Tao Te Ching Chapter 40-4 If not laughable

Today's Tao

If he doesn't laugh, it is not worth being Tao. (Ch.40)


Have you laughed out loud today?

Uh, uh, you have been serious, right?

If you are too serious, you may have to ask yourself whether you are talking about something true.

Lao Tzu says, "If they don't laugh at you, you are not talking about true Tao".

Please don't underestimate the power of laughter.

When the lowest and basest man laughs at you like a Japanese Kyogen actor, you should remember that water stays in a lower place because it is close to Tao.

Then, his nasty laughter may have another signification.

Ha, ha, ha, ha.

Laughter and truth go hand in hand.


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-If not laughable 40-4
-Chien yen? 40-5
-Evident = Vague 40-6
-Advance = Retreat 40-7
-Smooth = Tangled 40-8
-Highest attainment = Valley 40-9
-Lacking 40-10
-Lazy 40-11
-Changing 40-12
-White = Black 40-13
-Square without corners 40-14
-No completion 40-15
-No voice 40-16
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-Hidden with no name 40-18
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-Tao by Matsumoto / Tao Te Ching / Chapter 40
-Poor Speech 45-7


Tao answers your question!



-Go and visit Kokuritsu Nogakudo (National Noh Theatre). This is one of the must-see places in Tokyo. Normally Noh performances take place along with Kyogen, a traditional farce. You may have to fight against the temptation of falling asleeep during the Noh play. But, don't worry about Kyogen. It is fairly representational and not too difficult to understand what they are doing on the stage. Even if you don't comprehend it at all, just laugh out loud when the Japanese audience do.