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.
A Zen Story
I work for a French company.
Some of my co-workers here were shocked to find out the other day that in France it exists a civil contract between people of same sex.
Oh, how shocking!
We are very christian here. This means some of us think they can judge other people in the name of Christ.
But, does their freedom take away your freedom?
Does their happiness take away your happiness?
I know a few persons that will raise an eyebrow reading this and I know a few persons that will even get upset with me saying this.
On a lighter note : I do not mind that.
Hey, even Madonna was booed in this country, the other day when she spoke against discrimination. :)
There is a delicate balance in this Universe and tolerance is the key.
I used a photo I took this summer to illustrate this concept.
