“A famous warrior came to Master Hakuin and asked him: — Master, tell me: do heaven and hell really exist?
— Who are you? — Hakuin asked.
— I am a Warrior from the personal guard of the great emperor.
— Nonsense! — snapped Hakuin. — What emperor would keep someone like you? You look like a beggar to me.
At these words, the warrior rattled his large sword in anger.
— Oho! — said Hakuin. — So you have a sword! It’s probably too dull to cut off my head.
At these words, the warrior could not contain himself, drew his sword, and threatened the master. And he spoke:
— Now you know half of the answer! You are opening the gates of hell!
The warrior drew back, sheathed his sword, and bowed.
— And now you know the other half — said the master. — You have opened the gates of heaven.”
