A Sudden Clash of Thunder

Acharya says that laughter is "the very essence of

Zen." And though the theme of this series is meditation - watching,

remaining alert and aware - as the only way to truth, Acharya encourages us to,

"be happy and meditation will follow." There is a wonderful chapter

on laughter, Hotei the Laughing Buddha, and enlightenment. As Acharya says,

"This is the whole effort of all the masters: to create a sudden clash of

thunder so those who are fast asleep can be awakened."