The following story is told as a Zen Koan, stories which help the reader to see fundamental truths and gain insights.
This particular story is about the importance of need before learning. Or in the words of Vernon Law “Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.” – but we are so much more open to the lesson when we recognise that we will need it.
Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.
Nan-in served 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?”
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