Heaven and Hell: A Zen Parable

Hello, my friend! Thank you for choosing the Read and Reflect.

What if your thoughts weren’t always true?
This powerful little book flips your inner world upside down — in the best way possible.

Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen

In ancient Japan, during a time when honor meant everything and the way of the sword ruled the land, there lived a fierce and renowned samurai warrior. He had conquered many battles, mastered countless weapons, and earned the respect of many — but deep inside, his soul remained restless.

Despite all his achievements, there was one thing he could not conquer: inner peace. Troubled by the chaos within, he began seeking wisdom beyond the battlefield. Eventually, he heard of a Zen master known not only for his calmness but for his deep spiritual insight. Intrigued, and perhaps skeptical, the samurai decided to find this monk and demand the answers he sought.

After a long journey, the samurai arrived at a quiet monastery nestled among the mountains. There, he found the Zen master sitting silently beneath a tree, his eyes closed in deep meditation. The samurai, impatient and unused to being ignored, raised his voice:

“Master! I am a warrior. I have faced death and conquered fear. Tell me — what is the nature of heaven and hell?”

The Zen master slowly opened his eyes and looked at the towering warrior. But instead of answering, he spoke with sharp words that pierced deeper than any sword:

“Why should I speak to a filthy, ignorant brute like you? You’re nothing but a lowly beast — your sword, your strength, your ego — they mean nothing here.”

The samurai’s pride shattered. Blood rushed to his face, and in a flash of rage, he drew his sword and raised it high, ready to strike the old man down.

At that very moment, the Zen master calmly said,

“That… is hell.”

The words struck harder than any weapon. The samurai froze. His hands trembled. His eyes widened as understanding dawned. He realized that hell wasn’t a place — it was a state of mind. In his pride, his anger, his ego — he had created his own suffering.

Tears welled in his eyes. Shaken, he slowly lowered his sword, fell to his knees, and placed his palms together in a humble bow. He bowed not just to the master, but to the truth he had just seen.

The Zen master gently smiled and said,

“And that… is heaven.”

Moral of the Story:

Heaven and hell are not places we go to after death. They are states we create within our own minds.
When we are ruled by anger, pride, and ego — we are in hell. But when we are aware, humble, and present — we experience heaven. Peace and suffering both begin inside us. The choice is always ours.

Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen