A beligerent samurai, an old Japanese tale goes, once challenged a Zen master to explain the concept of heaven and hell. But the monk replied with scorn, "You are nothing but a lout - I can't waste my time with the likes of you!".
His very honor attacked, the samurai flew into a rage and, pulling his sword, yelled "I could kill you for your impertinence."
"That," the monk calmly replied, "it's hell."
Startled at seeing the truth in what master pointed out at the fury that had him in its grip, the samurai calmed down, sheathed his sword, and bowed, thanking the monk for his insight.
"And that", said the monk, "it's heaven". Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
If you could put words to what you felt, it was yours.
About the power of language in Calling Sleep, by Henry Roth.
