Zen Flesh, Zen Bones is a book compiled by Paul Reps that is a collection of 101 Zen stories. Each is unique. Each has a wonderful lesson within it. Here is the first one.
Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (compiled by Paul Reps)
1. A Cup of Tea
Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912) received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. Nan-in saved 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? ‘
Nice metaphorical lesson! This could apply to anyone that is closed to new ideas and difference ways of viewing the world ~
I’m happy that you like it, Coralina! 🙂 I Love this lesson! It could, indeed, apply to many situations and/or people.