may we be mindful to manifest heaven and not hell, even as we commit to the needed and challenging work of justice, equality and healing, in the face of destruction.

may love be our refuge and resource ❤️🙏🏻

~j

The Zen Monk and The Samurai: A Parable

A large, tough Samurai, known in all the land for his greatness, once approached a little Zen Monk who was sitting deep in meditation.

Rude and impatient, the Samurai demanded harshly, forcefully, “Tell me the nature of heaven and hell.”

The Zen Monk opened his eyes, looked directly into the eyes of the Samurai, and replied, “Why should I answer such a rude, shabby, disgusting slob like you? A worm like you, why I should tell you anything? Leave. I have no time for such ridiculous questions.”

The Samurai, taken back, could not bear these insults. Consumed by rage, he drew his sword and raised it to strike the Zen Monk.

The Zen Monk, looked directly into the eyes of the Samurai and calmly declared, “That is hell.”

The Samurai froze in place. He suddenly saw clearly that anger had him in its grip. He saw that his own mind had created hell. Hell was manifest in his pride, his resentment, his rage and his hate.

The Samurai’s eyes filled with tears. He dropped his sword and put his palms together and bowed in gratitude to the Zen Monk for the insight.

The Zen Monk looked directly into the eyes of the Samurai and said calmly and gently with a smile, “That is heaven.”

#rage #hell #heaven #Zen #Buddhism #EngagedBuddhism #JinpaLhaga