Based on the book “Perennial Wisdom through Stories” by Swami Ananda Saraswati
On a bright morning, a professor of Philosophy visited his Guru. “Master”, the professor asked, “What is meditation? Teach me please”. Guruji turned towards the professor and remained silent. After a few moments, the professor repeated his question. Guruji said – “Son, it’s time for tea. Join me”. Guruji and the professor were seated around a small table with two cups set on them. Guruji started pouring tea for the professor. Guruji kept pouring tea even after the cup was full. The professor grew restless & after a few more moments when he couldn’t hold it back further, he exclaimed – “Guruji, the Cup is Full. No more tea can go in”. Guruji stopped pouring, smiled at the Professor and said – “ Like this cup, my son, you are too full now. Full of your own opinions, conclusions and prejudices. How can I teach you mediation, unless you empty your cup? The professor understood that the Guru wants him to unlearn and learn the right knowledge. He bowed to the Guru, sought his blessings. A new cup was brought in and the conversation continued. “To gain the right fullness, one must empty oneself of meaningless past accumulations.”
Compiled by Anantha Padmanabhan