I lifted this whole from
"Begin to dig",a great place for GS and KB
opinions and inspiration:
In his book,
'Zen in the Martial Arts,' (1979) Joe Hyams recounts the story of his first meeting with Bruce Lee. Now, I apologize for using a figure that is arguably the most overused in advertising products for strength, power, and personal development, but the lesson described here undoubtedly applies:
"Do you realize you will have to unlearn all you have learned and start over again?"
"No," I said. Bruce smiled and placed his hand lightly on my shoulder. "Let me tell you a story my sifu told me," he said. "It is about a Japanese Zen master who received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.
It was obvious to the master from the start of the conversation that the professor was not so much interested in learning about Zen as he was in impressing the master with his opinions and knowledge. The master listened patiently and finally suggested they have tea. The master poured the visitor's cup full and then kept on pouring.
The professor watched the cup overflowing until he could no longer restrain himself. 'The cup is overfull, no more will go in!'
'Like this cup,' the master said, 'you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?'
Bruce studied my face. "You understand the point?"
"Yes," I said. "You want me to empty my mind of past knowledge and old habits so that I will be open to new learning."
"Precisely," said Bruce. "And now you are ready to begin your first lesson."
