A Cup of Tea - Zen Story

This is a very famous and meaningful Zen story. The title is 'A Cup of Tea' and the story goes like this. 

That was a beautiful Zen Monastery in Japan. It was headed by a wise Zen Master. 

One day, a teacher came there to meet the Zen Master. He requested the master to explain some principles of Zen.

The master looked at the teacher's face. He could sense his inner thoughts. He realized that the teacher already has some opinions about Zen and he has come here with a lot of confusion.

So the master told “Oh sure. I am so glad to preach to you the principles of Zen. But before that, let us sit and have a cup of tea”

The teacher agreed and they both sat for a cup of tea.

There was a teapot on the table and the master himself started serving it. He poured the tea into a cup and continued. The cup became full. Even after that, the master did not stop. He continued pouring. 

The teacher got puzzled. After thinking for a while, he stopped the master and said “Oh, master. This cup is full now. I cannot take more tea into it”

The master looked up, smiled, and told “Yes, teacher. That is right. A full cup cannot take more drink into it. Just like that, an opinionated mind cannot take new thoughts into it. 

Your mind is confused and filled with opinions about Zen. It cannot take any principles I am going to say now. So please empty it and come back to another day. I will fill your cup with the tea of Zen”

Yes. What the master told is obviously true. Whenever we are filled up with opinions and thoughts, we can never get new ideas. An opinionated mind can never find truth, peace, or happiness. 

So, to find a new 'YOU', often empty your mind. That would make your life more peaceful and happier.

What this story as a Video in Youtube

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