A Samurai warrior went to a Zen master for instruction. "Master, I would like to know if Heaven and hell really exist," asked the Samurai.
The teacher heard his request and broke into mocking laughter. "You would like to know about Heaven and hell?! ... Don't be ridiculous! Just look at you: you're fat, you're uneducated, and you're uncouth! What teacher in his right mind would invest his time in the likes of you?! ... Go back to your camp and practice your silly exercises!" With that, the teacher turned his back on the man and ignored him.
The Samurai became enraged. His face turned red, he began to breathe heavily, and he drew his sword, ready to chop off the master's head with his next breath. Just as the sword was about to fall, the master turned around smoothly, and calmly told him, "That, sir, is hell."
The Samaurai stopped cold and realized the profundity of the master's teaching. He saw instantly how he had created his own hell through pride and anger. Immediately, he fell at the master's feet in humble reverence.
The master looked down at him, lifted the Samurai's head, and quietly said, "And that, sir, is Heaven."