The Tea Cup

  The Parable
 

During his days as a teacher, Nan-in was  visited by a university professor curious about Zen.

Being polite, Nan-in served the professor a cup of tea.

As he poured, the professor’s cup became full, but Nan-in kept on pouring. As the professor watched the cup overflow, he could no longer contain himself and said, “It is overfull. No more will go in!”

Nan-in turned to the professor and said, “Like the cup, you are too full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”

Nan-in 1868-1912

  The Lesson
 

Simply put, to learn new lessons one must have an open mind.  This is of course easier said than done, but to truly learn and understand, you must put your preconceptions aside, empty your cup, and let all the universe has to teach you pour inside of you. 

We as humans often go into situations thinking we know everything, and even if we don't, the more we learn and gather, the more we will put our own judgements on the situation. 

This is why meditating before and after a meeting or reading new passages is so helpful. Learning to first empty your cup, open your mind, and carefully everything the lesson can offer.