Heaven and Hell

Once there was a general of the imperial Japanese army, a brave samurai, who wanted to learn the essence of Zen. He sought out the advice of the renowned Zen Master Matsuo Bashô who lived alone in a mountain hut. He approached the master as he was meditating on a rock, and asked him, “What is the difference between heaven and hell, honorable master?”

Bashô stood up and spat in the general’s face. The general was astonished and overcome with rage. He unsheathed his long sword and raised it, determined to slice off the Zen Master’s head.

Bashô lifted his finger and said, “You are now at the gates of hell.” The general’s face relaxed and he lowered the sword. Bashô continued, “You are now at the gates of heaven.” The general became a disciple of master Bashô and eventually achieved true awakening.

This story raises and important question. Are we controlled by our situation, relationship and condition, or are we in control of our situation, relationship and condition. Do you control your thinking or does your thinking control you? If you can’t answer yes to this question, then more practice is necessary.