Empty Your Mind - A Zen Story

Ha ha ha! In the early 20th century, Zen master Nan-in received a university professor who came to ask about Zen. Instead, the professor only talked on and on about his own ideas. Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then, while the man continued to speak, Nan-in kept on pouring the tea.

The professor watched the overflow until he could no longer restrain himself. “You fool! It is overfull. No more will go in!” Nan-in replied, “Like this cup, you are also too full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your mind?”




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