How the truth-seeker should be

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 kept on pouring. The professor watched the the tea overflow until he no longer could restrain himself.

"It is over full. No more will go in!"

"Like this cup," Nan-in said, " you are full of your opinions and speculation, how can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"

Surekha V Limaye
Zen (Buddhism) and Mysticism, p, 51

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