A Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912) named Nan-in welcomed a university professor who came to learn about Zen. The Japanese master began to serve tea. Nan-in poured the professor’s cup full, and then some. As the professor watched the teacup flow, he eventually could no longer restrain himself and blurted out “It is overfull. No more will go in!” Nan-in then replied, “like this cup, 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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