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The Empty Cup
Long ago in a province of Northern
China there lived a Buddhist monk named Ming Sho. Ming Sho was not his
real name, but the name given to him as a young acolyte in the monastery
where he grew up. Ming Sho spent all of his early
childhood within the walls of the monastery learning to memorize the
teachings of Buddha, cleaning the monastery and studying the Northern style
of Shaolin boxing that happened to be popular
during this period. As he grew older his fighting skills and his knowledge
of ancient Buddhist scripture became well known throughout the province. As
was customary with this particular monastery, young monks were encouraged
to continue learning by traveling throughout the countryside and studying
with whomever they encountered. Often these young monks would spend weeks
or months at villages helping the locals deal with their day to day lives
using Buddhist philosophy and occasionally using their fighting skills to
ward of bandits.
As Ming Sho
continued his studies he gradually became well know throughout all of China as a
scholar and teacher of great merit. Because of this fame scholars and
teachers of all disciplines traveled great distances to learn from the now
aging monk. Finally Ming Sho decided to retire to
his home province in northern China and set up a simple household
in view of the abandoned and rundown monastery of his youth. Many years
passed and Ming Sho, though aging would
occasionally entertain young scholars or simple villagers to keep his mind
sharp.
One day while tending his garden a
messenger rode up on a fine stallion with ornate saddle and vestments,
which proclaimed a minor member of the Royal court. Although surprised by
the visit Ming Sho was unimpressed, as he had
seen many important and high borne scholars in his day. The messenger
approached Ming Sho and delivered a hand written
message in beautiful script from one Hong Shi Lin. Mr. Lin was the son of a
rich merchant who had bought an appointment for his son to the Chinese
Royal court. Royal appointments were not uncommon during this period as the
court was forced to find revenue for several foreign wars. Because Hong Shi
had no real aptitude for business or commerce his father suggested strongly
that if he were to stay at court he must spend time learning from the great
minds of China.
After much procrastination and complaining
Hong Shi finally embarked on a journey to learn from the many scholars of
that time. After several years of travel Hong Shi learned of Ming Sho and was determined to see this legend of Buddhist
philosophy. Hong Shi had become rather impressed with his own learning by
this time and considered himself not only brilliant but also, a shinning
example of the well-bred and educated court gentleman.
Ming Sho declined
the invitation to discuss the finer points of Buddhist scriptures with this
somewhat pompous official. He had learned some years before not to waste
time with such individuals. He much preferred the company of simple
fisherman and farmers, seeing in them the simple nature that was the
cornerstone of Buddhist teachings. Several times over the next few months
the messenger returned with invitations and supplications from Hong Shi,
the latest, offering a large sum of money for just a few moments of his
time. During this period the weather had for several years been dryer than
normal and the rains required for good rice crops had become increasingly
infrequent. The latest crop had finally produced severe shortages
throughout the region with whole villages in danger of starvation. Ming Sho having discussed the situation with the villagers
considered what could be done and remembered the offer from Hong Shi. The
very next day, as fate would have it Hong Shi’s personal servant again
approached Ming Sho with an even more extravagant
offer. This time the offer was accepted along with the money. Enough to
keep the villages in rice for many years. A time was set for the audience
and Ming Sho prepared his finest china for the
inevitable tea ceremony, an integral part of such audiences.
The date of the audience arrived and a
farmer who had offered to act as the old Monk’s servant showed Hong Shi
into the humble surrounding of Ming Sho’s house.
Hong Shi although put off by the presence of the farmer was still excited
by the prospect of finally seeing the great Ming Sho.
The farmer left the official in a small waiting area outside the formal
receiving room. Time began to stretch for Hong Shi as he waited. Minutes
began to seem like hours and hours like days. Finally the old monk appeared
bent with age, but with a sparkle of intelligence in his old eyes. Hong Shi
was ushered into the formal audience room and was greatly pleased by the
sight of a priceless Ming tea set, Ming Sho’s
only possession and an indication that the old monk would prepare tea. This
was a great honor for Hong Shi, although he considered it only his due as a
member of the Royal court. No words were exchanged between the two men as
was customary while the old monk prepared the tea. This was an involved
process following a proscribed and formal set of steps, which allowed the
men to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of the ceremony.
The ceremony, although beautiful, requires
patience and Hong Shi was becoming increasingly agitated with it’s length. Ming Sho sensing
his guest’s impatience was even more deliberate than usual with his
movements. Finally the tea was ready and Ming Sho,
a twinkle in his eye leaned forward with a steady hand and began to pour
tea into his guests beautiful Ming cup. The tea reached the lip of the cup
and began to spill over the side. Still the monk continued to pour and as
the tea spread onto the grass mates covering the floor Hong Shi could stand
it no longer. Jumping to his feet he shouted, "Old man stop pouring my
cup is full!"
Looking up with a small smile, Ming Sho said,
"Ah, so it is". With that the old monk stood up and said the
audience was over. A bewildered Hong Shi spent several minutes pondering
the audience before deciding the old monk had become senile and went his
way.
Sa Bum Nim
Jon Simonds
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