Two Monks and a Woman
[–] crankenfurter philosophical enthusiast 11 points 10 years ago 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?” permalink embed save report give award [–] Ariyas108 seon 11 points 10 years ago Always liked this one. :) Two Monks and a Woman A senior monk and a junior monk were traveling together. At one point, they came to a river with a strong current. As the monks were preparing to cross the river, they saw a very young and beautiful woman also attempting to cross. The young woman was unable to cross by herself and asked the monks i...