A renowned university professor went to visit a Zen master. As the master served tea, the professor began to talk about his own ideas and opinions, filling the conversation with his personal philosophies and interpretations of Buddhism.
The Zen master listened patiently and then began to pour tea into the professor’s cup. He continued pouring even after the cup was full, causing it to overflow and spill onto the tray, the table, and the floor.
The professor watched the overflow until he could no longer restrain himself. “Stop! The cup is full already. Can’t you see? No more will go in!”
The Zen master paused, looked at him, and said, “Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you the true nature of Zen unless you first empty your cup?”
The moral of the story is that in order to learn and absorb new knowledge or experience, one must first “empty” oneself of preconceived notions, beliefs, or ego. Being open-minded and willing to let go of one’s own assumptions is crucial to understanding new concepts or truths.
Bodhi Day 