A soldier came to Hakuin and asked of him, "Is there really a Paradise and a Hell?" "Who are you?" inquired Hakuin. "I am a Samurai," the warrior replied. "You, a Samurai? exclaimed Hakuin. "What kind of a ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar!"

The soldier became so angry that he began to draw his sword. Hakuin continued... "So you have a sword! Your weapon is probably as dull as your head!" As the soldier drew his sword Hakuin remarked, "Here open the gates of Hell!"

At these words, the Samurai understood the discipline of the master, sheathed his sword and bowed...

"Here," said Hakuin, "open the gates of Paradise."