101 Zen Stories

From Zen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen & Pre-Zen Writings, compiled by Paul Reps, 1989, Anchor Books, New York.ISBN 0-385-08130-8

1. A Cup of Tea

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 could no longer 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?"

14. Muddy Road

   Tanzan and Ekido were once traveling together down a muddy road.  A heavy rain was still fallling.
   Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.
   "Come on girl," said Tanzan at once.  Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.
   Ekido did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple.  Then he no longer could restrain himself.  "We monks don't go near females," he told Tanzan, "especially not young and lovely ones.  It is dangerous.  Why did you do that?"
   "I left the girl there," said Tanzan.  "Are you still carrying her?"