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Post by spindrift on Feb 21, 2009 22:58:52 GMT
A CUP OF TEA
Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to enquire 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 could no longer 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?'
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Post by bazfaz on Feb 22, 2009 9:24:46 GMT
We accumulate knowledge from the time we are babies. We observe the physical world, realise certain facts are immutable. We experience multiple things and cake connections and draw conclusions.
This is our cup.
What does Nan-in suggest we jetison? Is it even possible?
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Post by spindrift on Feb 22, 2009 14:52:58 GMT
Perhaps we can jettison our conditioned responses, our closed minds, unnecessary trivia, passions unmindful of others, such as anger, hatred, ignorance, delusion and greed. Of course it all depends on our individual natures. Some people could be more enlighted than others; they might have peaceful, calm, generous,loving natures. But it certainly behoves all of us to look within to examine, even witness our true state of mind, stripped of all pretence and ego.
Perhaps it means - be mindful of yourself before seeking teachings....in fact be mindful at all times.
You ask 'is it even possible? '.....
I answer 'Yes, of course it is possisble.'
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