Empty Your Cup

Nan-in, a Japanese monk during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came in search of knowledge about Zen Buddhism.

While Nan-in served tea, the professor commented exercises, analyzed writings, interpreted stories and traditions, and deliberated on the ancient processes of meditation. He did everything to impress his host, in the hopes that he might be accepted as a disciple.

As he spoke, the monk continued to fill his cup, until it overflowed, and tea began to flow across the whole table.

“What are you doing? Can’t you see the cup is full, and that nothing more will fit in it?” asked the professor.

“Your soul is like this cup” replied the master, “How can I teach you the true art of Zen Buddhism, if it is already filled with theories?”