Zen Story A cup of tea

In this video, we explore the famous Zen story "A Cup of Tea," which illustrates the importance of being open-minded and receptive to unexpected experiences. The story goes like this:

A university professor visits a Zen master to learn more about Zen philosophy. The master invites him for tea, and as he pours tea into the professor's cup, he keeps pouring until the tea overflows and spills onto the table. The professor protests, "The cup is full, no more will go in!" The Zen master replies, "Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"

This simple story has many layers of meaning and invites us to reflect on our own preconceptions and biases. In the video, we discuss how the story relates to the Zen concept of "beginner's mind," which encourages us to approach each moment with fresh curiosity and openness. We also explore how the story can apply to our daily lives, whether we're seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply trying to be more present and mindful.