110 - Heaven & Hell

This is a Zen story of a pilgrim who approached a Master, asking him to reveal the nature of Heaven and Hell. The Master, without hesitation, told the pilgrim how gross and stupid he was for asking such a question. The pilgrim was furious, his face became red and grotesquely distorted in rage, he raised his sword and prepared to strike the Master dead. The master remained calm and, without hesitation, said "That's Hell." Whereupon the pilgrim was enlightened; his countenance immediately transformed and he bowed in deep heartfelt gratitude. The master responded, "And that is Heaven."