Avdhut throws light on a Zen Story in the Cha Seva with Avdhut programme. He said that in tantra also we are telling a similar type of example. Here is a mystical Zen story about a Master who imparts Buddha's teachings to an egoistic professor in an unconventional and seemingly enigmatic manner.
Article | June 02, 2024
Avdhut started his usual style to narrate this story. This is another story related to attitude and the importance of humility.
Story: In a serene monastery nestled in the mountains of Japan, there lived a wise Zen master named Hoshi. Renowned for his deep wisdom and serene presence, Master Hoshi often received visitors seeking enlightenment and guidance. One day, a learned professor from a prestigious university came to visit him. The professor was eager to learn about Zen and hoped to gain new insights to add to his extensive knowledge.
The professor entered Master Hoshi's humble abode and was greeted with a warm smile. The master invited him to sit and offered him tea. As they sat in silence, the professor began to speak about his studies, his understanding of philosophy, and his knowledge of various religions. He talked endlessly, barely pausing for breath, eager to impress the master with his intellectual prowess.
Master Hoshi listened patiently, nodding occasionally. When the tea was ready, he began to pour it into the professor's cup. The professor continued to speak, not noticing that the cup was full. Master Hoshi kept pouring, and soon the tea began to overflow, spilling onto the table and eventually onto the floor.
The professor finally noticed the overflow and exclaimed, "Stop! The cup is full! No more tea will go in!"
Master Hoshi stopped pouring and looked at the professor with a gentle smile. "Like this cup," he said, "you are full of your own opinions and knowledge. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"
The professor fell silent, realizing the profound truth in Master Hoshi's words. He bowed his head in respect and acknowledged his mistake. From that moment on, he listened with an open mind and heart, ready to receive the teachings of Zen.
Avdhut: The story depicts that if you want to grow first learn. To learn and grow, one must approach new experiences and knowledge with an open mind, free from preconceived notions and excessive self-importance. True wisdom comes from humility and the willingness to empty oneself of existing biases and beliefs to make space for new understanding.
The story of "The Wise Old Master and the Tea Cup" carries a timeless lesson about the nature of learning and the importance of humility in the pursuit of wisdom. The interaction between Master Hoshi and the professor illustrates several key themes:
The Overflowing Cup symbolising the space that we call aadhar: The overflowing tea cup is a powerful metaphor for a mind that is filled with preconceived notions, biases, and excessive self-assurance. Just as a cup that is already full cannot hold more tea, a mind that is full of its own ideas cannot absorb new knowledge or insights. This symbolizes the need to let go of arrogance and the assumption that one already knows everything.
The Professor's Ego which equates knowledge and wisdom: The professor represents the intellectual arrogance that often accompanies extensive knowledge. His incessant talking and desire to impress the master with his learning highlight a common human tendency to equate knowledge with wisdom. However, true wisdom is not just about accumulating facts but understanding and applying them with an open and humble heart.
Master Hoshi's Lesson through Simple Demonstration: Master Hoshi's act of pouring tea beyond the cup's capacity serves as a gentle yet powerful teaching method. By allowing the tea to overflow, he provides a tangible demonstration of the principle he wishes to convey. His calm demeanor and patient listening further exemplify the qualities of a true Zen master—mindfulness, patience, and the ability to teach through action as well as words.
The Professor's Realization: The moment the professor recognizes the significance of the overflowing tea is pivotal. It marks the beginning of his transformation from a state of intellectual pride to one of humility and openness. This realization is essential for anyone seeking true wisdom, as it requires acknowledging one's limitations and being open to new perspectives.
The story of Master Hoshi and the professor teaches that genuine learning and personal growth require an emptying of the ego and a readiness to receive new knowledge without preconceived judgments. It reminds us that wisdom is not merely about acquiring information but about cultivating an open and humble mind. To truly understand and embrace the essence of Zen—or any profound philosophy—one must first make space within oneself, setting aside prior assumptions and embracing the journey with a fresh perspective. This story encourages us to approach life with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn from every experience.
