Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era, 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?'
To acquire new knowledge and wisdom, one must first empty their mind of preconceived notions and ego.
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Questions about this story
What is the moral of A Cup of Tea?
The moral is that an open and humble mind is a prerequisite for learning. If you approach a new subject with a mind full of your own opinions, there is no room for new insights to enter.
What does the tea represent in the story?
The tea represents knowledge, wisdom, or Zen teachings. Just as the tea cannot stay in a cup that is already full, wisdom cannot stay in a mind that is already convinced it knows everything.
Why did Nan-in keep pouring the tea?
Nan-in kept pouring to provide a physical demonstration of the professor's mental state. He used the overflowing cup as a metaphor to show the professor that his ego and existing opinions were blocking his ability to learn.
Who was Nan-in in real life?
Nan-in (1868–1912) was a Japanese Zen master during the Meiji era. He was known for his direct and often unorthodox teaching methods to help students achieve enlightenment.
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