Post date: Feb 7, 2011 6:54:22 PM
Buddha says that the road to heaven and hell are within our own thoughts. Whenever we have evil thoughts, we have opened the gates of hell. Whenever we have good thoughts, we have opened the gates of heaven. A thought is the beginning of an action. Therefore, it is important that we watch our thoughts before they result in regretful actions and consequences.
天堂和地獄僅在一念之差
當一個人産生悪念時, 他便墜入了黑暗污穢的地獄之中; 而當他幡然醒悟,
向善念轉變時, 他便步入了聖潔髙尚的天堂. 因此, 天堂和地獄, 僅在一念之間.
武士信重向白隱禪時請教: “眞的有天堂和地獄嗎?”
白隱問他: “你是做什麼的?”
“我是一名武士!”
“什麼樣的主人會要你做他的門客? 看你的面孔, 猶如乞丐!” 白隱說.
信重非常憤怒, 按住劍柄, 作勢欲拔.
“哦, 你有一把劍, 但是你的武器也太鈍了, 根本砍不下我的腦袋.” 白隱毫不在意地繼續說.
信重被激得當眞拔出劍來.
“地獄之門由此打開.” 白隱緩緩說道.
信重心中一震, 當下有所悟, 感佩之余, 遂收起劍向白隱深深鞠了一躬.
“天堂之門由此敞開.” 百隱欣然道.
The difference between heaven and hell is merely the difference between
thoughts.
When a person has an evil thought, he falls into a dark foul hell. When he
realizes his error and changes to a good thought, he enters into a holy pure heaven. Therefore, the difference between heaven and hell is merely the difference between thoughts.
A palace guard asked Zen master Bai-Yin: "Is there really heaven and hell?"
Zen master asked: "What do you do?"
"I'm a guard!"
"What kind of man requires you to be his guard? Look at yourself, you look like a beggar!" Zen master said.
The guard was extremely angry and was ready to draw his sword.
"Oh, you have a sword, but your blade is too dull to chop my head off," Zen master said as he barely even took notice.
The guard couldn't help but draw his sword.
"This is how the gates of hell are opened," the Zen master said slowly.
The guard was suddenly shocked. Just then he had an awakening, sheathed his sword and bowed deeply to the Zen master.
"This is how the gates of heaven are swung wide open," the Zen master said joyfully.