samedi 17 juillet 2010

The Samurai and Hell

A samurai named Nobushige came to Zen Master 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 samurai!" sneered Hakuin, "What kind of Daimyo would have you as his retainer? You look like a beggar". 

Nobushige became so angry that he began to draw his sword, but Hakuin continued: "So you do have a sword! Too bad it's probably too dull to chop my head off."

As Nobushige drew his sword Hakuin remarked: "Here open the gates of hell!"

The samurai, perceiving the master's discipline, put away his sword and bowed.
"Here open the gates of paradise", said Hakuin.

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