Hi friend,
A learned university professor, renowned for his intellect and vast knowledge, traveled far to vist Nan-in, a famous master of zen, seeking to understand the essence of zen.
When he arrived at the humble hut of the master, Nan-in welcomed him with quiet courtesy and invited him to sit. The professor immediately launched into a long, eloquent speech about his studies, his theories, and his deep understanding of Bhuddhist philosophy.
Nan-in listened in silence. Then without any word, he placed a teacup on the low table between them and began to pour tea into it.
He poured and poured.
The tea filled the cup, rose to the brim of it, spilled over the edge, and ran across the table.
The professor watched in stunned silence for a moment, then finally exclaimed,
“STOP! The cup is full, it can hold no more!“
Nan-in set down the teapot and looked at the professor with calm eyes.
“Exactly,“ he said.
“Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions, judgements, and knowledge. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”
The only photo the professor was able to take of Nan-in
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