#3 Zen: First Story

Zen is a philosophy that people study just as we study existentialism or phenomenology. I do NOT consider myself an expert in anything, much less any philosophical body of work. On the other hand, i have been reading for a few years. If you'd like to get something out of these, write what you think the story is about. Zen typically starts with this same first story. Here it is.

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 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 first empty your cup?"

All of the stories, unless otherwise noted, are from "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen writing" compiled by Paul Reps

And, it's only here at Vicki's Blog!

Have a good weekend, y'all, I'm working both days!

Monty