Are you too full to receive what is available to you?
Photo by Sarah Hannigan
Is there a problem you just can't seem to figure out? Are you overwhelmed by everything that is coming at you? These questions remind me of the Zen parable of the overflowing cup.
Nan-in, a Japanese Zen master received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. Nan-in served his guest tea. He poured into his visitor's cup until it was full, and kept on pouring. The professor watched the overflow until he could no longer restrain himself and exclaimed: "It is full. No more will go in!" Nan-in stopped pouring and told the professor gently: "Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"
