1
1
1
"Here open the gates of paradise," said Hakuin.
The master in the parable was able to quickly show to the Samurai that heaven or hell were real as states of mind. The master demonstrated that we could attain a hellish state or a heavenly state within a matter of moments depending on our emotional and spiritual focus.
The Samurai "opened the gates of hell" by focusing on his self and his pride. But when the Samurai opened his mind to the master and put away that self focus, he was able to "open the gates of heaven."
The gates of heaven and hell were opened to the Samurai not only in his life time but in a matter of a few moments.
In fact, mental and emotional states do fluctuate. But it is the level of understanding that we come to in this life that helps determine how we cope with difficulties and suffering. No human is able to avoid suffering and, unfortunately, some of us are faced with terrible difficulties in this life. Still, an awareness of our connectedness and relatedness in this web of life and a compassion for all of life raises our consciousness to a blessedness of being.
This blessed being means merely that we are able to be a blessing to others and for that we come to live in a consciousness of Love.
The Bodhisattvas, saints, and the holy ones are blessed beingswho have attained that state of Loving Consciousness that seeks to help others. They have learned that their lives are not separate from others and they have opened their hearts and minds to others in selfless service. They have been able to "open the gates of heaven."
In the same way, there are numerous other beingswho live with very little consideration for others. Some even seek power and enjoyment from harming others. These beings "open the gates of hell" by living in an illusion of "self." An illusion of a separate existence, in which their self focus blinds them to the Truth of life.
But I believe that no matter how we have lived our lives we can "open the gates of heaven" in this very moment by changing the focus in our minds. Obviously there will be a certain pattern of physical and psychic activity that we have to experience (Karma) from our past energy choices. But we can experience this Karma with a grace of being in which our focus is no longer on ourselves but on all of us.
This Heavenly mental habit is what will create new patterns of energy. It will enable us to actively help others and experience a consciousness and a life of Love.
Mental habits have to be practiced and cultivated, but if we change our mental focus we can "open the gates of heaven" right in this very life. Yes, even in this very instant.
1 | 2
