A renowned warrior came to Hakuin and asked him:
Master, tell me: do Heaven and Hell truly exist?
Instead of answering, Hakuin asked him:
Who are you?
I am an officer of the personal guard of His Majesty the Emperor.
Nonsense! retorted Hakuin. What kind of emperor would keep such a wretch like you by his side!
You resemble more of a beggar to me.
Hearing these words, the warrior angrily reached for his sword.
Aha! exclaimed Hakuin. So, you also have some sort of sword. I bet it’s too dull to be able to cut off my head.
Upon these words, the warrior could no longer contain himself. He drew his sword from its sheath and prepared to strike at Hakuin. And Hakuin calmly said:
Now you know the first half of the answer to your question: you have opened the gates of Hell.
The warrior hesitated, sheathed his sword, bowed to Master Hakuin, and he said to him:
There, now you also know the second half of the answer: you have opened the gates of Heaven.
And so, Hakuin taught the warrior that Heaven and Hell indeed exist, within himself.
(Source: Vladimir Devide, Zen – ideas, art, texts)
Edited by Nataša Žaja