The Gates
of Paradise
Once upon a time a mighty
warrior Nobushige visited a temple where famed Zen master Hakuin resided. Having
been received by him, Nobushige perfunctorily bowed than promptly took up a
seat across from the worthy master. As he was not one to mince with words, he cleared
his throat and immediately voiced his pressing inquiry: “Tell me master, is
there really a paradise and hell?”
“Who are you?” Hakuin looking directly at him, inquired.
“I am a samurai,”
The warrior bit miffed, loudly ejected.
“You, a samurai?”
Hakuin now scoffed. “What kind of a ruler would have you as his guard? Your
demeanor resembles more that of a common, street beggar.”
Proud Nobushige was
so incensed, scowling he began to unsheathe his sword, but Hakuin shaking his head
calmly added, “I see you have a fine sword! Still,” the master shrugged, “the blade is probably
far too dull to sever my head.”
“I’ll show you how
dull it is!” infuriated Nobushige at once rose his hand and was about to unleash
his renowned deadly strike, when Hakuin, not in the least bit perturbed, loudly
remarked: “Here, open the gates of hell!”
The Samurai, at
once perceiving the master’s discipline, recoiled and after bowing respectfully
to the master contritely sheathed his sword.
“Here open the
gates of Paradise.” Hakuin, sporting a warm smile, now said.
Zen Story
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