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Stories of Wisdom - January 2007

The Gates Of Paradise

January 28th 2007 16:21

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"
Nobushige became so angry that he began to draw his sword, but Hakuin continued, "So you have a sword! Your weapon is probably much too dull to cut off my head,"
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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Posted By: WeR1Family - Category: Oriental Thoughts

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2 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by WeR1Family

January 28th 2007 16:42

Stories of Wisdom
Lone - My Life and Thoughts

The moment we are in heaven or hell is the moment of our mind in our everyday life.

Comment by Adrian

January 29th 2007 00:02

Philosophy Blog

An interesting insight into zen's focus on this world rather than the next...

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