| Student | : | Master, I learn Buddhism because I don’t want to be reborn in the Six Realms. Master, please tell what I should do! |
| Master | : | You don't want to be reborn in the Six Realms. So, in which realm are you now? |
The student was astonished to hear that. This mind was stuck. He wanted to say something but didn’t know what to say
A long pause of silence.
| Master | : | In this very moment, are you not free from rebirth? |
Immediately he understood. A big bright smile appeared on his face. He gave a deep bow to Master and said: "Thank you for your teaching."
Commentary:
There was once a powerful General. He came to visit a Zen Master and asked, "Are there really heaven and hell?" Strangely Zen Master seemed to be annoyed by the General's question and said, "Stupid!" The General was furious. He held tightly his sword round his waist and shouted, "Dare you say this to me! Don’t you know I can kill you anytime?!" Zen Master said with a smile, "Is this not hell?" Feeling a bit too rude, the General apologized. Zen Master said, "Is it not heaven?"
Everything is created by Mind alone. If your mind doesn’t make anything, the Six Realms will not hinder you.