I read an old Zen story which I wanted to share with you.It is apparently very small and simple story but carries quite powerful message. A young man wanted to learn the practice of Zen. He had read all the books he could find about Zen. Then he heard about a great Zen master who was considered very knowledged and wise. The young man requested and appointment with him to ask for teachings. When they were seated, the young man proceeded to tell the master everything he had understood from his reading, saying that Zen is about this and Zen is about that, on and on... The master listened paiently to every thing the young man talked about.After some time, when the young man had finished his part of telling, the master suggested that they have tea. The Zen master performed the traditional tea ceremony while the student sat at attention, bowing when served, saying nothing. The master began to pour tea into the student's cup. He poured until it was full, and kept pouring. The young man was watching with intent. The tea ran over the edge of the cup and onto the table. The master kept pouring. The young became restless. The tea ran over the edge of the cup, on to the table and onto the floor. But the master kept pouring. It was too much for the young man.Finally, the student could not contain himself any longer. He shouted, "Stop! Stop pouring!" The master stopped pouring and looked at young man but said nothing. "The cup is full- no more will go in!" The young man said bowing. "What shall be do to let more tea in?" the master asked. "we need to empty the cup." The young man answered quickly. The master kept the vessel aside. He motioned the young man to be seated and offered him the tea. As they drank tea the master said, "Just like this cup, your mind is full of your own opinions and preconceptions. How can you learn anything unless you first empty your cup?" We all would like to improve our lives. We all look for opprtunities to perform better. To look for the keys that carry the answers for our queries. But like the young man we are all full of our own beliefs and insecurities. We are so sure of them that we do not want them to go. This makes us uncomfortable. We all reject many chances that are presented in front of us just because we are stubborn and close to something that is worth a trial. We are not open to new idea or discovery that infact might have been the greatest luck thrown upon us. It has been happening since ages. We are guilty of rejecting the discovery that earth revolves around the sun and not otherwise as we believed at that time. We had made mockery of the idea that assisted flying is possible for the humans. Still the generous nature keeps presenting the chances. those who learn from the past mistakes grab the chance. Others walk with closed eyes. Recently I got an email saying that He knew everything about charisma, attraction and interaction. And he does not think that "Power of Charisma" ebook cannot be of much help. Well! It might be true for that individual. I also have plenty of emails which have a thank you note. But that is besides the point. It is important to have an open mind and analyze the thing before shutting the door. Yes! people do get duped by worthless things. But a cautious appproach would solve that problem. Remember! The life is a series of lesssons. If you do not learn a lesson well you will need to learn that again. |
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