home page
pagina iniziale |
by |
|
The Gates of Paradise
A soldier named Nobushige came to Hakuinand 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 swordbut 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 samuraiperceiving the master's disciplinesheathed his sword and bowed.
Here open the gates of paradise,said Hakuin.