Chan Master Hakuin Ekaku (1686–1769 CE) was one of the most influential figures in Japanese Rinzai Zen Buddhism.
Once, a governor visited Master Hakuin, asking: “Are hell and paradise real or ideals? Can you show me them?”
Hakuin suddenly showered him with vicious curses. Shocked, the governor initially endured politely. But as insults escalated, he grabbed a wooden staff, roaring: “You fraud!” and swung at Hakuin.
The master darted behind a temple pillar, shouting:
“You wanted hell? This — is hell!”
Stunned, the governor dropped his staff, knelt, and begged forgiveness.
Hakuin smiled:
“And this — is paradise!”
Cultural & Philosophical Notes
Hell and Paradise as Mental States:
Governor’s rage = Hell — born from attachment to ego (“How dare he insult me!”).
Governor’s remorse = Paradise — awakened when ego dissolved (“I was wrong”).
Hakuin’s Shock Therapy:
The master’s curses were skillful means to:
Provoke the governor’s hidden anger (revealing inner hell).
Trigger repentance that unveiled his innate purity (paradise).
The Pillar of Suchness:
No change in external world–only the governor’s mind shifted:
Same staff: Weapon of hatred >> Tool for awakening.
Same kneeling: Subjugation >> Liberation.
Zen Essence:
Hakuin exposed “hell” and “paradise” as two sides of one mind. As the Avatamsaka Sutra says: “The three realms are but one mind.”
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