An English Professor visited a Zen master in Japan to have tea with him.

The Englishman engaged the Zen master in conversation.

They were interrupted by a young monk who brought in the tea. He set out the teapot and cups ready to pour the tea.

The Zen master poured out the Professor’s tea while the professor was explaining something and when the tea reached the top of the cup, the Zen master carried on pouring, so that the tea overflowed into the saucer.

The Professor stopped what he was saying and protested to the Zen master who replied “this cup is like your mind – it’s so full there is no room for anything else!"

Michael Jackson

Altrincham Inter Faith Group