The Gates Of Paradise
January 28th 2007 16:21
Category: Oriental Thoughts
A soldier named Nobushige came to Hakuin, and asked: "Is there really a paradise and a hell?"
"Who are you?" inquired Hakuin.
"I am a samurai," the warrior replied.
"You, a solider!" exclaimed Hakuin. "What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar"
As Nobushige drew his sword, Hakuin remarked: "Here open the gates of hell!"
A these words the samurai, perceiving the master's discipline, sheathed his sword and bowed.
"Here open the gates of paradise", said Hakuin
Heaven and hell are not places one goes to after death, but in the here and now! Good and evil are all in the thought, and the gates of heaven and hell will open to you at any time.
Source: Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
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