Tea Cup | Buddha | Change

Last week, we talked about Christmas. This week, we will travel to the Far East, for the last letter of 2021.

So, the Far East…

I mentioned in my last letter that my sister, who I am very close to, her husband and their one-year-old child could not be with us for Christmas as they are stuck in Hong Kong. Combined with the fact that last week we talked about Jesus’ birth, I thought of infusing today’s note with some Asian flavour, dedicating it to my younger sister.

From happiness to inner energy, the Far East certainly has its mystery! Why are Buddha and the Dalai Lama, his disciple, adored figures? I love Asia and have travelled a fair bit in it. I don’t just love the food and scenery but the love and compassion from its people. The alternative way to see life and energy around us and within us! 

As 2021 is closing, I want to share the below story to open your heart and mind for 2022. One could argue that this time of the year is a forced reflective time, and it should be done all year long, but of all time, if it has to be done once, it’s now… 

The story goes as follows…

Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era, received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.

After welcoming his visitor, the Zen master asked if he would enjoy some tea.

Knowing he should accept; the professor smiled and thanked the Zen master for his generosity. Nan-in smiled back.

As he poured tea into the cup, he poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring.

The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. He put his hand up and exclaimed “Stop! It is overfull. You’re wasting the tea, no more will go in!”

The Zen master nodded and calmly explained. “You are here to ask questions. Yet, like this cup, you come full. You have your own ideas, opinions and speculations and have no space to accept new information. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”

What should I serve you to drink?…

QUESTION…

How will you embrace change and uncertainty in 2022?