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 blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.”


1 Stars2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
(Rate it!)

Personalized recommendations

(As you rate more content, we tailor the recommendations just for you)

Recommended Zen stories

Recommended articles


Recommended quotes


Want to remember your ratings for next time? Save your profile!
Existing users: Log in here!