A respected university
professor went to visit a famous Zen master. Before the master spoke, the
professor said “I should tell you, I know quite a bit about zen already.” The
master smiled and quietly served tea. The professor began talking about Zen.
The master poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring spilling
tea all over the table and the professor. The professor watched the overflowing
and then exclaimed. "It's full! No more will go in! What’s the matter with
you?" The master smiled. "You are like this cup," the master
replied. "How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup."
