--The Gates of Paradise--
A soldier named Nobushige came to 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.
