Nan-in, a Japanese master
during the Meiji era (1868-1912),
received a university professor
who came to inquire 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