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?"