Visit the Official KCSA Web Site

Visit the Official KCSA Web Site
Click to Visit the Official KCSA Web Site. Unity Through Diversity...Knights Nation!

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Heaven and Hell

Sir Bowie mention in his post several days ago about Paulo Coelho's latest Warrior of the Light newsletter. He retold the story of crosses. In that same newsletter there was a story about Heaven and Hell, which I also believe needs to be retold. It fits very well with today's previous post.

Heaven and Hell

A violent samurai who was known for picking fights for no reason at all arrived at the door of a Zen monastery and asked to speak to the master.


Without a moment’s hesitation, Ryokan came out to meet him.
“They say that intelligence is more powerful than strength,” said the samurai. “I wonder if you could explain to me the meaning of heaven and hell.”

Riokan remained silent.
“You see?” roared the samurai. “I could explain that very easily: to show what hell is, all I need to do is beat someone up. To show what heaven is, just let a person go free after menacing him a lot.”

“I don’t argue with stupid people like you,” said the Zen master. This made the samurai’s blood boil. His mind was filled with hatred.

“Now, that is hell,” said Ryokan, smiling. “Letting yourself be angered by silly things.”
The monk’s courage disconcerted the warrior, and he relaxed. “And that is heaven,” added Ryokan, inviting him in. “Not reacting to silly provocations.”

Sir Hook the Silly or Not of Warrick

No comments:

Post a Comment