The Little Monk & The Samurai - A Zen Parable

This simple little tale reveals the root of our human suffering. How simple and humbling the truth becomes once we open our hearts and minds to see it. The decision to suffer is always our own. Self-awareness is our doorway to freedom.

Transcript

The Little Monk and the Samurai,

A Zen parable.

There once was a powerful samurai that approached a little monk on the street,

And in a demanding voice accustomed to instant obedience,

Barked,

Monk,

Teach me about heaven and hell.

The little monk looked up at the powerful samurai and without pause replied,

I can't teach you anything.

You're too stupid.

You're a disgrace to your class.

Get out of my sight.

The samurai instantly enraged drew his sword and the little monk,

Only an instant before death,

Looking straight up into the eyes of the samurai,

Boldly said,

That is hell.

Immediately humbled,

The samurai dropped to his knees in gratitude and awareness that this little monk had risked his very life to teach him the meaning of hell.

The little monk then softly said,

And that is heaven.

Reviews

I love this story. I heard it before, but heard it a little differently. Instead of "This is Hell/Heaven," I heard it said as "Here open the gates of Hell/Heaven." Thank you for sharing! And Namasté!

Very powerful, short Zen parable. So few words, yet so much in it. Thank you. Namaste.🙏🏻🧘‍♂️

Beautiful , the story, the companion sounds and the teaching

Thank you for sharing this short message with us all
Have a great day
Namasté 🥦🧩🔋💚

Love this. Thank you for sharing it.

What a treasure. Thank you for this quick and expensive lesson.

I love the way you tell this story! Thank you for sharing.

Thsnk you for that 🙏🏾💕

Simple, simply awesome

A wonderful way to start your day.

Short and SO true!

Love this!!

Thank you 🙏