The Gates of Paradise A soldier named Nobushige came to the 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 soldier?!” 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!”
At these words the samurai, perceiving the master’s discipline, sheathed his sword and bowed.
“Here open the gates of paradise,” said Hakuin
Paul Reps Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
Wow, fantastic story! How much this tells. I once heard a quote, “When we hate what we once loved, we enter hell.” And to paraphase, “loving is paradise”. Thanks Stacie!