I get change?” The proprietor said, “Change must come from within.”

Some data on the positive effects of laughter:

• According to a study performed in 2000 by cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may help protect you against a heart attack, The study, which was the first to indicate that laughter may help prevent heart disease, found that people with heart disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease. (Laughter is abundant in those who have an open heart chakra.)

• Research conducted by Dr. Lee S. Berk, Professor at Loma Linda University, demonstrates that laughter increases the count of NK cells (a type of white cell) and antibody levels.

• Laughter increases the levels of endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers. Endorphins released as a result of laughter may help in reducing the intensity of pain in those suffering from arthritis and muscular spasms.

• Experiments have demonstrated that a ten-minute laughter session leads to a reduction of 10-20 mm in blood pressure.

• Dr. William Fry of Stanford University claims one minute of laughter is equal to the aerobic benefits of ten minutes on a rowing machine.

The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH), states that the therapeutic use of humor “promotes health and wellness by stimulating a playful discovery, expression, or appreciation of the absurdity or incongruity of life’s situations. This intervention may enhance work performance, support learning, improve health, or be used as a complementary treatment of illness to facilitate healing or coping, whether physical, emotional, cognitive, social, or spiritual.”

And now there is Laughter Yoga, created by Dr. Madan Kataria of India, who suggests that daily twenty-minute sessions combining laughter exercises and pranayama will provide the health benefits of laughter described above. There are Laughter Clubs and Laughter Yoga workshops are given around the world. You can even hire a certified Laughter Yoga coach. (But I think putting on a Robin Williams DVD while you breathe would do the job just fine.)

What is considered to be funny is, like beauty, in the eyes of the beholder. It’s hard to explain why we find something to be humorous, because what is funny is beyond logical, analytical explanation. What is funny to me may not be funny to you in the least. But one characteristic about laughter is universal: When we are engaged in laughing at something funny, our inner chatter is generally dis-engaged. We have a direct “no mind” experience that is akin to all moments of clarity and spiritual awakening that occur when we get out of our own way.

But okay, why was Buddha laughing? Of course, there are no conclusive answers, only speculations … and deep speculating on the why of it can make your head spontaneously combust. Maybe the simple fact that it feels good and makes others feel good is explanation enough. Plus, it’s a form of selfless, contagious service we all can engage in.

How do you make God laugh? Tell Him your plans.

Suzanne Matthiessen is a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Classical Feng Shui practitioner, and writes, teaches and consults about personal energy, spiritual growth and transcending behavioral shadow issues. Her New book, Affirmative Actions: Eyes Open Meditations for Women is available on her website: spiritualetiquette.com.