Empty Your Cup

Empty Your Cup

Empty Your Cup. A university professor went to visit a Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitors cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s full! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “This is you” the master replied, how can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.”

Some people’s reaction to this story:

“You cannot learn anything if you already feel that you know.”

“Preconceived ideas and prejudices always prevent us from seeing the truth.”

“You should open your mind before you open your mouth.”

“The master is trying to tell him to ease back and relax. The professor is too anxious about the whole thing.”

“Some people want to be taught everything in one sitting.”

“This story proves to me that you have to unlearn before you can learn.”

“We shouldn’t get to wrapped up in one aspect of life. If we do, we close ourselves off to new experiences.”

“Even though you may be full of knowledge, you should always be open to the fact that there is still more to learn.”

“I bet the master did that just to shut the professor up.”

“If you want to learn you have to shut up and LISTEN for a change.”

“We should be open to the views of others and accept them as their own. Treat each opinion individually, and just don’t add it to your own.”

“Sometimes another person has to catch you with your guard down in order to teach you something.”

“The professor’s understanding of Zen is too intellectualized. The master is trying to point him towards a more intuitive understanding. If your too intellectualized about ANY subject, often you miss the boat.”

“I would tell this story to anyone who believed something about me that was untrue.”
“I think the master was trying to show him that when you can no longer take it is time to give – and you must sometimes give in order to receive.”

“This professor probably doesn’t really believe in Zen. His prejudices are preventing him from seeing clearly. This is what the master is trying to show him.”

“Too much of anything is just too much.”

“I don’t think the professor’s reaction indicated that he had a closed mind. It was perfectly normal. Wouldn’t you do the same if someone was spilling tea all over the place?”

In conclusion this Metaphor can mean many things to many people. The most interesting question is what does it mean to you?

What can you learn from it to adjust the way you show up in life that will allow you to have more nourishing life experiences and empowering outcomes every day?

Everything in life can be a learning lesson to do more or less.

Make one positive decision and change and implement immediately as it will be another step closer to a Mega Living Life.

Please share your thoughts and insights.

Empty Your Cup