BY SOFO ARCHON
Once upon a time, a university professor visited a meditation master to learn about Zen.
The master served tea. He filled his guest’s cup to the brim and then continued to pour.
The professor kept an eye on the overflow until he couldn’t contain himself any longer.
“It is full already. No more can go in!”
“Much like this cup,” the master said, “you are filled with your own beliefs and opinions. If you don’t empty your cup first, how can I teach you about Zen?”
***
In life, to learn anything new, we need to let loose of our grip on what we think we already know. We need to question our opinions and beliefs, and make space in our minds and hearts for receiving new information. Otherwise, we won’t be able to develop our understanding, and thus we’ll stay stuck in old thinking and behavioral patterns.
So, empty your cup, my friends, and a new path of discovery will appear right in front of you.
The story was adapted from the book Zen Flesh Zen Bones.
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