Once, a long time ago, there was a wise Zen master. 

People from far and near would seek his counsel and ask for his wisdom.

Many would come and ask him to teach them, enlighten them in the way of Zen. 

He seldom turned any away.

You are like this teacup, so full that nothing more can be added.

Come back to me when the cup is empty.

Come back to me with an empty mind.

1 One day an important man, a man used to command and obedience came to visit the master.

4 The Zen master smiled and said that they should discuss the matter over a cup of tea.

 3 The tone of the important man’s voice was one used to getting his own way.

He poured and he poured, and the tea rose to the rim and began to spill over the table and finally onto the robes of the wealthy man.

Finally, the visitor shouted, “Enough.”

“You are spilling the tea all over.”

“Can’t you see the cup is full?”