Sell your cleverness; Purchase Bewilderment
"Empty Your Cup"!
A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he
could no longer restrain himself. "It's overfull!" "No more will go in!" the professor said. "You are like this cup, the master replied, "How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"
Zen teachings often speak to the idea of "Beginner's mind" which is called, Shoshin (pronounced nyuanshin). This means having an attitude of openness, with a lack of preconceptions and prejudices. It is the mind that is full of curiousity and wonder; seeking, without expectation or grasping.
Not only must we empty our cups but we have to make sure that we have clean cup, with no left over residue, which can make the entire beverage taste bitter or curdled.
A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he
could no longer restrain himself. "It's overfull!" "No more will go in!" the professor said. "You are like this cup, the master replied, "How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"Zen teachings often speak to the idea of "Beginner's mind" which is called, Shoshin (pronounced nyuanshin). This means having an attitude of openness, with a lack of preconceptions and prejudices. It is the mind that is full of curiousity and wonder; seeking, without expectation or grasping.
Not only must we empty our cups but we have to make sure that we have clean cup, with no left over residue, which can make the entire beverage taste bitter or curdled.
"Wash your Bowl!"
A monk told Joshu, "I have just entered the monastery. Please teach me."
Joshu asked, "Have you eaten your rice porridge?
The monk replied, "I have eaten."
Joshu said, "Then you had better wash your bowl."
At that moment, the monk was enlightened.
I first heard both of these stories when I had just finished my 3 1/2 year graduate program, and was talking with a mentor of mine. I had gotten my first post graduate school job, and remember saying something like, "Now what?" as my singular focus of finishing school was finally complete. She responded by telling me, that I had better go and wash my bowl!" How true!
I continue to try (or practice )looking as clearly as I can at what clings to my bowl.
Somedays the residue is particularly sticky, and I really need to scrub!
Today I continue to wash my bowl, dry it, put it away, and then I bring it back out again. To do this with an open mind, with optimisim, and with curiousity, is to approach life with
a "Beginner's Mind".
Quote of the Week:
"Sell your cleverness; Purchase Bewilderment!"
--Wayne Dyer
