It Really Is

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A decompression day, today, as autumn and morning chill insinuates, and so I offer a Zen story, the import of which will mean more to some than others...


A Cup of Tea

Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to enquire about Zen.
    Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring.
    The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. 'It is overfull. No more will go in!'
    'Like this cup,' Nan-in said, 'you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?'
 
If this requires explanation, you need to think on, or maybe not...

Source: 'Writings from the Zen Masters', compiled by Paul Reps, Penguin Books

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