What is Hell? - What is Heaven?

Once in Japan,  a big burly Samurai (military noble) sauntered towards a Rōshi  (elderly and wise master) and said, “Tell me the nature of heaven and hell.” 

The Rōshi looked at him in the face and said: “Why should I tell a scruffy, disgusting, miserable slob like you?”  The Samurai's face turned purple and his hair stood up, but the Rōshi appeared not to notice and continued, “A miserable worm like you, why do you think I should tell you anything?” 

Consumed by rage, the Samurai drew his sword, and was just about to cut off the head of the Rōshi.  Then the Rōshi said, “That’s hell.” 

 

The Samurai suddenly realised, that all his power skill and many years of training were instantaneously rendered useless. He had been in a fraction of a moment consumed by his uncontrollable anger and towering arrogance. 

He had lost his senses and created his own hell by his reaction to a few petty words from an unarmed old man, who he was ready to kill.

The calm and fearless expression, poise and words, unnerved the Samurai. Tears filled his eyes as he was overcome with shock and shame. The Samurai put his palms together and bowed to the Rōshi.

"This awakening is heaven", said the Rōshi.

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'A man is like steel. 

When he loses his temper, he loses his strength'

Reference: My upcoming book on 'Success and Happiness'