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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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