A famously knowledgeable professor of philosophy oversaw many research projects and wrote many articles on the subject. Eventually he developed an interest in Zen Buddhism. He decided to travel to Japan to learn about the practice and more specifically, gain wisdom from a renown Japanese Zen master.
Upon arriving at the Zen master’s, the professor was taken to a room where the master received and welcomed him. The master, he noticed, had a wonderful positive glow and a genial manner.
Once they were seated the master asked how he could be of service. The professor said, “Will you teach me about Zen?”. The Zen master said, “I understand you have much knowledge; would you share something with me?”
The professor began talking about his research and all the knowledge he had gained and disseminated. From there he moved into the area of his study of Zen and the knowledge he had gained. The master sat quietly listening for an hour. At the end of the hour the master stopped the flow of words by asking if the professor would like some tea.
The professor realized it would be impolite to refuse and soon one of the master’s disciples delivered two cups and a vessel filled with steaming tea. The Zen master began to slowly pour the tea into the professor’s cup as the professor resumed talking about what he knew of Zen. As the tea reached the top of the cup, it overflowed onto the table and began to drip onto the professor’s clothing.
The professor’s restraint broke, and he burst out, “The cup is full to overflowing! Stop!” The master calmly continued pouring until the professor jumped up to leave. As he rushed out the master called to him and asked him to please listen. The professor kept on going and was out near the gate when the master caught up with him.
The Zen master asked if he could explain why he kept pouring the tea. He gently informed the professor, “You came here with questions and to learn about Zen Buddhism, but your own ideas take up all the space inside you. You are like that cup of tea. How can I show you Zen until you first empty your cup?”