A big, tough samurai once went to see a little monk. Monk, he barked, in a voice accustomed to instant obedience, teach me about heaven and hell! The monk looked up at the mighty warrior and replied with utter disdain, Teach you about heaven and hell? I couldnt teach you about anything. Youre dumb. Youre dirty. Youre a disgrace, an embarrassment to the samurai class. Get out of my sight. I cant stand you. The samurai got furious. He shook, red in the face, speechless with rage. He pulled out his sword, and prepared to slay the monk. Looking straight into the samurais eyes, the monk said softly, Thats hell. The samurai froze, realizing the compassion of the monk who had risked his life to show him hell! He put down his sword and fell to his knees, filled with gratitude. The monk said softly, And thats heaven. ZEN PARABLE

Conscious Business by Fred Kofman