Drinking Tea With A Zen Master | A Short Zen Story

Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.


Nan-in saved tea. 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!'

‘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? '