“Buddhism makes you funny, gives you a sense of humor about life, about yourself. If you’re becoming just a prig, or if you’re getting spaced out, if it’s about social climbing and who’s who in the Buddhist set or sect, it’s not Buddhism.”
Frederick Lenz, Rama
Blisses – Frederick Lenz, Rama
Rama had a way of bringing silliness and light-heartedness into our every interaction. There are too many examples to count! One time he entered a student meeting grinning and handed out these comical little stuffed animal critters, each about eight inch tall with soft plush fur and mops of fluffy hair. He called them blisses.
Blisses are pure innocence and fun he said – they are a reminder that you can let yourself be silly. A reminder that the path to self-discovery is not heavy or ponderous and does not have to be somber or self-absorbed. They became an icon of the study with Rama. Humble, funny, innocent, playful, and absolutely delightful!
*This memory of Frederick Lenz, Rama was inspired by a passage from Liz Lewinson’s book, the American Buddhist Rebel.
Another eBook that presents an irreverent and humorous view of Rama and the path is the Road Trip Mind written by “Uncle Tantra” 😉
In the talk “Happiness” Rama talks himself even more about the ways of “lighten up” and discover that eventually “Happiness is a warm puppy” 🙃
Assignment: Smiles – The Enlightenment Workbook
Of the things you’re doing in life, what makes you smile? Of the choices you have to make, which make you smile? Entitle a new page in your Enlightenment Journal, “Smiles!” Write down the primary activities, relationships, and choices in your life. Consider them each carefully one at a time. Use a mirror to observe your facial expressions after considering each. Draw your facial expression next to each.