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Hakuin's Koan of Heaven and Hell [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2025-03-10

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The great seventeenth-century Japanese Rinzai Zen master Hakuin was once approached by a samurai warrior who asked Hakuin to explain heaven and hell to him. Hakuin looked up at the samurai and asked disdainfully,

How could a stupid, oafish ignoramus like you possibly understand such things?

The samurai started to draw his sword and Hakuin chided,

So, you have a sword. It's probably as dull as your head!

In a rage, the proud warrior pulled out his sword, intending to cut off Hakuin's head.

Hakuin stated calmly,

This is the gateway to hell.

The startled samurai stopped and, with appreciation for Hakuin's cool demeanor, sheathed his sword.

This is the gateway to heaven.

said Hakuin softly.

[END]
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