Heaven and Hell   Leave a comment


A Classic Zen Tale from Japan

There was a great samurai who was traveling the country looking for answers on the nature of the universe.

He went to a famous Zen Buddhist master and asked him; “Please tell me the nature of Heaven and Hell”

The master scowled and replied back, “You stupid samurai, you‘re supposed to be such a “great warrior” how dare you ask me this question. You are such a fool if you do not know the difference, and who do you think you are bothering me with such an inane question. Go away idiot!”

Enraged, the samurai drew his sword and held it above the masters head letting out a war cry as he did. “I’ll kill you for you what you have said”

The Zen master calmly pointed his hand towards the samurai and said, “That, is Hell”

Embarrassed, the regretful samurai sheathed his sword, fell to his knees, bowing profusely and apologized by saying, “I am so sorry master, you have enlightened me. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for your great words. I appreciate you sharing your wisdom with me.

The smiling Zen master tipped his head, opened his arms and said, “And that, is Heaven.”

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