Does Paradise And Hell Exist?

Anecdotes

oi-Staff

By Staff

Friday, February 13, 2009, 17:01

Once a soldier called Nobushige came to Haukin and enquired : " Is there really a paradise and a hell?"

"Who are you?"asked Hakuin.

The soldier replied : "I am a Samurai"

"You, a soldier!" exclaimed Hakuin. "What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar !"

Nobushige's anger knew no bounds that he began to draw his sword.

Haukin then said : " So you have a sword ! But your weapon is too dull to cut off my head "

Nobushige now actually drew his sword.

Hakuin then remarked: "Here open the gates of hell!"

Hearing the master's words the Samurai, perceiving his discipline, placed his sword back into the sheath and bowed.

"Here open the gates of paradise," said Hakuin.