57. The Gates of Paradise

A soldier named Nobu-Shige came to Haku-In, and asked, "Is there really a paradise and a hell?"
"Who are you?" inquired Haku-In.

"I am a Samurai," the warrior replied.

"You, a soldier!" exclaimed Haku-In.

"What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar."

Nobu-Shige became so angry that he began to draw his sword when Haku-In continued, "So you have a sword! Your weapon is probably much too dull to cut off my head."

As Nobu-Shige drew his sword Haku-In remarked, "Here open the gates of hell!"

At these words the Samurai perceiving the master's discipline sheathed his sword and bowed.

"Here open the gates of paradise," said Haku-In.