Nan-In offered the professor a seat and went to make some tea. The professor waited for Nan-In to make the tea, which Nan-In did in total silence. The Professor grew impatient and, as he was a very busy man, began to expound on what he knew about Zen to the silent Nan-In. This went on for some time, since the professor had talked to many different Zen Masters, and had, in fact, given several lectures already on the subject at the university. Nan-In listened silently as he prepared the tea.

Finally the tea was ready and Nan-in began to serve it. He poured the tea in to his visitor's cup until it was full, and then, after eying the professor meaningfully, he kept on pouring. The professor watched the overflow spill on to the table until he could no longer restrain himself. "It is full already!" he exclaimed. "No more will go in!"

Nan-In smiled. "Like this cup," Nan-In said, "you are overfull. So many ideas and opinions you have. How can I hope to show you Zen if you don't first empty your cup?"

I like this story on a personal level because it reminds me to keep an open mind. As an instructor and mentor to my students I am often asked my opinions about many subjects, including faith and spirituality. This story reminds me to not be like the professor, so full of myself that I can't learn anything new. On matters of spirituality and faith, this story teaches that we must not be so in to ourselves that we miss the new teaching that God gives us every day.

I often hear about people's problems simply because the study of martial arts is also a voyage of self discovery. Our problems are part of that journey. It is said that no problem comes to you without having a gift for you. We have problems because we need their gifts. Don't let what you think you know interfere with what you need to know. That's the secret to personal growth.