Humor as a catalyst to spiritual awareness is less well understood. Sufi teachers know, and use, the power of spontaneity and laughter, which can be at least as vital and powerful as any formal technique. The tradition of Sufism includes endless funny stories, usually on and about ourselves. For many of us, laughing at our faults is the first step in being able to release them.
— James Fadiman, Robert Frager, Essential Sufism by James Fadiman, editor, Robert Frager, editor