A Spark Question Quiz of five questions follows this story. Check your Power of Consciousness. Have some thoughtful fun.
Is There a Heaven and Hell? A Zen Parable*
There was once a powerful Samurai Warrior. He was a leader of men and very faithful to his country. He thought nothing of giving his own life if it meant helping his Emperor or country. This warrior was familiar with battle and had killed many men. He wondered if there was a heaven and a hell, and if so, how could he get to heaven and stay clear of hell. He was concerned that he may not be allowed into heaven due to the fact that he had killed so many men in this lifetime.
He had heard of the famous Zen Master, Hakuin, and was told the Hakuin could show him how to get to heaven. He decided to go and meet Hakuin and traveled long and far to find him. After many days of grueling travel over mountains and rough terrain, he finally found the Master.
The warrior was doubtful when he met Master Hakuin; who looked like a simple peasant. The powerful warrior wondered if this plain and simple man could authentically answer his question.
After all his travel it would be pointless to go back without asking the question. And so, the strong warrior asked Hakuin if indeed there is a heaven and a hell, and if so how could he get to heaven and avoid hell.
Master Hakuin replied, “Who are you?” To which the warrior replied, “I am the Chief Samurai Warrior and I work directly with the Emperor. I am the leader of all Samurai in Japan.”
Hakuin laughed and said, “You, a warrior? You are nothing but talk; you could not save yourself, never mind our Emperor! Don’t waste my time, go!” At this the warrior was deeply offended and immediately grew angry. He drew his sword ready to kill this peasant man in front of him, but just before his blade descended on the Master’s head, Hakuin proclaimed. “This is hell.” The warrior stopped and put his sword back in its sheath and Hakuin smiled as he said, “And this, is heaven.”
The Samurai got the message, the Master had shown him how his anger was his own hell and his alert consciousness was his own heaven. He realized the heaven and hell exist within us; it is always a choice as to how we respond to life. It is said that the great Samurai Warrior set aside his sword and armor, and followed the path of a Spiritual Warrior.
Remember: if you react you are unconscious. Watch your reactions so you begin to respond to life with conscious awareness.
SPARK QUESTIONS QUIZ
Do I react or respond to challenges?
React ( ) Respond ( )
Are my reactions or responses unconscious or consciously aware?
Unconscious ( ) Consciously aware ( )
If I feel personal doubt, shame, worry or confusion is my internal reaction/response consciously aware or unconscious?
Unconscious ( ) Consciously aware ( )
If I rebel against, rise up in opposition to or oppose and want to fight but I don’t feel anger is it still a “reaction” and unconscious?
Unconscious ( ) Consciously aware ( )
If I don’t react with anger, hostility or opposition but with humiliation, guilt or disgrace is it still a “reaction” and unconscious?
Unconscious ( ) Consciously aware ( )
I have heard and read many variations of this parable. This is my favorite.
Enjoy, Constance
