The Gates of Heaven and The Gates of Hell

Long ago, there was an accomplished swordsman. The king heard about his great skill and summoned him to teach his army what he knew. In those days, you did not refuse an invitation from the king, and so the swordsman made the trip to the palace. When he finally arrived, the king gathered all his top guards to join in on the lesson. The swordsman said, "I can beat anyone with only two techniques. No one can stop me."

Empty Your Cup

The master continued preparing the tea without a word. The scholar said, "I wanted to ask you about the idea of emptiness. How does it relate to the philosophical concept of being and nonbeing?"

The master silently handed him a cup and began to pour.

The student continued on with his many thoughts about philosophy: "I have thought a lot about theories of being and nonbeing. I have read Aristotle, Plato, and the existentialists. Sartre had an interesting theory, and of course Camus dealt with it. I think..."

The master kept pouring and pouring until the tea began spilling out.

Startled, the student said, "Master! My cup is overflowing!"

The master smiled and said simply, "As is your mind. How can I show you Zen if you don't first empty your cup?"

A GARDEN IN THE MOUNTAINS

After the mountains of Alaska begin shedding their heavy white coats,

the tundra bursts forth in bloom. No one plants flowers on the mountainside,

but the bloom of wildflowers is still as predictable as spring itself. Blue lupine,

bright pink fireweed, and many other colorful varieties announce that winter has

departed. Dark, gloomy days are gradually replaced with more and more light.

By midsummer, the days extend almost until dawn. In the twilight’s glow,

this mountain garden flourishes along endless miles of pristine wilderness.

Every time the sun rises, the seasons change, and the flowers bloom, all of

nature seems to be announcing, “God is faithful.” In a world of human-made

chaos, God is dependable, not only in matters of creation, but in our personal

lives as well. Remembering God’s dependability is helpful, especially when

circumstances are not going our way.

When divorce rips the marriage vows or the doctor diagnoses cancer or

the telephone call delivers shocking news, we often wonder if God has

forgotten us. Yet when we reflect upon the past events of our lives,

we can trace His faithful provision. Just as He adorns the lilies of the field,

He will take care of our concerns. So, we need not be anxious. When

difficulties arise, we can pray, knowing the Master Gardener is always there,

year in and year out.