A Cup of Tea (an ancient zen story)
A Japanese Master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to ask the Master to show him the Truth about God. This professor has studied theology; he had read every book on the subject of God and His disciples. He had memorized a number of the holy books, and he had learned many different prayers and mantras. He was very proud of his achievements and now wanted the Master to open the final door to God.
The Master served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring. The professor watched his cup overflow until he could no longer restrain himself. He held up his hand to the Master. 'Please stop! It is overfull. No more will go in!'
'Like this cup,' the Master said, ' your mind is full of learned knowledge. You are full of your own opinions and speculations. You are full of ideas of what God is or is not. How can I show you the Truth of God unless you first empty your cup?'
The Master served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring. The professor watched his cup overflow until he could no longer restrain himself. He held up his hand to the Master. 'Please stop! It is overfull. No more will go in!'
'Like this cup,' the Master said, ' your mind is full of learned knowledge. You are full of your own opinions and speculations. You are full of ideas of what God is or is not. How can I show you the Truth of God unless you first empty your cup?'