Zen koan of the day — A cup of tea

A university professor decided to visit to a very respected Japanese master in order to learn about Zen.

The master received him and served tea. He poured until his visitor’s cup was full, and then kept on pouring.

The professor watched the cup overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. “It is overfull. No more will go in!”

“Like this cup,” said the master, “you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”