Speak Compassion

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?”

Joe’s note:  This quote/story really makes me think about the current conflict between anti-gay and pro-gay folks.   Rarely do I see them listening to hear each other, mostly they are trying to be “right”  when really they should listen to each others needs.