Do Arahants laugh or make jokes? I don’t think so.
I think Arahants only smile when there is a reason.
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The indulgence in laughter that exposes one’s teeth is regarded as a puerile display. In contrast, it is deemed more appropriate for a monk to exhibit a serene smile. Moreover, the Vinaya expressly forbids a bhikkhu from engaging in loud laughter when in the presence of others.
“Singing is regarded as wailing in the training of the Noble One. Dancing is regarded as madness. Too much laughter, showing the teeth, is regarded as childish. So break off singing and dancing; and when you’re appropriately pleased, it’s enough to simply smile.”
— AN 3.107
The succinct answer is no. Such an action is frequently perceived as a mere prattle, a frivolous form of discourse that one is duty-bound to refrain from partaking in.
Abandoning idle chatter, he abstains from idle chatter. He speaks in season, speaks what is factual, what is in accordance with the goal, the Dhamma, & the Vinaya. He speaks words worth treasuring, seasonable, reasonable, circumscribed, connected with the goal. This is how one is made pure in four ways by verbal action.
The more elaborate response is that humor is a matter of relativity, deeply shaped by the cultural and linguistic context in which it manifests. The notions and interpretations of what constitutes “laughter-worthy” diverge significantly in accordance with prevailing values, customs, and societal norms. As such, it is inherently subjective, not universally fixed. One might find cause for laughter in a biology lesson or a mathematical equation—an act which, to many, may appear quite peculiar. Therefore, the notion of humor is ever-changing, subject to the particularities of these contextual disparities.
An appropriate example can be found in the instance of the greatly honoured Mahā Kappina Thera, an arahant, who was frequently in the company of the esteemed Elder Sāriputta. Upon a certain instance (Thag 18.1), Mahā Kappina smiled, as a form of commendation, upon witnessing the profound homage the gods paid to Sāriputta.
Yes, this makes sense. Thank you for the detailed answer.
I think we should try to be like Arahants. We should have serene smile when appropriate instead of loud laughter.