A soldier visited a Zen master to enquire about the concept of heaven and hell.
He asked the master directly — “Is there really a heaven and a hell?”
“Who are you?” — inquired the master.
“I am a samurai,” — the warrior replied.
“You, a soldier!” — exclaimed the master — “What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar.”
The soldier became angry. He drew his weapon and pointed it at the master.
“So you have a sword! Your weapon is probably much too dull to cut off my head” — mocked the master.
The soldier pulled back his weapon and prepared to strike.
The master interrupted — “Here open the gates of hell!”
At these words, the soldier perceived the master’s discipline, sheathed his sword, and bowed.
“Here open the gates of heaven” — said the master.
