
Narrated by Peter Coyote
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 Nohushige 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.
Playlists: Zen Koans, Stories, Poems
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLahooTbMXXrSgpgSkXZgDvamXAJTMOSgz