Heaven and Hell

1. Hakuin was a famous Japanese Zen master. Many people came to him for inspiring teachings.
2. One day, he was visited by a samurai warrior. “I want to know about Heaven and Hell. Do they really exist?”
3. “Who are you?” “I am a samurai.”
4. “Ha! What makes you think you can understand such deep subjects? You are merely a callous, brutish soldier! Go away and do not waste my time with your foolish questions!”
5. “How dare you insult me! I’ll kill you!”
6. “You see? This is Hell.” Hakuin remained calm.
7. The soldier was taken aback.
8. Humbled by the wisdom of Hakuin, he sheathed his sword and bowed before the Zen master.
9. “And this is Heaven.”

We create our own Heaven and Hell.