The Cup of Tea*

A university professor

Wanted to learn more about Zen,

A subject that he had never paid

Much attention to till then.

 

Of course, he had read many books

Explaining the various Buddhist sects

And figured that his overall knowledge

Would help him with Zen in many respects.

 

Meeting with the Zen master

Of a local Buddhist temple, he

Watched without speaking as

The master poured him a cup of tea.

 

The knowledge-hungry professor sat

Quietly, mentally exploring

The meeting room, while the sage

Sat before him, pouring and pouring.

 

Soon the cup was overflowing.

"Sensei,** when are you going to quit

Pouring tea into the cup?

It's full; no more tea will fit,"

 

Said the professor. The master looked

At the young professor and calmly said,

"Like this cup, you are full

Of preconceptions in your head.

 

"You have read and studied a lot;

On many subjects, you're well versed.

But how can I show you Zen

Unless you empty YOUR cup first?"

 

-by Bob B (9-11-19)

 

*An old Zen anecdote retold here in verse

**teacher