A monk once asked Jo Ju, "I have just entered the monastery. Please teach me, Master."
Jo Ju said, "Have you had breakfast?"
"Yes, I have," replied the monk.
"Then," said Jo Ju, "wash your bowls."
The monk was enlightened.
-- Zen Story
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?"
-- Zen Story
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The essence of Zen has been
The essence of Zen has been summed up as "When I'm hungry, I eat. When I'm tired, I sleep". The "Wash your bowl" story shows that very well also.
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