Zen in a Cup of Tea

A university professor went to visit Nan-in, a famous Japanese Zen master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), to inquire about Zen.

While Nan-in quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring.

The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. "It is overfull. No more will go in!"

"This is you, like this cup," Nan-in said, "you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"

Those who are full of their own opinions, do not want to listen to wise words from others. In discussions between two people, what often happens is that each intends to push his own opinion. As a result, other than he hears his own voice or view, he does not learn anything else.