Are Heaven and Hell Real?
A warrior came to Hakuin, and asked: ‘Is there really a heaven 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.’
At this the warrior became so angry he drew his sword. Standing calmly in front of him, Hakuin said,
“Here open the gates of hell.”
Perceiving the master’s composure, the soldier sheathed his sword and bowed.
Hakuin then said, “And here open the gates of heaven.”